Cardinals, Mets and more: Ranking the 5 most disappointing MLB teams in the first half

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 06: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 06, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 06: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 06, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Sep 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Mets manager Buck Showalter (11) in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Mets manager Buck Showalter (11) in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets have been a big disappointment in the first half

Ok, so it’s clear what the two biggest disappointments have been this season, it’s just a matter of who has been the biggest. The New York Mets are second and things began to spiral out of control before the first pitch of the regular season was even thrown.

Closer Edwin Diaz was injured in the World Baseball Classic in March and is one of the biggest injuries this season. He is coming off a 2022 season that saw him record 32 saves with a 1.31 ERA and this season, he was looking to top that number for the Mets.

Pitching has been an issue this season, as has been an offense that has been very inconsistent. Team owner Steve Cohen in June gave his support to GM Billy Epler and manager Buck Showalter and it appears that both will survive the season, regardless of how things play out. If there was going to be a change of any kind, it usually starts with the manager.

The Mets had a three-game road trip before the break against National League West leader Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres in what could have been considered a season-saving trip. They swept Arizona and won the first game in San Diego, before dropping the last two. The division is out of reach with the Braves rolling along and the Wild Card is quickly getting out of reach. The first two weeks after the break will decide the Mets’ direction at the deadline.