NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets in action against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on April 27, 2023 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Nationals 9-8. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The New York Mets suffered a series defeat to the Cincinnati Reds. Fans are furious, and they need someone to blame. Here are three.
It can’t get much worse for the New York Mets.
While the Atlanta Braves are surging, New York hasn’t done much of anything. The Mets are several games under .500 despite spending a ton of Steve Cohen’s money this offseason. If anything, New York addressed the wrong needs, which is not Cohen’s fault whatsoever. He writes the checks.
Finally, New York embraced the youth movement, calling up the likes of Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty, who have fit in nicely. Nonetheless, the club still has much to do before they can consider themselves more than a Wild Card contender, if that.
if Cohen has proven anything, it’s that he doesn’t have the time or patience to take on a rebuild. He’s rich for a reason, and is used to his assets paying off in a big way. So far this season, that hasn’t been the case.
The Reds won two out of three against New York. Cincinnati has just one player making over $3 million in Wil Myers, who has struggled mightily for the team. The Mets, meanwhile, have a $359 million payroll. Something’s gotta give in Queens.
New York Mets to blame: Jeff McNeil
Several Reds fans threw baseballs at Jeff McNeil on Wednesday night. That was uncalled for, and a baseball game is no place for such things that would put a player in danger. Manager Buck Showalter discussed the matter postgame and did not hide his feelings:
“You don’t expect that in Cincinnati, do you?” Showalter said. “They threw one, he thought it was some kid who dropped it. So he picks it up, throws it back up there and here comes another one that barely missed him.”
McNeil made a brief comment on the matter, as well.
“I made some friends. But that should never happen at a major-league baseball game,” he said.
As ridiculous as that moment was, McNeil was absolutely dreadful this series. He had just one hit in 13 at-bats, despite hitting towards the top of the lineup in every game. His batting average went down at least ten points.
McNeil’s importance to this team cannot be understated. He plays multiple positions around the diamond, and will always find a way into the lineup. He needs to be better if this team is going to turn things around.