Mets’ Offense Show Signs of Life Despite Heartbreaking Loss

The New York Mets’ offense has not produced at the level expected of them so far this season. A lineup that includes Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez and Francisco Lindor, among so many other quality individuals, is more than capable of performing at much higher levels collectively. Despite this, a sign of good things to come showcased itself in Saturday’s loss to the Miami Marlins, one that will give fans hope.

While the result of the game was certainly tough to take, it was a big positive to see the Mets score nine runs on 15 hits. Six of the nine starters collected at least two hits, including Starling Marte, who had a team-best three hits. Manager Carlos Mendoza made a few changes prior to the game, most notably moving Lindor into the lead-off spot. As a result, Brandon Nimmo occupied the three-hole for the first time since 2019.

“Having two guys that care so much about the team and will do whatever it takes to get this team rolling means a lot,” Carlos Mendoza said. “When I approached Francisco last night and told him what I was thinking, there was no hesitation. It was the same thing with Nimmo.” Will Mendoza continue to hit Lindor in that spot? It is probably too early to tell, but it is refreshing to see that some of the team’s biggest personalities are open and willing to try new things.

The Mets are scoring 4.27 runs per game, which ranks 16th across the league. But a lot of the advanced metrics suggest that they have been unlucky. For example, the Mets are hitting .235 as a team, yet their expected batting average is .256. The team owns a slugging percentage of .364, but their expected slugging percentage sits at .414. The stark difference in those numbers could mean that the Mets are due for some positive regression over the coming weeks.

Specifically, when it comest to those expected statistics, in the major categories, the Mets rank in the top-half of the league. Specifically, they rank eighth in xBA, 11th in xSLG, and 11th in xwOBA. Bottom-line, the offense is due for better results than they have been getting.

After yesterday’s loss, the Mets are five games below .500 for the first time since beginning to season 0-5. That sounds terrible on the surface, but the Mets are only two games out of a Wild Card spot in the National League. While it is not time to fully panic just yet, the wins need to start coming more consistently and soon. If the lineup can begin to score at a higher rate, the Mets should begin to climb up the standings, both in the division and in the Wild Card race.

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