The Mets need a ton more from these 3 players to have a shot at the playoffs

These players were key to the Mets' success in 2022. They've been a major cause of the Mets' first half struggles in 2023.
New York Yankees v New York Mets
New York Yankees v New York Mets / Jim McIsaac/GettyImages
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Mets we need to see more from #2: Jeff McNeil

Jeff McNeil has been an offensive liability for the Mets this year. 

The 2022 NL Batting Champ and Silver Slugger winner is slashing just .253/.331/.328/.659 with three homers, 13 doubles, 26 RBI, and 37 runs scored. His OPS+ is 84, 16 percent below league average. His wRC+ is 91, nine percent below league average.

The problem with contact hitters like McNeil is that when bloops aren’t falling, he provides no offensive value. This year and in 2021, the two years he’s struggled the most, his batting average on balls in play (BABIP) was .282 and .280, respectively. Every other season, he’s been in the .330-.360 range. 

This year his xBA is in the 43rd percentile and his xwOBA is in the 19th percentile. Last year, his xBA was in the 94th percentile and his xwOBA was in the 58th percentile.

His biggest asset to the Mets this year has been his defensive versatility. He’s mainly played second base (74 games), but he’s also played left field 14 times, right field 12 times, and shortstop once. Unfortunately, his defense has also declined sharply, which may be a product of his offensive struggles, as we’ve seen before with his temper.