After a Disappointing Atlanta Series, The Mets Are In Trouble

The Mets have been inconsistent throughout the 2023 season, leading to concerns about their status as contenders (Photo by Duane Burleson)

The New York Mets have continued to disappoint in the 2023 season. After blowing another lead of at least three runs to Atlanta Braves, the Mets sit at 30-33, 8.5 games out of first place. While the Mets aren’t buried in the Wild Card standings, the Mets have no one to blame but themselves for the position they’re in.

Several key pieces are mired in deep slumps, including Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, starting pitching has had its ups and downs, and the Mets haven’t been able to put away inferior opponents.

Just last month alone the Mets lost series to the Rockies twice, Reds, and Nationals, as well as swept by the Tigers. Obviously the team won some impressive series’, including sweeping the Rays, Guardians, and Phillies, but not beating the bad teams have held them back.

With all these issues, the team now faces a dire situation. Their remaining June schedule, on paper, is very difficult with contenders around every corner. Following their series with Atlanta, the team will face the upstart Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Mets will meet their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, as well as other playoff contenders as the month progresses (Photo by Wendell Cruz, USA Today Sports)

After that, they head home to host the Subway Series with the Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals on Father’s Day weekend. The Mets then embark on a six game road trip with last year’s World Series participants: the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies. Wrapping up their month are the Milwaukee Brewers for four games and the Giants for three.

This situation is similar to last year, when the Mets had to play teams like the Dodgers, Padres, and Brewers last June, as well as the Marlins and Astros twice. The Mets went 13-12 in June last season, an impressive mark considering Max Scherzer was out till July, but the odds are stacked against the Mets to meet that mark.

As a result, on paper, June will be the biggest test for the Mets and their status as a contender. If they get back on track, they’re in a strong position to be a postseason contender, but if things continue to unravel, manager Buck Showalter and general manager Billy Eppler will be on the hot seat to right the ship.