The Mets' ongoing struggles with injuries have once again hit close to home, with the recent setback of Jorge Polanco. This setback comes as a disappointment for both the team and its fans, especially considering the high expectations that came with his $40MM contract. Polanco's journey in New York has been marked by a series of unfortunate events, from the initial wrist injury to the recent ankle soreness that has now halted his rehab progress.
A Troubled Start
Since signing the contract in December, Polanco's time with the Mets has been far from smooth. He only managed to play in 14 games before landing on the injured list, batting a modest .179/.246/.286 with a 53 wRC+. The left Achilles soreness that plagued him likely contributed to this downturn, and it's a recurring issue that has continued to hinder his performance. The Mets have had to rely on other players like Juan Soto and MJ Melendez to fill the designated hitter role, while Mark Vientos has been the primary option at first base.
The Mets' Struggles
The Mets' overall performance this season has been a cause for concern. They currently sit in last place in the NL East with a 28-36 record, and their struggles are evident in their league-low 87 wRC+. While Soto has been a bright spot, Carson Benge, the second-best qualified hitter, is only slightly above average with a 97 wRC+. The other four qualified bats, including Polanco, are all performing well below their potential, with wRC+ figures that are 17-27% worse than average.
The team's inability to hit this year goes beyond individual players. The Mets' offense as a whole has been one of the league's worst, and it's a collective effort that needs to improve. The path to respectable hitting will depend on the non-Soto hitters playing up to their true potential. Benge, Bichette, Vientos, Baty, and Semien all have room for improvement, and the team will need to see significant progress from these players if they want to turn their season around.
The Way Forward
The Mets will likely proceed with caution as they navigate Polanco's renewed ankle issues. There's little urgency to bring him back given the team's struggles, and even if he were healthy, his 53 wRC+ wouldn't be enough to overcome their offensive woes. The Mets' fans are left to wonder what might have been if Polanco had stayed healthy, but the reality is that the team's issues run deeper than any single player. The path to a respectable hitting performance will require a collective effort and a commitment to improving the overall offensive output.
As the Mets continue to navigate their injury woes and struggle to find their footing, the focus will be on the players who need to step up and the team's ability to turn their season around. The future of the Mets remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team needs to find a way to improve their hitting if they want to compete in the NL East.
