Philadelphia – An Overview of the Mets’ Struggles

So, here’s a reality check—Mets fans, you might not want to hear this, but it’s not all their fault.

As they head into Saturday’s game, the Mets’ batting average on balls in play (BABIP)—which basically shows how often they find gaps—ranks among the worst in baseball. Not just a tad below average, but the actual worst.

It’s not that they aren’t connecting, though. Their average exit velocity sits at about 90 mph, ranking as one of the best in the league. Still, results haven’t matched that talent. Taking the series opener against the Phillies as an example, they managed to load the bases in the first inning, but Jeff McNeil hit a ball at 98.5 mph, and yet… the outcome felt flat.

Let’s compare some numbers: when it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position (RISP), their average stands at .215—significantly lower than the expected average of .299. Similarly, their on-base percentage is .338, but they should be closer to .386, and their slugging percentage of .386 doesn’t even reach the expected .445.

Will the Mets ever claw out of this rut? Is it a simple case of bad timing, or—dare I say—something deeper at play? Does this string of missed opportunities turn into a cyclical misfortune that resolves itself as the season goes on?

“It’s a mixed bag,” said co-tier coach Jeremy Burns before the Mets took the field against the Phillies, ultimately winning 7-2. “Controlling your BABIP is tricky. Once the ball leaves the bat, there’s not much we can do. We need to focus on our approach.”

Burns indicated they still have room for improvement. “We’re still delivering well,” he noted, “but the results aren’t where we want them.”

There’s a palpable sense that the Mets recognize the ongoing issues with timely hitting. The coaching staff seems to think some players press too hard in crucial moments, while others don’t push enough.

“Some guys are too aggressive in those situations, while others are too passive,” Burns explained. “That’s something we’re addressing.”

In terms of who’s struggling most, Juan Soto has had a particularly rough patch, with an expected batting average lingering around .133. That’s surprising for someone who’s had resounding success in high-pressure situations in the past. In contrast, he had a stellar performance this past Saturday, going 4-for-5 with two home runs—an ode to his potential, even amidst a slump.

Looking at the broader picture, players like Jesse Winker and Brandonnimo have also seen their actual averages fall short of their expected figures. Winker, for instance, saw a .222 average, while Brandonnimo sat at .234 compared to the expected .290.

Even Francisco Lindor, another key player, has felt the burden of bad luck. Yet, he managed to hit a two-run double that brought the Mets ahead in the sixth.

“It’s complicated right now,” Burns admitted. “We absolutely need to figure out how to score more. But, at the same time, we’ve made some significant changes to our identity, and we’ve done it without making sacrifices.”