The New York Mets, facing a season that has effectively concluded in late July, are still competing for more than just pride. Performances in the remaining games carry significance, potentially impacting trade returns and offering insights into the team's future. Players like Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien are under scrutiny as the team looks to build towards the 2027 season.
Francisco Lindor, despite an injury-plagued and underperforming start to his season, has shown flashes of his superstar potential in recent weeks. After struggling with a .208 batting average and a .636 OPS entering mid-July, Lindor's numbers have improved, reaching .233 with a .743 OPS after hitting four home runs and making multiple extra-base hits in his last eleven games. Interim manager Andy Green noted Lindor's ability, stating, "He’s just one of the best players in baseball, and it’s a matter of time before one of the best players in baseball gets hot." The team hopes this resurgence, following hamate surgery and a calf strain, signals a return to All-Star form and a foundation for future success.
Marcus Semien, a former MVP candidate, has also faced challenges this season with a .629 OPS, ranking among the lowest in the league. Owed significant money in the coming years, any indication of a rebound is crucial. Semien, who battled a hip issue that landed him on the injured list in late June, has shown signs of improvement since returning. His performance in a recent game, where he reached base four times, hit a home run, and scored three runs, offers a potential glimmer of hope for the team and validates his assertion that players are "starting to get healthy."
On the pitching front, left-hander Zac Thornton has emerged as a promising talent. In his initial five starts, Thornton has posted a 2.43 ERA, pitching effectively against opponents. His performance suggests he could be a valuable addition to the team's rotation in the coming years, potentially alongside Nolan McLean and Christian Scott. Thornton's ability to silence offenses with his current repertoire, even without overpowering velocity, has impressed Green, who described his approach as "real."
The development of young pitchers like Thornton is significant for an organization that has seen limited successes in its minor league pipeline. The prospect of Thornton, McLean, and Scott forming a core of the rotation in 2027 could reshape the team's narrative. Despite the current season's challenges, these individual performances offer valuable data points for the Mets as they plan for the future.