Questions surrounded the New York Mets’ offseason strategy from the moment the roster was assembled, particularly regarding how the team handled its lineup construction and offensive priorities.
While the Mets emphasized improving their defense and overall run prevention, some analysts now believe the club may have overlooked a major opportunity to strengthen the middle of its batting order. One move drawing increasing criticism is the team’s decision to commit significant money to Jorge Polanco instead of pursuing Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber.
According to FanSided’s Tim Boyle, the Mets could end up regretting not making a stronger push for Schwarber, who eventually signed a five-year, $150 million deal to remain with the Phillies. Boyle argued that Schwarber would have addressed several weaknesses in New York’s lineup while also preventing a division rival from retaining one of its most dangerous hitters.
Instead, the Mets opted to bring in Jorge Polanco and experiment with him in unfamiliar roles, including first base and designated hitter, despite his limited experience at those positions. The move has not paid off so far, as injuries and underwhelming production have limited his impact. Polanco has already missed significant time and produced little offensively, hitting just one home run with only a couple of RBIs before landing on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Schwarber continues to thrive in Philadelphia, once again showcasing the power and plate discipline that have made him one of baseball’s premier left-handed sluggers. The veteran outfielder and designated hitter has already launched 16 home runs this season while maintaining an elite walk rate, providing the Phillies with exactly the type of offensive force the Mets currently lack.
Boyle also pointed out that Schwarber’s ability to crush left-handed pitching would have added another dimension to New York’s lineup. Beyond the statistics, signing him away from a National League East rival could have significantly shifted the balance of power within the division.
Although Schwarber remaining in Philadelphia always seemed like the most likely outcome, critics believe the Mets should have done more to compete for his services instead of investing heavily in a risky positional experiment with Polanco. With the season unfolding and offensive inconsistencies continuing to surface, some around baseball believe New York may already be regretting that decision.
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