For the New York Mets, things just aren’t straightforward. For instance, they fielded the most expensive team in baseball last season and then finished 4th in their division. Now this offseason, they’ve barely spent anything but are doing relatively well in Spring Training. With a .545 record, the team’s in a good spot. However, as mentioned before – things aren’t ever straightforward for the Metsies and this year’s no different.
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Despite doing well, there are signs within their squad that are painting a rough picture. The Mets’ biggest issue last season was their below-average hitting staff. However, there were a few bright spots scattered around the squad. But this Spring, even those bright spots have turned dark. With the Kings of the Queens once again looking at the ghosts of their past, there’s a lot to unpack here.
Starling Marte and Francisco Lindor raise the alarm for the Mets
The Mets currently rank fifth in the Grapefruit League with a 12-10 record. This is a tremendous result for a team that was written off by most fans. However by taking into account data from Baseball-Reference, one finds out how Francisco Lindor, Starling Marte, and Francisco Alvarez are grossly underperforming this close to opening day.
Last season, Lindor was perhaps the most consistent hitter for the Mets. The Silver Slugger Award winner was voted 9th in the MVP race. With an average of .254 and OPS+ of 120, Londor’s performances saved the Mets’ face. However, this Spring Training the story is a little different. In 42 At-bats, Lindor has managed just 7 hits. With an average of just .167, he’s struggling.
Similarly, 2022 All-Star Starling Marte’s fall from grace has been nothing short of a Shakespearean tragedy. 2023 was marred with injuries and inconsistencies. While he’s over those injuries, inconsistencies have continued into the Spring Training. In 31 at-bats, the 35-year-old has just 4 hits. With 5 strikeouts on his record, it’s a tough situation for Marte.
Francisco Alvarez is also averaging just .226 till now. While this is a worrying sign for the Mets, they can find comfort in the chaos thanks to some of their other sluggers.
Brett Baty raises hopes as the lineup begins taking shape
Amidst underperformance from the stars, Brett Baty hit his second Spring Training homer on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Baty, who has a .726 OPS in the Grapefruit League, ended the night with a 1-for-3 record. The slugger’s been one of the shining spots of the Mets in this Spring. But he was not the only positive part of that game.
Jeff McNeil too finally returned to the Mets’ squad. The hitter had been suffering from a biceps discomfort that shut him down from swinging. However, with him finally coming back the Mets have gained a lot of strength. So once again, nothing is straightforward for the Mets. Will this story continue into the Opening Day? That’ll be known quite soon.
Written by
Edited by
Deepanshi Bajaj