3 unexpected Mets stat leaders help explain their offensive troubles

The offense is the big problem for the New York Mets right now although some might suggest the team is in more trouble if Edwin Diaz can’t get the job done. Whatever it is you think is holding the Mets back most, these three unexpected stat leaders on the roster can help explain some of their offensive troubles.

Leadoff hitter Brandon Nimmo leads the team in RBI

A leadoff hitter should lead in a lot of statistics. Plate appearances. Runs scored. OBP. He should never lead in RBI. Well, Brandon Nimmo still does. With 27 runs batted in, he continues to have more than Pete Alonso (23) and Francisco Lindor (21). It’s especially surprising considering how weak the bottom of the Mets order has been through much of this season. Nimmo leading the team here is a testament to his ability to drive in runs and also a mark against the middle of the order hitters failing to capitalize on their opportunities enough. Alonso should no doubt lead the team here.

DJ Stewart leads the team with an .800 OPS

The Mets have only one player with an .800 OPS or better (except for Mark Vientos) and it’s DJ Stewart. The last man to win a roster spot out of camp, there is no reason why he should be the tops here. Stewart can certainly make a case to have one of the better OPS’s on the team. He draws walks and can hit for good power. Plus, with the team carefully using him only against righties as much as possible, he’s set up for success. J.D. Martinez could soon pass Stewart whose .789 OPS is second on the team among those with 50 or more plate appearances. A couple of players could be the leader here. It shouldn't be Stewart.

The best batting average belongs to Harrison Bader

If we exclude J.D. Martinez who has only 65 at-bats and Mark Vientos who has gotten only 14 of them, the best hitter on the Mets in terms of batting average is Harrison Bader. His .277 average is a bit hollow considering only 5 have been for extra bases. Bader has begun to pass Tyrone Taylor a little more significantly with a .323 OBP far better than the .278 of his teammate. Bader’s .336 slugging percentage has kept him from an absolute starting role in center field and a 95 OPS+ indicates he is a below average offensive player. Not swayed to move Bader up in the lineup, one should ponder if this could come with the next lineup shakeup. The 2022 NL batting champion Jeff McNeil is nowhere to be found leading the team in this statistic.