Mets Offense Breaks Out in June
The New York Mets finished the month of June with a 16-8 record, and the team’s turnaround relied heavily on the offensive side of the ball. Before June, the team struggled consistently to put together strong numbers at the plate, including several of their key players not living up to expectations, and it showed in the scorecard. While the lack of production at the plate had a negative impact early in the season, the offensive spurge has sparked the Mets’ hot month of June.
The big names across the Mets’ roster ignited the offense throughout June. Francisco Lindor, J.D. Martinez, Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Alvarez led the way while other players stepped up across the lineup. Mark Vientos seems to have figured out Major League pitching as he previously did in each level of the Minor Leagues. In addition, Harrison Bader has put together some clutch hits from the bottom of the order.
The list goes on and on for what went right for the Mets offense in June, a month in recent organization history that has not been kind to the team. This year, June could prove to be a point when the Mets figured things out for the rest of the season. Only time will tell.
Jun 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) is greeted by outfielder Brandon Nimmo (9) after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Players
Lindor slashed .290/.351/.520 in June, far better than in previous months. In May, those numbers were .263/.315/.447, and in March/April, even worse at .197/.280/.359. Ever since he moved to the leadoff spot, he has taken a huge leap in production, and while Lindor deserves the bulk of the credit, you also need to give Carlos Mendoza and the Mets staff their dues for moving him there.
Nimmo had a really tough start to his 2024 campaign, which saw him take the most reps in the leadoff spot before Lindor took over. After posting a .208/.359/.349 line in March/April, and a .222/.340/.411 in May, Nimmo caught fire in June, improving those numbers to .315/.406/.598. In 22 games, Nimmo blasted six home runs in June – the most he’s hit in a single month this season. It’s been good to see his signature smile again after not much going right for him in the early part of the schedule. He capped off the month by having two game-tying hits in Sunday’s matchup versus the Houston Astros, one of them being a 10th-inning RBI double to bring home Lindor.
Martinez and Alvarez have both been consistently good throughout the season. Alvarez continues to be the common denominator in the Mets’ ability to win games. With Pete Alonso still not hitting his stride, these two guys have been a huge presence as right handed power hitters in the lineup. Martinez was tied for the team lead in RBIs (20) alongside Nimmo. Martinez has been as steady as they come, slotted in the middle of the Mets’ batting order.
The Stats
The team finished third in home runs across MLB in June with 41 total long balls, trailing only the San Diego Padres (42) and the Baltimore Orioles (60). The Mets led MLB in both team batting average (.283) and OPS (.865), while finishing second in runs scored (153), RBIs (148), doubles (56) and slugging percentage (.513) in June. Another impressive stat: the Mets struck out 180 times – the third lowest across MLB.
Decisions, Decisions
The Mets head into July with a record shy of the .500 mark at 40-41, sitting two games back of the third wild card spot in the National League. Their recent offensive surge and consistent starting rotation have put them in striking distance of a playoff position. The next few weeks will seemingly force David Stearns to decide whether this team will be buyers, sellers, or something in the middle at the upcoming trade deadline. If they can continue this style of play, it will be a fun summer in Queens.
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