In one of the most impressive offensive months in New York Mets history, the lineup exploded with numbers that exceeded all expectations. The team scored 177 runs and hit 53 home runs, both of which were new franchise records for a single month. They also hit .285 as a team with an .866 OPS, which ranked them among the most feared offenses in all of MLB.
That explosion in the batter’s box was the product of a lineup that finally found balance, with stars such as Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor leading the way, while players such as Mark Vientos provided key energy from the lower positions. Even with uncertainty in center field and in the middle infield, Carlos Mendoza managed to line up an offensive group that finally clicked.
Why don’t the Mets win if they hit so much? Pitching singled out by Carlos Mendoza
Despite the offensive upturn, the Mets finished August with a 11-17 record, squandering their best hitting form. Carlos Mendoza himself hinted at where the real problem lay: the pitching staff, which simply did not measure up during the month.
With the exception of youngsters Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong, the starters showed a worrying lack of consistency. David Peterson, one of the most reliable during the first half of the season, had an ERA of 6.68 in six starts. Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga also failed to stabilize the rotation and the latter has not completed six innings since early June.
Mets bullpen in crisis: collapses, fatigue and underperformance
The inefficiency of the starting rotation has forced the bullpen to shoulder an excessive responsibility, which has led to visible wear and tear. According to reports, the Mets’ bullpen leads MLB with 85 collapses on the season, a figure that explains much of the losses.
Recent acquisitions have also failed to deliver. Ryan Helsley, brought in as a key reinforcement from the Cardinals, has an alarming 9.58 ERA in 10.1 innings, while Gregory Soto has had a negative impact despite his misleading 2.03 ERA. Only Tyler Rogers has lived up to expectations, becoming a reliable reliever in the midst of the chaos. Mendoza has already made it clear that the problem is not with the bats but on the mound.
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