Jose Siri is giving the NY Mets an early dose of his reality, for better and worse

It wasn’t so long ago when Jose Siri was looking like a career year was ahead of him. Then again, what else are a few home runs in spring training good for other than to overreact? In his introduction to New York Mets fans in orange and blue, Siri had a stretch of hitting 3 home runs in 4 games. February 25, March 1, and March 2 all included a bomb off his bat. Since then, Siri has cooled off with only a single to show for it.

Specifically, he has gone 1 for 17 since his home run on the second of the month against the Boston Red Sox. He has struck out 6 times and gone 1 for 2 in attempted steals.

Anyone with Siri already knew the drill. This is exactly what we can expect from him in the regular season.

The extremes of Jose Siri are on display for the Mets to see firsthand in spring training

Looking at his 2023 monthly splits for Siri, we don’t get the impression of any insane extremes. Like any player, his numbers shifted. However, he never hit above .254 (May) and the low for any month was .194 (July). In 2024 when he was much less efficient, there aren’t quite as many extremes either. Aside from hitting .256 in June with a season-high 6 home runs and 13 RBI, all other months of the year included a batting average beneath .200. His second half was beyond wretched, slashing .158/.212/.315. He struck out in 68 of 157 plate appearances. That’s 43% of the time for those without access to a calculator or didn’t pay attention in math class.

Accepting this tendency to hit poorly, it’s those other things he does so incredibly well that makes him an asset. He plays center field like the safety of nuclear codes depends on it. He can run as well as just about anyone even if stolen bases aren’t always his forte. The home runs coming with some regularity make up for the 1 for 17 stretches.

The Mets took on minimal risk with Siri by trading the Tampa Bay Rays reliever Eric Orze. Apparently not someone they viewed favorably enough to keep around, they’re banking on Siri at least lasting for a good portion of the 2025 season as a regular in center field even if he ultimately fades from the foreground to the background. 

Under the leadership of David Stearns, outfield defense has mattered. Superb defense in center field may be a necessity with Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo in the corners and on days when either Jesse Winker and/or Starling Marte replace them. A long stretch of not doing much with his bat is hardly cause for concern. Siri is simply doing what he usually does, as ugly as it can be at times and dazzling at other moments.