The New York Mets' struggles this season have been multifaceted, with a myriad of issues contributing to their 11-game losing streak. From poor starting pitching and a lack of offense to iffy relief work and questionable managing decisions, the team's performance has been a cause for concern. However, amidst the chaos, there are glimmers of hope and areas where the Mets can still find success.
Fielding
One area where the Mets have shown improvement is in their fielding. The team's leadership made strategic moves during the offseason, focusing on improving defensive play. They moved players to positions better suited to their skills, such as signing Jorge Polanco and moving him to first base, and bringing up Carson Benge to play the corner outfield. The most notable move was signing Bo Bichette and moving him to third base, a position that plays to his strengths.
Advanced defensive metrics support these changes. The Mets' fielding run value and defensive runs saved have improved, and no player is rated as a negative by both systems. Bichette and Benge have shown promise, with only a few errors between them. While there's still room for growth, the Mets' defense doesn't seem to be their primary concern.
Hitting
The Mets' hitting performance has been a significant disappointment, lagging behind projections. Only the Royals have scored fewer runs per game, and the Mets' hitting struggles are evident in their low run-scoring average. The team's inability to perform at their projected level has been a major setback.
The Mets' hitting woes are particularly evident in their contact and power metrics. They let the ball travel further into the strike zone than any other team, and only a few players make contact out in front of the ideal intercept point. This leads to more balls in the air and less pull power, contributing to their low fly ball rate and attack angle on the ball.
The Mets' hitting issues are further exacerbated by the absence of key players like Juan Soto and the underperformance of players like Bichette, Lindor, and Semien. However, there is some hope, as players like Luis Robert Jr. and Francisco Alvarez are showing improved plate discipline, and more plate appearances for players like Lindor might help.
Starting Rotation
The Mets' starting rotation has been a source of stability, even in the midst of a losing streak. The rotation ranks around the middle of the pack in terms of Wins Above Replacement, ERA, and strikeout minus walk rate. Advanced stats like them a little more, with a strong strikeout rate and above-average starters like Freddy Peralta and Nolan McLean.
However, the fifth spot in the rotation has been a concern. David Peterson was demoted to the bullpen, and the team is considering options like Tobias Myers and Christian Scott. The fourth spot is a conundrum, with Kodai Senga's performance feeling mercurial. He needs to rediscover his high-and-away fastball to improve his overall performance.
Bullpen
The Mets' bullpen has been a source of frustration, with a lack of strikeout rate and Stuff+ ranking them poorly. Their expected ERA is also below average. The bullpen's struggles have been a significant factor in the team's decline, but the Mets have some options, including A.J. Minter and Huascar Brazobán, who could provide above-average velocity and elite stuff.
Conclusion
The Mets' struggles this season have been a result of a combination of factors, with the offense being the biggest culprit. While there are areas of improvement, such as fielding and the starting rotation, the team's hitting performance and bullpen struggles have been significant setbacks. The Mets will need to address these issues and get their key players healthy and performing at their best if they want to turn their season around and live up to their pre-season projections.
