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Mets yet to reach peak form despite maintaining MLB's top record
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The Mets have set the major leagues ablaze with the best record (18-7) and the league's top pitching staff. Boasting a jaw-dropping 2.34 ERA, the Mets are currently ruling the MLB.
Even though the team acknowledges that such stellar pitching isn't sustainable, they are hopeful their battering performance will soar when their pitching tacks on some mileage.
"We're not even scratching the surface of our offensive potential, and players are still making their way through April," Eric Chavez, the co-hitting coach, noted recently. Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso have been the driving forces behind the team's success so far, while the rest of the offense has been moderately productive.
As of the off-day on May 11 in Washington, the Mets were slightly below the average offense, averaging 4.20 runs per game. Their single everyday player with a better-than-average OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) was Juan Soto, who has managed to be productive despite some struggles in his first month with the club.
Brandon Nimmo has demonstrated a knack for smashing the ball hard but has yet to see favorable results. His aggressiveness, particularly swinging at the first pitch in about 41% of his at-bats this season compared to his usual 29%, has been cause for concern. Despite his low average (.196), Nimmo's expected average (.246) suggests there's room for improvement.
Meanwhile, Mark Vientos has experienced an uptick in his OPS, dropping from .393 in the first two weeks to .579 over the last nine games. "I'm starting to find holes," Vientos said after belting a homer on May 9. "The hardest part about this game is keeping yourself grounded, whether you have results or not."
Help is on the horizon, as Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez are expected to make their returns on May 12. The Mets' powerhouse offense will consist of McNeil and Alvarez, "I'm really looking forward to the summer," Chavez mentioned optimistically about an offense he believes will surge.
As Luis Angel Acuña and Brett Baty continue to make strides at second base, and Luis Torrens holds his own at catcher, the Mets look forward to the integration of McNeil and Alvarez. With their addition, the team's best hitting lineup is surely on the horizon.
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Without McNeil, Acuña and Baty have left a positive impression at second base, while Luis Torrens (.241 average, .675 OPS) has held his own at catcher. But with McNeil and Alvarez on board, the Mets' power-packed offense will only get better. It's going to be an exciting summer, and we can't wait to see the team's hitting take off!
[1] Lindor's performance vs. Fastballs | All Data from Baseball-Reference.com
[4] Home Field Advantage Impact | All Data from ESPN.com
[5] Brett Baty's Home Run | Newsday.com
- Brandon Nimmo, despite his low average, has an expected average (.246) that suggests room for improvement.
- Luis Torrens, the Mets' catcher, currently averages .241 and has an OPS of .675.
- The Mets' power-packed offense, with the addition of Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez, is expected to surge this summer.
- Luis Angel Acuña and Brett Baty have left a positive impression at second base during McNeil's absence.
