The New York Mets are currently facing a daunting decline, having lost 15 of their last 17 games. Their recent struggles included a doubleheader sweep by the Colorado Rockies, a team that endured a 119-loss season last year. As a result, the Mets find themselves at the bottom of the National League East, tied with the Philadelphia Phillies at a dismal 9-19 record.
Mets’ Major Struggles this Season
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s just not a good showing. Not good at-bats up and down.” The team, which once boasted a record of 45-23 as of June 13 last year, has since performed poorly, sporting a 47-74 record since then.
Season Overhaul and Player Impact
This offseason saw significant changes, including the departures of key players like Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Díaz, and the additions of Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Devin Williams. Despite the new lineup, Mets’ star outfielder Juan Soto remains optimistic about turning the season around: “It’s a matter of time that they’re going to wake up and bring the best out of themselves.”
Current Standings and Historical Context
- The Mets trail the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves by 10.5 games.
- They are also seven games behind for a wild card spot.
- Their start of 9-19 matches the expansion 1962 Mets for one of the worst in franchise history.
In fact, their 28-game start is tied for the second-worst record in team history, falling behind only the 8-20 opening in 1981.
Offensive Challenges
Offensively, the Mets are struggling with only 92 runs scored, the fewest in Major League Baseball. They have hit just 20 home runs, one above the league minimum. Their .625 on-base plus slugging (OPS) ranks last in the league. Moreover, they have been shut out five times this season, and have scored only one run or none in 10 different games.
Managerial Outlook
With the recent firing of Boston’s manager Alex Cora, questions about Mendoza’s job security have intensified. However, he insists he is focused on improving performance. “The only thing I’m worried about here is I’ve got to get the guys going,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of working to lift the team’s spirits.
Pitching Concerns
The team’s pitching has also faced scrutiny. Kodai Senga, once an All-Star, has struggled significantly, dropping to 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA. He has allowed five home runs in just 20 innings pitched, marking a stark contrast to his previous season’s performance where he exhibited a 2.98 ERA.
Upcoming Changes
In response to the offensive struggles, the Mets plan to designate Tommy Pham for assignment and are close to signing Austin Slater. Pham, who has gone hitless in his last 13 at-bats, joined the team on April 13. Slater was recently released after hitting .174 for the Miami Marlins this season.
Financial Commitment and Future Focus
The Mets entered this season with the highest payroll in baseball, estimated at $358.4 million, reaching $482.5 million when considering the luxury tax. As Mendoza stated, “At the end of the day, we got to go out and do it.” The team looks to address their issues and rediscover their potential as they progress through this challenging season.
