Francisco Lindor isn’t the NY Mets player we need to question most after loss vs. Red Sox

A 3-2 loss doesn’t sound so bad. If you stuck around for all 9 innings, you’ll know it was worse than the final score. The New York Mets went into the final inning with a 2-0 lead, 7 shutout innings from rookie Zach Thornton, and a pair of RBI from Francisco Lindor including one on a solo home run.

They were about to end the first-half on an unnecessary high. Instead, they got a reminder of who they actually are.

The game was over with a ground ball double play right to Lindor. But the 2026 version of our star shortstop hasn’t shined so bright. Miscues, both mentally and physically, have been constant. From forgetting how many outs there are to a lack of hustling last week that got overlooked, this error was perfectly representative of how the season has gone.

But it wasn’t all on Lindor. Devin Williams couldn’t regain his composure. Two straight walks after, he reminded us he’s not the shutdown closer we desire. He set the Red Sox up to bloop a single in and make a little toothpaste on the shirt turn into something much messier.

Devin Williams’ role as the Mets closer is the one we need to start questioning

Williams was originally signed by the Mets to be the setup man for Edwin Diaz. Because Diaz might’ve taken that a little personally, he went to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While that worked out best for the Mets because it led to Luke Weaver, there’s no denying Williams has been a disappointment even with these runs coming as unearned ones.

After the loss, manager Andy Green said he isn’t considering a move for Williams out of the closer’s role. Maybe he’ll feel differently post trade deadline if Luke Weaver remains.

Lindor driving in the only runs of the game for the Mets shouldn’t be overlooked. Where was the rest of the offense? Eric Wagaman batting fourth doesn’t make sense other than for David Stearns to try to justify an addition who should be used as depth. Let Carson Benge, who has hit lefties well this year, slot in there. 

The Mets are half-behaving like a team trying to compete while also not. This trapped situation should evaporate once the trade deadline passes as the goal then becomes exclusive to focusing on the future. Right now, certain players need to get in there. Others haven’t been available as much as we’d like them to be, notably Jorge Polanco to get some idea of what he can actually offer next year.

Lindor is having a bad season, but it wasn’t a poor day for him as he was the offense. The timing of his error is what made it more notable. Unfortunately for Williams, every time he steps on the mound it’s a pressurized situation.

The blown save was amazingly only his third of the year. His most recent came against the Atlanta Braves and still managed to result in a Mets win. No imminent move from the ninth inning yet according to Green, the team’s best bet is to keep him in there. He’ll be back next year and figuring out what he can (or cannot) accomplish is paramount. 

And frankly, if he’s going to shrink, it makes the decision to keep Weaver much easier.

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