Mets Struggle in Clutch Situations: A Closer Look at Their RISP Performance

PHILADELPHIA — As the New York Mets navigate the season, one glaring issue stands out: their inability to come through in clutch situations. With the worst batting average on balls in play (BABIP) with runners in scoring position (RISP), fans are left pondering whether this is merely a streak of bad luck or a deeper issue.

Mets’ Subpar Performance with Runners in Scoring Position

Entering Saturday’s match, the Mets’ BABIP with runners on second and/or third was a striking .236—the lowest in Major League Baseball. This statistic significantly trails other teams, with the Chicago White Sox at .254 in 29th place.

Solid Contact but Poor Results

Despite the disappointing results, the Mets are not lacking in power. Their average exit velocity of 90 mph in these crucial moments ranks third-best in the league. This brings into question why their well-hit balls are not translating into runs.

• Example from Recent Game: In Friday’s loss against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets loaded the bases in the first inning. Jeff McNeil hit a substantial 98.5 mph screamer right into second baseman Bryson Stott, resulting in a double play rather than the runs they desperately needed.

Discrepancies in Performance Metrics

The Mets’ actual performance with RISP starkly contrasts their expected performance:

• Batting Average: .215 vs. .254 (expected)
• On-Base Percentage: .299 vs. .338 (expected)
• Slugging Percentage: .386 vs. .445 (expected)

These discrepancies suggest systemic issues beyond mere bad luck.

Coaches’ Insights

Jeremy Barnes, the Mets’ co-hitting coach, provided perspective on the ongoing struggles:

“It’s hard to control your BABIP. Once it leaves the bat, there’s only so much you can do about it. We need to be better. I think we’re still giving away a lot of things… But yeah, there’s a level of it just isn’t falling for us.”

Coaches have noted that pressurized situations can lead to suboptimal decision-making by players, with some swinging too aggressively while others are too passive.

Key Player Performances

Juan Soto has been a notable example of these struggles. Despite a batting average of only .133 with RISP (against an expected average of .247), he broke through in Saturday’s game, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, including a critical bases-loaded two-run single.

Other players also showcase mixed results:

• Jesse Winker: Before his injury, he batted .222 in clutch situations with an expected average of .322.
• Brandon Nimmo: His actual RISP average of .234 falls short of the expected .290.
• Francisco Lindor’s luck improved as well, contributing with a two-run double in a recent match.

Moving Forward: The Path to Improvement

While the Mets recognize their current challenges, they aim to bolster their performance without losing their identity. Coach Barnes summed it up:

“We definitely want to be better. But we got to do that without really changing our identity and overhauling everything and having a negative trade-off.”

Conclusion

Overall, the Mets’ struggle with clutch hitting raises questions for fans and analysts alike. Whether it’s bad luck, decision-making, or a combination of both, adjustments are necessary if the team hopes to turn their season around and convert those pivotal moments into runs. For now, the focus remains on refining their approach as they seek consistency in high-pressure situations.

For more insights on the Mets and their ongoing season challenges, visit MLB.com and check out their RISP statistics.

Stay updated with the latest news on the New York Mets’ performance as they strive for success in the remainder of the season.