Mets need to see better production from struggling youngsters who were once the future
The New York Mets are struggling with underperformance from once-promising prospects Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio, who now reflect the team's overall disappointing start to the 2026 season. Injuries have forced these players into larger roles, but their offensive and defensive inconsistencies have exacerbated the team's 11-21 record. The Mets need significant improvement from this group if they hope to turn their season around.
- ▪Francisco Alvarez ranks in MLB’s fifth percentile for blocking balls in the dirt despite a drop in strikeout percentage.
- ▪Brett Baty has struggled with a high strikeout percentage and low hard-hit ball rate despite above-average bat speed.
- ▪Mark Vientos has shown a significant split in performance, with an .833 OPS against left-handed pitchers but only a .548 OPS against right-handed ones.
- ▪Ronny Mauricio entered Saturday with just 321 major league plate appearances, making him the least experienced of the four.
- ▪Luis Torrens received a two-year contract extension, highlighting his defensive value over Alvarez behind the plate.
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MLB New York Mets Mets need to see better production from struggling youngsters who were once the future By Mike Puma Published May 2, 2026, 11:04 p.m. ET ANAHEIM, Calif. — They were once core four prospects and considered the Mets’ future, but these days Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio are an overall reflection of the team’s disappointing play. Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free The foursome began Saturday with a combined -0.8 bWAR, a troubling factor in the Mets’ 11-21 start.
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