The first half of the New York Mets season has officially ended, and they're sitting in fourth place in the NL East with a disappointing record of 42-48 after their latest loss to the San Diego Padres on Sunday. It's stunning to see the Mets where they're in the standings right now especially since they spent over $500 million during free agency and how this time last year at the half point of the season, they were 58-35 and in first place.
They are in danger of missing the playoffs for the sixth time in their last seven seasons. Blame can go to many from disappointing starting pitching to the inability to not drive in runs in critical spots and players both pitching and hitting not living up to their expectations. But what three players, in particular, who came into this season with hopes of being enormous factors for the Mets have been anything but that and just a major disappointment in the first half of the 2023 Season?
1. Mets DH Daniel Vogelbach has been a disappointment
This may not be a popular opinion considering the fact that Daniel Vogelbach is a fan favorite and he finished the first half strong, but his season overall has been a downright disappointment. The Mets traded for him last July with hopes that he can bring the power that he had over in Pittsburgh with the Pirates to Flushing Queens, but it has translated in a Mets uniform.
As it stands, Vogelbach is only hitting .225 on the season with just five home runs on the season and only 26 RBIs. So it is safe to say he's not playing like the designated hitter he was last season when he hit 18 home runs. His tenure in general as a Met has not been one the team and front office was hoping for as he's never found the same success as he had with the Pirates.
His days with the Mets are numbered and don't be surprised if the Mets either trade him at or near the deadline or designate him for an assignment if they wish to get rid of him sooner. Sorry Daniel Vogelbach fans, he will be gone very soon from the New York Mets.