New York Mets Have Franchise's Worst First Half Since 1995

The New York Mets stumbled into the All-Star break with a 40-57 record, marking the franchise's worst first half since 1995. This season commenced with high expectations and a corresponding payroll. On Sunday, an error by shortstop Francisco Lindor on what could have been a game-ending double play allowed Boston to rally for a 3-2 win in extra innings against the Mets. In total, New York suffered its 16th loss in the last 22 games and matched their season low of being 17 games under .500.

This record of being 17 games under at the All-Star break harkens back to 1995, when the Mets began 25-44 due to a delayed start from a players' strike. It is the first time since 1993 that the team found itself at least 17 games under in a full season, as they opened with a 27-60 record and concluded the season with 59-103.

Interim manager Andy Green, who took over from Carlos Mendoza on June 26, stated, "I think everybody understands what needs to happen going into the second half." He acknowledged that there are better standards of play expected, asserting that players and management share the responsibility for their current standing.

The Mets wasted seven scoreless innings from rookie pitcher Zach Thornton and two RBIs from Lindor, who returned from the injured list to record his second two-hit game of the season. This season, President of baseball operations David Stearns focused on improving run prevention and offense, leading to trades of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and letting key players like franchise home run leader Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz depart as free agents.

New York's offense has struggled, ranking 12th in the National League with 398 runs scored and missing many key players from its preferred lineup. Notably, opening day starters Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, and Luis Robert Jr. have collectively missed 259 games this season. All-Star Juan Soto missed 15 games earlier in the year due to a quadriceps injury. Additionally, Bo Bichette, who joined the Mets in January, has slumped to a .255 batting average—39 points lower than his career average—after starting 94 games before being sidelined by leg issues.

Mets pitchers collectively have a 4.27 ERA, which is worse than last year’s 4.03. Freddy Peralta, the opening day starter acquired from Milwaukee, shows a career-worst 4.66 ERA. Devin Williams, after blowing a save for the second time in a week, holds a 4.83 ERA.

"It hasn’t been a lot of fun," said Williams, reflecting on the challenging atmosphere in the clubhouse. The Mets find themselves 12 games behind the final NL wild card position, facing a daunting start to the second half with 19 consecutive games against playoff-contending teams. Lindor commented on the team's performance, stating, "Unacceptable." He aims to inspire the team by emphasizing the need to continue fighting while announcing their intention to improve their standing as the season progresses.