3 Mets players who don't deserve blame for the team's horrific 0-4 start

The season is only four games old, but already it hasn't gone according to plan for the New York Mets. Check that, let me rephrase. The season is only four games old, but already it has turned into a dumpster fire on wheels, careening off the highway faster than an Edwin Diaz fastball.

There, that's better.

Things have gone so poorly for the Mets that the best two days of the season thus far have been Opening Day and Tuesday. What do those days have in common? The Mets were scheduled to play but were rained out. You can't lose if you don't play, baby!

The Mets' problems run deep. Kodai Senga still isn't close to returning to the rotation, and Tylor Megill is about to miss time with shoulder soreness after making just one start. Yohan Ramirez and new manager Carlos Mendoza were suspended after Ramirez threw behind Rhys Hoskins in retaliation for (checks notes) sliding into second base in a manner that was deemed legal on the field and after replay, enraging Jeff McNeil. Hoskins went on to single-handedly destroy the Mets, rubbing salt in an already self-inflicted wound.

The Mets have stepped on more rakes than Sideshow Bob, but for all the injuries and embarrassing moments, they're not performing on the field, either. McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, and Francisco Lindor are a combined 3-44 to start the year. Monday's game against the Tigers entered extra innings in a scoreless tie, then the Mets booted the ball around and allowed five runs. Only once in four games have the Mets scored more than one run. That's tough to do!

Not every Met has struggled to start the year, and they deserve credit for doing their part to prevent Mets fans from spiraling into complete depression. Let's recognize the few players that have shown up so far, and let's hope that they rub off on their struggling teammates quickly.

1) Starling Marte looks ready to put the past two injury-riddled years behind him

We have to begin with Starling Marte. The veteran right fielder entered this season as a giant question mark after injuries derailed his 2023 campaign in a big way, but he's looked like his old All-Star self. Marte has hit safely in all four games and has struck out just twice as he's posted a .357 average.

Marte's Opening Day homer was the Mets' lone hit of the afternoon, and if he keeps this up, he should swiftly rise up Carlos Mendoza's lineup card. The veteran has hit fifth three times and sixth once, but his hot start, combined with the struggles of the hitters above him, could see him return to his old spot near the top of the order.

Mets fans have to be pleased to have the old Marte back. All that remains to be seen is if the 35-year-old still has the speed that's made him so dangerous throughout his career, as he's yet to attempt a steal on the year. The struggling Mets lineup has nowhere to go but up, and if Marte can maintain his high level of play, it could soon translate to some wins.