Mets Scapegoats: 1 to fire, 1 to put on the hot seat, 1 to be patient with

The New York Mets have gotten off to a very slow start in the 2023 season. After winning 100 games last season, most figured the Mets would be right back in the conversation for best team in baseball this season. Unfortunately, things haven't gone to plan.

Injuries and underperforming players have the Mets sitting at 27-27. The season is far from over, and we've seen this team play good baseball this season, but the inconsistency is maddening.

The inconsistency has fans wanting certain Mets personnel members to lose their jobs. It's hard to see any major shake-up happening anytime soon barring a collapse of epic proportions, but later this season or after it is when things can really happen with the staff.

NY Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner should be fired

Jeremy Hefner is the easiest man to blame for the Mets struggles, and does deserve a large chunk of that blame. The Mets pitching was supposed to be a strength but has turned into its biggest weakness by far. All of the talk is about the offense, but the pitching is where this team has stunk all season long.

The Mets Opening Day rotation was supposed to consist of Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, and Carlos Carrasco. Of those five, Senga is the only one to stay healthy. Of those five, Senga is the only one to be somewhat consistent. Even he has his issues, as he's walked almost six batters per nine.

Where I believe Hefner is the most liable comes from the depth pieces. David Peterson has an ERA over eight, while Tylor Megill is at 4.67 with a 5.98 xERA. Peterson is in the minors, and Megill might be joining him.

Billy Eppler planned for injuries and had both of these starters on hand for when that'd happen. Naturally, they were both part of the Opening Day rotation because of injuries to Verlander and Quintana, and naturally, both have been awful.

The only relievers who have really pitched well for their expectations this season have been Jeff Brigham and David Robertson. Guys like Adam Ottavino and Drew Smith have struggled. Brooks Raley has been hurt and inconsistent. The lower-leverage guys like Stephen Nogosek and Tommy Hunter have been bad, but that mostly be pinned on the starting pitching.

Starting pitching was supposed to be a strength and it simply hasn't been. The Mets are 25th in rotation ERA. The only team ranked higher than that is the Red Sox who have one of baseball's best offenses. They've gotten 13 quality starts all season. It might not be completely fair, but that's baseball. Something has to change.