The New York Mets’ early-season stumble has shifted from a rough patch into something more persistent, and the numbers are starting to carry weight. What began as a 7-4 start has unraveled into a 7-15 record, punctuated by a 2-1 extra-innings loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. The defeat followed a familiar script: limited offense, a late-game breakdown, and another missed opportunity in a close contest.
Lindor and Williams Put Responsibility Squarely on the Roster
Despite the mounting losses, shortstop Francisco Lindor made it clear where he believes responsibility lies. His message was direct: This is not about the manager. Carlos Mendoza, who was only recently described as not being in immediate danger, now finds his position under sharper scrutiny as the losses accumulate. But inside the clubhouse, at least publicly, the tone is unified.
Lindor pointed to preparation as a non-issue. According to him, Mendoza and the coaching staff have ensured that players are equipped with the necessary information and readiness. The gap, he suggested, is execution. That sentiment was echoed by closer Devin Williams, who took responsibility after surrendering a ninth-inning lead that set up the Cubs’ walk-off in the tenth. Williams dismissed the idea that a managerial change would fix anything, noting that players are being placed in positions to succeed but failing to deliver in key moments.
The numbers reinforce that frustration. During this losing stretch, the Mets have averaged roughly 1.70 runs per game, a figure that leaves little margin for error. Even competitive outings quickly tilt the wrong way when scoring is that limited. Sunday’s loss was another example, tight, winnable, and ultimately gone.
Mets Offensive Struggles Continue as Soto’s Return Looms
There is some anticipation surrounding Juan Soto’s potential return from a right calf strain suffered on April 3. His presence would immediately deepen the lineup, and Lindor did not downplay his impact. However, he also drew a clear line against overreliance. Even a hitter of Soto’s caliber, he emphasized, cannot single-handedly reverse the team’s trajectory.
Lindor described Soto as one of the top hitters in the league and acknowledged the boost he would provide, particularly in lengthening the batting order. Still, he stressed that expecting one player to fix ongoing issues would miss the point. In his view, the responsibility remains shared across the roster.
Pressure Builds on Mendoza as Losses Pile Up
As outside voices begin to question Mendoza’s job security, the players’ stance remains firm. Lindor described him as the leader and rejected the idea of blaming him for the team’s struggles. The analogy he used was simple: the direction is set, but the group still has to move together.
For now, the Mets are stuck in a pattern of close losses and thin offensive output. Whether that changes quickly may determine how long the current alignment, manager included, remains intact.
