3 magnificent Mets trends from the Nationals sweep we must see continue versus the Phillies

3) The Mets need to show they can hit without Francisco Lindor

What’s the worst thing that could happen to the 2024 Mets? Losing Francisco Lindor for any period of time. They lost on Saturday without him. On Sunday, when he exited early, they lost again. He looked like the team leader both behind the scenes, on the field, and basically every statistic was indeed needed in order for this ball club to succeed.

They were able to quickly change the narrative. Monday was a challenge but Tuesday and Wednesday showed this team can hit even when their MVP is unavailable. Pete Alonso’s 5 RBI game and a showcase by rookie Luisangel Acuna provided magic on Tuesday. Let’s include the Francisco Alvarez home run in there, too. A day later, Mark Vientos might’ve broken out of his slump, too. In the absence of Lindor whether it extends into the Phillies series or not, the Mets were going to need the big guys to contribute. They did against Washington.

Not everyone has been able to join the hit parade. J.D. Martinez is in an epic slump. If there’s one guy this team could really use at the plate, it’s him.

Lindor is expected to return to the lineup at some point against the Phillies if not in the series opener. Even with him back in the lineup, he’s going to need help.