The only comforting thing about the Mets right now is their strangely optimistic playoff odds online. Doesn’t matter how poorly they perform or how unfathomable a pace they’re collapsing at; they still took an 83.2 percent chance to make the playoffs into Thursday, via Fangraphs. As we enter Friday, it will mark a whole week since they last logged a win. Their 6-4 defeat to the arch nemesis ended with a four-set series sweep. Carlos Mendoza may have shouldered the blame in the postgame remarks. However, many argue that it’s the lack of leadership that has led to the letdown.

One of the Metsies pointed out, “Is there any leadership present in this Mets clubhouse? Something needs to shift and QUICKLY…” Right now, the leadership isn’t just missing. It’s, in fact, exactly what the Mets need right now.

It immediately grabbed the attention of Dan Bartels of the New York Post. He put his stance bluntly, putting Mets’ $341 million star into the spotlight. “The current issue with the Mets. As much as fans love Francisco Lindor, there may be a reason he hasn’t been named captain yet.” Bartels noted. For months, there has been a visible push from all around to make Francisco Lindor the next official captain. Yet, he wasn’t named as one.

Even John Franco, a former Mets captain himself, chimed in earlier this year and called Lindor “a great choice from one captain to another” while reacting to Lindor’s own remarks. Lindor himself never dismissed the idea.

Back in February, when asked if he sees himself as a captain-like figure on the Mets, he said, “I do feel like I’m one of the leaders of the team. If it does happen, it would be fantastic. It would be an honor.” The debate over a captain has reignited again simply because they’re running out of time. Losing six back-to-back games, the club is clinging to a 1½-game wild-card edge over the Giants and the Reds.

Given the thin margin, the uncertainties around their playoff spot have already emerged. As also pointed out by Gregg Giannotti from WFAN, “If they somehow don’t make the playoffs, there’s going to have to be a major, major shakeup of this core.” The lapses in their current management are being clearly reflected in the way the Mets are performing on the field. 

Whereas when Mendoza was asked about his concern levels, he said, “I’m not going to say that I’m worried, but we don’t have too much time.” Next up, the Mets will be going against their former player, Jacob deGrom, as they’ll be playing the Texas Rangers. But some roster decisions going forward are getting a little difficult to swallow.

The Mets are hurting themselves with the latest decision

The New York Mets are making one of the most confusing decisions right now. Despite slumping mightily, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that both Sean Manaea and Clay Holmes will remain in the starting rotation. “We’re counting on them. We need those guys.” he said while speaking with Will Sammon from The Athletic.

The problem? Apparently, Manaea has been far from effective for weeks. His last stellar outing was back on July 29 when he threw five innings and gave up fewer than three earned runs. He’s been unable to deliver quality starts since that time.

While Kodai Senga was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse for not performing up to the mark, Manaea got to keep his spot. Meanwhile, in the upcoming game against the Rangers, Jonah Tong, holding a 4.09 ERA with a 1-1 record, will be making his third start on Friday.

Against him will be the former Mets great Jacob deGrom, holding a 2.78 ERA with an 11-7 record. For a team that had World Series aspirations since the beginning of the season, it’ll be disappointing to say the least if their rotation decision backfires on them.