QUEENS — Perhaps one of the largest indignations suffered by Mets fans this season came on Saturday at Citi Field when the Atlanta Braves — the long-time tormenters of the Queens club — swept a doubleheader by a combined score of 27-3, including a 21-3 beatdown in the opening matinee.
Entering Sunday’s series finale against Atlanta, the Mets have been outscored 34-3 in the first three games of the set, dropping to 13 games under .500 and now sitting just a half-game out of last place in the National League East.
The losses were expected to pile up after the Mets went from World Series hopefuls in spring to trade-deadline sellers in summer — but not even the most fervent of pessimists could have anticipated outings like this.
How did they get here? After giving up 21 runs on Saturday afternoon, it’s only fitting that we delve into the 21 reasons why the Mets have disappointed this season.
21 reasons why the Mets have disappointed in 2023
1) Edwin Diaz’s injury: The writing for a disastrous 2023 season appeared on the wall before things even got started. Star closer Edwin Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his knee while celebrating a victory with his Puerto Rican national teammates at the World Baseball Classic, sidelining for what could very well be the entire season despite his best efforts to bolt through his rehab. The Mets bullpen never recovered.
2) Billy Eppler: The Mets general manager, despite having the seemingly unlimited funds from Steve Cohen to field a legitimate World Series contender, was unable to do anything to cushion the blow of losing Diaz. It was one of multiple failings this season as he whiffed on finding a legitimate designated hitter and pitching depth.
3) Justin Verlander: Signed to a two-year, $86.6 million deal over the winter, Verlander was sidelined for the first month due to a shoulder issue. He proceeded to sputter out of the gates, going 2-4 with a 4.50 ERA over his first nine starts. By the time he found…
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