The Mets have been cruising high in their playoff push, but one key player’s recent struggles are starting to raise concerns. Pete Alonso, the team’s slugging first baseman, has faced an unexpected fall at the plate just as the Mets set up for a critical stretch. What makes matters more complex is the physical issue that recently kept him out of the lineup, a hand contusion injury that has forced a brief opt-out. While he returned to the field in the next game, the poor timing and mental adjustments began to weigh on the team and their star hitter.
The Mets’ skipper recently offered a candid take on Alonso’s struggles at the plate, and it was not exactly reassuring. When asked about Alonso’s performance, Mendoza admitted, “He’s late, you know, late. So he’s missing good pitches to hit and not recognizing a time, you know. But I feel like he’s swinging through pitches in the strike zone that he usually, when he’s locked in, he does damage with.” His comments were telling, signaling that something more than a simple slump might be going on with the Mets’ star hitter.
Alonso’s struggles came to the foreground after a hand contusion injury kept him out of the lineup on July 23. However, he did play in the previous game against the Angels on July 22, which suggests the injury was not severe enough to keep him sidelined for long. Yet, despite his presence on the field, Mendoza’s concerns over Alonso’s timing problem remain. The injury likely did not help, and the coach’s admission makes it clear that Alonso’s current struggles at the plate could be rooted in more than just mechanics; it is also about physical and mental adjustments.
However, Mendoza is not sounding the alarm just yet. He reassured reporters, saying, “The good ones, the elite ones, just like Pete, they will find a way to get it done. And he will.” While such statements are comforting, the timing of the skipper’s reviews raises questions. With the team in a tight race, Alonso’s battle to find his rhythm is becoming tougher to ignore. Though Mendoza remains optimistic, the gap between Alonso’s usual dominance and his current performance only adds to the growing tension surrounding the team.
Despite such issues, Mendoza is not ready to make drastic transformations. Alonso is a star who loves to be on the field, and the Mets manager emphasized that the veteran understands his body and knows when to push through and when to rest. He said, “This guy knows how to take care of himself and he knows his body.” While his desire to play daily is commendable, Mendoza’s statements highlight that the team needs to balance Alonso’s workload to avoid further setbacks. The road to recovery could not be as simple as waiting for him to hit his stride.
While securing a setup man such as Griffin Jax could be a pivotal move for the Mets, their pursuit does not end there. However, acquiring a talent like him will depend on several factors, including the Twins’ willingness to trade and the Mets’ ability to secure a deal that does not overpay for a relief pitcher with relatively few save numbers.
Griffin Jax: An ideal Mets target
Despite the relatively modest 3.74 ERA, Jax has been a dominant reliever in MLB. His ability to command his off-speed pitches, along with his 68 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings, highlights why he stands out as a top setup star. His control is impeccable—reflected in a minuscule 1.92 FIP, which highlights his actual performance is better than his ERA indicates. With a low salary due to limited save totals, Jax represents a valuable addition for any team in need of bullpen help.
For the Mets, his control and affordability would be a huge upgrade. He has two years of control remaining after 2025, making him a suitable candidate to fill the gap left by Díaz without breaking the bank. Additionally, Jax’s pitching style makes him an even more attractive option for a playoff-contender like the Mets. Having someone who can dominate in high-leverage situations, particularly with a playoff game on the line, would strengthen the Mets’ chances of postseason success.
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Minnesota Twins at Colorado Rockies Jul 20, 2025 Denver, Colorado, USA Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Griffin Jax 22 pitches in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Denver Coors Field Colorado USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xIsaiahxJ.xDowningx 20250720_ijd_bd3_033
As the trade deadline date is drawing closer, the Mets are facing critical decisions to solidify their bullpen, especially with Edwin Díaz’s future uncertain. Jax’s elite control and affordable contract make him the perfect fit for New York, as he provides both immediate help and future stability for their relief corps.
`
The post Mets Skipper Carlos Mendoza Makes Concerning Pete Alonso Admission Days After Injury Opt-Out appeared first on EssentiallySports.
