What used to look like dominance in the Queens—21 games over .500 on June 12, the best winning percentage in the sport, and a 5.5-game lead in the NL East. Fast forward to now? That dominance is nowhere to be found. On Wednesday, they just got crushed again with another 11-3 loss to the Phillies, and when their $341M star spoke, he showed once again why he is one of the beloved players in the Mets.

The Mets’ Shortstop, Francisco Lindor, who is locked up in a 10-year deal of $341M, is the star of the NYM infield. He was brought in with high hopes, and he has been the team’s anchor. This season, it has been a roller coaster for him, with 26 home runs and 77 RBIs. His batting average is .263, and his OPS is close to .790. In the games against the Phillies, he hasn’t hit or walked, going 0 for 11. He’s clearly having a hard time getting on base and making a contribution.

Lindor didn’t hold back when talking to SNY reporters, and he straightaway took the blame on himself. He said, “We just have to stay optimistic, fight for each other, and just play better. I have to play better, I haven’t gotten a hit in this series, and at this late in the year I have to get on-base and I have to help the team…I have to be better for this team.” It’s uncommon for a star player to share their struggles openly, but he did when he asked his teammates for help during tough times. This showed he was not just responsible; he was a leader trying to save a sinking team before the playoffs.

Not only in Phillies games, but before that, too, his numbers weren’t great either. He has a record of 5-for-23 (.217) in his last 7 games, with no home runs or RBIs. Lindor has also walked 7 times and struck out 3 times, which is a good on-base rate even though he doesn’t have any hits.

Lindor isn’t the only one. The Mets have lost their way as a team. Sean Manaea has a 5.60 ERA this season and keeps falling apart after the fifth inning. Clay Holmes, on the other hand, has given up four runs in just over four innings in his last start and hasn’t gotten more than 16 outs in a start in almost two months. The bullpen has also fallen apart; by June, it had one of the top ERAs in the league, but now it’s 27th.

Offensively, the Mets are struggling. Alonso, Nimmo, Vientos, Alvarez, and Acuna have all underperformed in September. Alonso is hitting just .243 in his last nine games, with too many strikeouts and little power. Meanwhile, Nimmo has a .261 average with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs, but his stats conceal periods of weak contact and missed opportunities. The lineup seems top-heavy, with star power but insufficient depth when it matters most.

And yet, despite everything, the playoffs are still within sight, though only by a thin margin. FanGraphs says that as of Wednesday night, the Mets still have around an 87.8% probability of making the playoffs. It’s quite a leap ahead of the Giants (7.4%), Reds (5.4%), and Diamondbacks (0.7%).

However, if the skid and bad plays continue like that, the Mets might lose their chances. And Lindor knows the clock is ticking and wants the team to perform as the playoffs loom closer.

While Lindor and the others struggle to find their rhythm, the Queens may have found a solution in a player who has been sidelined for months, and whose return could transform their offensive play.

Mets shift offensive look with center-field upgrade

The Mets are changing their offensive strategy now that Jose Siri is back in center field. Siri was put back on the field on September 9 after being on the 60-day IL for almost five months after breaking his left tibia on April 12. He batted ninth against the Phillies. His first swing back led to a quick double in the eighth inning, which was a little but impactful sign that the offense’s game plan might be changing.

While Siri was out, the Mets used Tyrone Taylor, Jeff McNeil out of position, and struggling newcomer Cedric Mullins in center field. These patchwork choices created a top-heavy lineup that hasn’t consistently performed, highlighting how Siri’s speed and defensive skills could help.

The Mets are hopeful that Siri’s return will boost their offense. His stellar defense, strong baserunning, and effectiveness against left-handed pitchers will enhance the team’s depth and flexibility. This will uplift the bottom of the order and ease the burden on struggling hitters, highlighting the need for more reliable performers in crucial situations.

Siri’s enthusiasm and ability to play multiple positions could help Alonso, Soto, Nimmo, and others through tough stretches. His timely return strengthens the offense and gives the Mets a much-needed boost in their playoff push.