Mets Struggling to Stay Disciplined at the Plate

Chasing pitches outside the zone suggests the team is feeling the pressure of high expectations.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or at-bat, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones of green, brown, and gray, with hints of bright blue and red, capturing the fractured, pressurized nature of the Mets' performance.The Mets' undisciplined at-bats against the Dodgers expose the team's struggle to stay focused under the weight of high expectations.Queens Today

The New York Mets have been struggling at the plate, particularly in a recent series sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite having a chance to rally in the 9th inning of one game, the Mets hitters chased pitches outside the strike zone, enabling the Dodgers pitcher to strike out the side. This undisciplined approach at the plate may be a sign that the Mets, facing high expectations after last season and the offseason, are pressing and feeling the pressure to perform.

Why it matters

The Mets were expected to be one of the top teams in baseball this season, but their early struggles have raised questions about their ability to handle the pressure. Their undisciplined at-bats suggest the team may be trying too hard, which could hinder their performance going forward.

The details

In a recent series against the Dodgers, the Mets were swept, scoring just 3 runs total. In one key 9th inning situation, the Mets had a chance to rally against Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia, but their hitters chased pitches outside the strike zone, enabling Vesia to strike out the side and preserve the Dodgers' lead. This lack of plate discipline, which can be a sign that a team is pressing, has been a concerning trend for the Mets early in the season.

  • The Mets were swept by the Dodgers in a series from April 14-16, 2026.

The players

Jorge Polanco

A Mets hitter who chased pitches outside the strike zone in the 9th inning against the Dodgers.

Bo Bichette

A Mets hitter who chased pitches outside the strike zone in the 9th inning against the Dodgers.

Francisco Alvarez

A Mets hitter who chased pitches outside the strike zone in the 9th inning against the Dodgers.

Alex Vesia

A Dodgers relief pitcher who was able to strike out the Mets hitters in the 9th inning by getting them to chase pitches outside the strike zone.

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The takeaway

The Mets' early-season struggles, particularly their undisciplined approach at the plate, suggest the team may be feeling the pressure of high expectations. If they can't regain their focus and plate discipline, it could hinder their performance going forward.