Mets continue to look for solutions to their challenging RISP issues

Mets Struggle with Runners in Scoring Position

DENVER – Juan Soto weighed in on the Mets’ challenges producing when they have runners in scoring positions this season.

“S-T happens,” Soto remarked.

The latest setback occurred Thursday, when the Mets failed to capitalize with a runner in scoring position during the second inning, ultimately losing 6-5 to the Dodgers.

As of Friday, the Mets ranked 27th in the MLB, with a .218 batting average in these crucial situations.

This shortcoming is part of a broader trend that has plagued the team throughout the season.

“I’m frustrated,” said coach Jeremy Burns before the Mets faced the Rockies at Coors Field. “While the approach hasn’t changed, there’s a lot at play here. Runners in scoring position is a fickle statistic; performance can swing dramatically from one season to the next, and it’s something we need to improve on.”

“We’re definitely discussing it. It’s not just black and white. We know how the pitching varies,” he added, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

Not everyone on the team is struggling, however. Pete Alonso has been carrying a significant offensive load for over two months, reflecting positively in his performance with runners in scoring positions.

Alonso’s stats show he is hitting .354, with seven of the team’s 16 home runs coming in such situations.

“Pete excels in this area,” said Burns. “There’s definitely an art to it; there’s added pressure, and pitchers may adjust their approach.”

Luis Torrens is another player who has fared reasonably well, with an average of .296 in these situations. On the other hand, Soto’s numbers paint a different picture; he started the week at just .137.

Soto mentioned that his strategy doesn’t waver regardless of runners on base. “I’m just trying to do the same thing,” he said.

Other players struggling include Francisco Lindor, who has a .189 average in similar situations, and Jeff McNeill, who sits at .167.

“There are many talented players in this room who have seen success in their careers,” Burns noted. “Yet, for various reasons, it’s just not happening now.”

The Mets are gearing up for a three-game series against a Rockies team that, despite their struggles, has recently pulled off a three-game winning streak. The altitude at Coors Field could lead to heightened offensive opportunities this weekend.

Yet, one series isn’t likely to resolve the underlying issues for the Mets, who previously swept the Rockies at Citi Field.

Burns remains hopeful, suggesting that the landscape can change quickly. “We understand this isn’t a Code Red situation yet. These things are quite unpredictable. It’s warming up, and once our hits start landing, the narrative shifts,” he said, leaving room for optimism.