The same club that once enjoyed a five-game lead is now enduring an eight-game losing streak. The Mets’ latest setback, a 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers, led to Juan Soto admitting, “The only thing is we just keep losing games. I don’t know what else to do right now.” That confusion is not limited to him alone. Before Soto, Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic noted that “something appears off with this team,” although he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it is. Now, Francisco Lindor has also joined the mix of uncertainty.

During a conversation with SNY, Lindor was asked why the team’s performance isn’t coming together despite having the right approach and roster talent. His honest reply was, “Not quite sure.” After a brief pause, he tried to clarify, “We have to get it done. I have to get it done. If we want to do what we came to spring training day one to try to do, we have to get it done. It’s that time of the year. Everyone senses the urgency, but for some reason, we haven’t been able to close out games.” He emphasized that he and the team are pushing and fighting for each other to improve.

Lindor further acknowledged the difficulty of their position but took accountability for the team’s struggles. Praising the front office for their efforts, he stated, “At the end of the day, it’s on us. It comes down to us.” He placed much of the blame on himself, admitting, “I myself feel like I have to do a lot more to help this team win.” Lindor has embraced a disciplined and steady leadership style, emphasizing consistent daily effort over fleeting motivation.

Reflecting on his growth as a leader since joining the Mets, he has shifted from a more reactive presence early in his tenure to becoming the heart and soul of the team, leading by example both on and off the field. His calm and positive demeanor provides a stabilizing influence in the clubhouse amid ongoing challenges.

For months, Lindor has been regarded as the Mets’ unofficial captain. The team clearly lacks official leadership and has frequently faced calls to appoint a captain. Former Mets captain John Dranco endorses Lindor, describing him as “a great choice from one captain to another.” Lindor has not dismissed the possibility of accepting the captaincy, emphasizing his team-first mindset and welcoming the honor. Beyond his on-field contributions, he consistently highlights resilience and the importance of culture change within the team, making him the natural choice to unify the clubhouse.

After Saturday’s game, Mets Field Reporter Steve Gelbs described the clubhouse mood as “perplexed.” Players insist they are preparing properly and embracing the urgency, yet “they look at the talent in the room and believe it has to turn—but no one can explain why it hasn’t yet.” Consequently, with the Mets in a tough spot, fans have once again criticized the team for a lack of leadership.

Mets Nation slammed the club for a lack of leadership

It’s been a brutal skid. After Saturday’s meltdown, the Mets found themselves tied with the San Francisco Giants for the final wild card spot. Fortunately, the Mets regained a half-game lead when the Los Angeles Dodgers handed the Giants a loss. The margin remains thin, and both leadership and urgency seem to be in short supply, leading to frustration among Mets fans.

Looking back at 2023, fans recall the Mets’ brutal collapse under manager Buck Showalter. “Yeah, this is 2023 all over again in terms of locker room tone-deaf non sequitur answers. The same locker room that lacked real leaders,” one fan observed. That year, the Mets finished fourth in the NL East with a disappointing 75-87 record. Fans are desperate to avoid a repeat of that scenario.

Another fan expressed similar concerns about leadership, questioning, “Since 2019, the core guys on this team have gone through these deep valleys, and maybe instead of changing management, maybe it’s time to change the core here.” Despite being regarded as potential leaders, players like Lindor and Starling Marte have not been officially named captains, and the Mets have operated without a captain all season. This absence has undoubtedly affected the core dynamics of the squad.

Many believe poor chemistry is also a factor. “No team chemistry. No leadership,” echoed sentiments expressed subtly by Ken Rosenthal. In his recent article, he noted, “Big stars create a different and occasionally uncomfortable dynamic,” referring to Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso. While all are perceived as having winning mindsets, Rosenthal suggested that something is off with the team’s chemistry.

Another fan bluntly stated, “They’re all looking for a leader and there isn’t one.” Earlier this season, Juan Soto praised both Lindor and Marte as the Mets’ unofficial captains. Since neither was officially named, this leadership void has emerged as a glaring weakness.

Following repeated late-inning blown leads and failures, the backlash was expected. “There’s no leadership in that locker room. Management is not doing it, and the leaders are not stepping up,” one fan lamented. Ultimately, when marquee players publicly express confusion instead of a clear direction, fans are left questioning the team’s leadership and accountability.