As the 2023 MLB season began, there were high expectations placed on the New York Mets. But in a season where they were supposed to challenge for the World Series, the team has struggled. Injuries and bad form have played a part in their poor form. Most recently, their manager, Buck Showalter, made a strong statement regarding their difficult season and the struggles they have faced.
The Mets currently sit in 4th place in the NL East and are struggling to win consistently. Furthermore, with their high payroll, there are many questions surrounding their lack of wins. This most recent statement by Showalter is an explanation of the Mets’ poor start.
New York Mets manager Buck Showalter blames the WBC
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The World Baseball Classic took place earlier this year with Japan winning the tournament. Numerous MLB players represented their nations, including Mets players. In a recent statement, Buck Showalter, the manager of the New York-based team, blamed the WBC for his team’s bad form. He reportedly said that the WBC severely depleted the Mets’ team with players missing Spring Training. Furthermore, his star closer Edwin Diaz suffered a serious injury during the tournament. National Inquirer’s Mark Gooden shared Showalter’s statement on Twitter.
I asked Buck Showalter what's gone wrong for this Mets team and he said "I don't like to point fingers, but I think it was the WBC. We lost our closer. Guys were missing from camp for weeks. It's taken a toll on us, clearly." pic.twitter.com/8mM9h6XD4k
— Mark Gooden (@TooGooden17) May 15, 2023
According to Gooden, Showalter said, “I don’t like to point fingers, but I think it was the WBC. We lost our closer. Guys were missing from camp for weeks. It’s taken a toll on us, clearly.” This is a strong statement by the Mets manager as he deals with the pressure of poor form and inconsistent results.
It will be interesting to see how Showalter deals with the growing pressure of achieving better results. The Mets are indeed in a tough position, but a few wins could turn the situation around. Only time will tell how they deal with their inconsistent play going forward. Let us have a look at how fans are reacting to Showalter’s statement.
How have fans reacted to Buck Showalter’s statement?
The Met’s manager’s statement has drawn negative reactions. Most fans are criticizing Buck Showalter for his statement.
Some fans criticized Showalter for his statement in general.
That’s a lie and don’t make excuses for your failure i don’t hear other teams complaining about the WBC
— Jose Flores (@JoseFlo57134565) May 16, 2023
Stop with the excuses! Every single player in the lineup was and still is healthy, with the exception of Narvaez. Robertson has done a great job in the closer role. So it starts with the pitching and then the offense. Time to stop feeling sorry for yourselves and start winning!!
— Bryan C. (@bryan5c0tt) May 16, 2023
Terrible take by Buck. Come on man…
— Joey Weller (@TheJoeyWeller) May 15, 2023
Other fans wondered how the WBC affected the Mets apart from Edwin Diaz’s injury.
I didn’t know the only players in the WBC were Mets players 🤔because I’m sure other teams had players in the WBC too and besides our closer hasn’t been needed we’re losing games almost from the start what difference our closer would make?🤷♂️ Enough with the excuses 🙄
— nyorican one 🇵🇷🇺🇸 (@nyricanone) May 16, 2023
Other than the closer injury, how was the Mets' situation any different than every other club?
Dodgers lost their starting shortstop in spring training and were forced to trade for a scrub in Miguel Rojas.
Surely, the Mets closer options are not as big an issue as that…
— Mike (@JerseyShoreScre) May 15, 2023
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Yeah, I think other teams managed just well
One closer ain't the problem…
— Joe Donzelli, APR 🦈 (@NSU_Joe) May 16, 2023
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What do you think of the explanation given by New York Mets manager Buck Showalter regarding his team’s struggles? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.