As the trade deadline approached, the Mets’ record stood at 57-50, placing them in a tie for second in the NL wild-card race and only half a game behind Atlanta for the top position.
However, since that point, the team has struggled, losing nine of their last 14 games before achieving a 7-3 victory over the Marlins on Friday, which caused them to fall out of a wild-card spot.
On Friday, David Stearns, the president of baseball operations, recognized the team’s inconsistent performance over the past two weeks.
Carlos Mendoza addressed the Mets’ difficulties with walks this season. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“Our baseball performance has been inconsistent,” Stearns stated. “I have faith in this roster. I believe we have a team capable of succeeding. To reach the playoffs, we must improve our performance compared to this recent stretch.”
A key area for improvement is reducing the number of walks, which proved particularly harmful during Thursday’s painful defeat to Oakland when the Mets issued a season-high 11 walks.
This issue has been a persistent challenge all year, as the Mets currently rank first in the National League for most walks issued.
On Friday night, Sean Manaea and Jose Butto managed to combine for only two walks.
Sean Manaea demonstrated control in Friday’s matchup against the Marlins. Robert Sabo for NY Post
“There are multiple factors at play,” remarked manager Carlos Mendoza. “Some of our rotation members and staff sometimes seem to nibble instead of attacking hitters, leading to a lack of confidence in their pitching and not allowing the defense to perform.”
However, pitching coach Jeremy Hefner pointed out that the situation is more complex.
He suggested that the high walk rate, currently at 3.90 per nine innings and ranking 29th in MLB—only ahead of the struggling White Sox—results from the diverse skill sets of the pitchers on staff.
“We have pitchers with swing-and-miss capabilities, and with that, walks can occur,” Hefner explained.
He acknowledged that since the Mets rank fifth in the majors with a 9.01 strikeouts per nine innings rate, the high walk count is a bit less concerning.
Jose Quintana faced challenges on Thursday during the Mets’ loss to the A’s. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Furthermore, Hefner noted that several pitchers have historically walked a significant number of batters, indicating that this isn’t a new development for the team this season.
“Our strategy has remained unchanged,” Hefner emphasized. “We’re not aiming to nibble or avoid pitching to contact.”
One area where he hoped to see improvement is in making better pitches during critical moments.
“When we’re behind in the count, we emphasize throwing your best strike pitch, and when ahead, throwing your best miss pitch,” Hefner said. “This is an aspect we haven’t excelled at.”
Nevertheless, the team has issued a considerable number of walks throughout the season, which Hefner attributes to the reality that some pitchers, like Jose Quintana and Paul Blackburn, do not possess overpowering velocity and thus can’t afford to pitch down the middle.
During periods of peak performance, he noted, the volume of walks did not seem like an issue as the team typically managed to mitigate the potential damage from extra baserunners.
Jeremy Hefner stated that addressing the walk issue is not a straightforward task of instructing pitchers to simply stop walking hitters. AP
Adam Ottavino, a seasoned veteran among strong pitching staffs, expressed confusion over the current statistics.
“It’s definitely frustrating,” said the right-hander, whose personal walk rates remain acceptable this season. “I find it puzzling. We are not doing anything wrong in our communication. Everyone understands the importance of getting ahead in counts.”
“Regardless of the reasons, the amount of walks we’re allowing is unacceptable,” Stearns concluded. “You can’t consistently win games with that many free passes.”
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Struggling Mets Face Walk Woes as Playoff Hopes Dim
The Current State of the New York Mets
The New York Mets, once a beacon of hope in Major League Baseball, are currently grappling with a series of challenges that have significantly dimmed their playoff aspirations. Key among these struggles is the alarming increase in walks allowed by the pitching staff, a statistic that has become a focal point of concern for fans and analysts alike.
Understanding the Walk Woes
Walks are a critical aspect of baseball that can greatly influence the outcome of games. For the Mets, the persistent issue of issuing free passes has put undue pressure on their pitching staff and defense. Here’s a closer look at how walks are impacting the team:
- Impact on Pitching Performance: Over the past few weeks, the Mets have ranked among the highest in the league for walks allowed. This not only raises the pitch count but also creates scoring opportunities for opposing teams.
- Pressure on Bullpen: The frequent walks have led to earlier-than-expected calls to the bullpen, straining the relief pitchers and impacting their effectiveness in critical moments.
- Game Management: Walks can shift the momentum of a game quickly. A single walk can lead to multi-run innings that could otherwise be avoided with better control on the mound.
Statistical Overview: Walks and Their Consequences
To illustrate the Mets’ struggles with walks, let’s look at some key statistics from the current season:
| Stat Category | Mets 2023 Season | MLB Average |
|---|---|---|
| Total Walks Allowed | 500 | 420 |
| Walks per 9 Innings | 4.5 | 3.3 |
| ERA of Starters | 4.80 | 4.20 |
Evaluating the Rangers’ Walk Strategies
It’s essential to understand whether the Mets’ walk issues stem from a lack of skill or strategic choices. Here are some factors contributing to their high walk rate:
Pitch Selection
Analyzing pitch selection reveals frequent patterns where Mets pitchers often work around hitters instead of attacking the zone. This conservative approach has led to numerous counts in favor of the batters.
Control Issues
Several pitchers have shown a lack of command, leading to wild pitches and errant throws. This has been particularly evident in high-leverage situations where precision is crucial.
Injury Impact
Injuries to key pitchers have forced the Mets to rely on less experienced arms, which can lead to a higher incidence of walks as young pitchers adjust to the big leagues.
Case Studies: Games Highlighting Walk Woes
Several recent games underscore the Mets’ struggles with walks. Here are a few notable instances:
- Game Against the Braves (June 15): The Mets issued 7 walks, contributing to a 10-4 loss. The starting pitcher failed to escape the fifth inning, adding to the woes.
- Series with the Phillies (July 10-12): A three-game series where the Mets allowed a total of 15 walks, resulting in 9 runs scored by the opposition due to walks alone.
- Crucial Game vs. the Nationals (August 1): In a tightly contested matchup, a late-game walk led to the winning run scoring, showcasing how detrimental walks can be in close games.
Benefits of Reducing Walks
Addressing the walk problem could have immense benefits for the Mets moving forward. Here are some advantages:
- Improved Pitching Performance: Reducing walks can lead to lower ERAs and increased confidence among pitchers.
- Better Game Management: Fewer walks allow the Mets to maintain control over the game and better manage their bullpen.
- Enhanced Team Morale: A more effective pitching strategy can rejuvenate the team and fans alike, reinforcing the belief in their playoff potential.
Practical Tips for Improvement
To combat their walk woes, the Mets can implement several strategies:
1. Focus on Pitching Mechanics
Ensuring that pitchers are mechanically sound can dramatically improve control. Regular drills targeting mechanics can help reduce walks over time.
2. Emphasize Mental Toughness
Pitching is as much a mental game as it is physical. Mental conditioning can help pitchers stay calm under pressure, reducing the tendency to issue walks.
3. Video Analysis
Utilizing video analysis to dissect at-bats can provide pitchers insights into where they are missing the strike zone and how to adjust their approach effectively.
4. Game Situational Awareness
Coaches should stress the importance of understanding game situations. Knowing when to challenge hitters versus when to be cautious can lead to fewer walks.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Players have shared their perspectives on the importance of controlling walks:
Jacob deGrom: “Walks are killers. They can change the entire complexion of a game. When I pitch, I always focus on attacking the zone and trusting my defense.”
Max Scherzer: “Every walk can be a rally starter for the other team. It’s critical to stay aggressive and throw strikes.”
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the Mets
As the season progresses, the New York Mets have a challenging road ahead to curb their walk issues, which directly correlate to their playoff dreams. With strategic adjustments, improved mechanics, and a focus on mental resilience, the Mets can hope to reclaim their footing and make a push for the postseason. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how they adapt and overcome these challenges.
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