Things have gone off the rails quicker than anyone in Queens could have thought. The Mets entered June with swagger and a near 96.2 percent playoff projection. But then, that confidence crumbled after a humiliating sweep against the Pirates, who outscored them 30-4. Next, the Athletic, in its Urgency Index, provided a vital recommendation.

“New York’s lineup simply has not been as deep as expected, due to regression by Mark Vientos at third base and Francisco Alvarez at catcher… there’s room to add another infielder and perhaps a center fielder.” It was not a casual critique, but a clear sign that patience is wearing thin.

While the team still has offensive firepower, The Athletic made it clear: The pitching is unreliable, the depth is questionable, and the regression of the Mets’ prized young core is a glaring concern. 

This brings us to the harsh reality truth.

Mark Vientos, who exploded last season with 27 home runs, has looked far more faded this season. Before landing on the IL in early June, the star was slashing just .230/.298/.380. Even though Vientos remarked, “It is good to be back with the guys,” it does not erase a month-long gap or the inconsistency that plagued the star’s early season.

Carlos Mendoza is not convinced either. The skipper is already hinting at a platoon role between Vientos and Brett Baty. This does not look like a team locked in on their third baseman of the future.

Alvarez’s journey also took a dramatic turn. Once identified as the team catcher, the star got demoted to Triple-A after multiple defensive miscues and a lackluster .652 OPS. Though Mendoza praised his power, he admitted the timing was right for Alvarez to “go down there and get reps.” Injuries have badly affected the star’s trajectory—specifically, the broken hamate bone in March.

Meanwhile, with Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger stepping up, Mets’ patience is being tested by performance and availability.

With a shrinking playoff window, those once-promising stars now carry deadline value more than day-to-day dependability. The Athletic’s advice could be bold, but might be necessary.

While the team continues to analyze their current core and weigh trade deadline decisions, the front office is not ignoring the long game either. With July’s MLB Draft approaching, the team might already have its target set. One that comes with towering power and big-league bloodlines.

Mets predicted to take a swing at 6-Foot-6 prospect 

Despite carrying the 38th overall pick because of a luxury tax penalty, the Mets are targeting the draft’s most tantalizing high-risk and high-reward star: Quentin Young. The 6-foot-6 infielder/outfielder comes with monster tools and major league lineage. He is the nephew of former sluggers Dmitri and Delmon Young.

ESPN draft expert Kiley McDaniel thinks Young’s raw capability, specifically, the star’s jaw-dropping power, makes him worth it all. “He hit a ball 115.4 mph and four more over 420 feet,” McDaniel pointed out, linking the prospect’s upside to Elly De La Cruz and Fernando Tatis Jr. He also mentioned that there is a “1-in-5” shot that Young becomes a “supernova” on par with MLB’s most electric talents.

However, with such a massive upside comes vital risk. His swing-and-miss concerns and positional uncertainty could stall Young’s development.

Still, for a struggling NYM, looking for long-term answers—Quentin Young could be the answer. Drafting a toolsy and dynamic athlete could highlight a transformation toward embracing upside.

The Mets are clearly at a crossroads—torn between fixing a floundering present and investing in a volatile but high-upside future. From trade deadline shakeups to swinging large in the draft, the front office need to make vital calls. Fast. 

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