The New York Mets came out of the gate swinging in 2025. Hot bats, solid pitching, and they had that playoff buzz buzzing through Queens. But really, June simply had other plans. And after Saturday’s 9-2 blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, the Mets’ record dropped to 48-36. They have surprisingly lost 12 of their last 15 games. And what once looked like a postseason cruise now looks like a ship that has leaks all over.
And inside the clubhouse, the players are feeling it too. After Saturday’s loss, one of the team’s saddest losses yet, the Mets’ star shortstop, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso led a players-only meeting. Because things are as bad as they look! Now, what was said about those closed doors?
According to New York Post insider Mike Puma, Juan Soto stepped up with a five-word message for everyone: “Keep going. Believe in it.” Simple for sure, but given the stretch they are in, this is exactly what they need to hear right now. And it’s a move that even their skipper agreed to.
“Appreciation, especially from the leadership group – they acknowledge the stretch that we’re going through right now”
Carlos Mendoza on the Mets’ players meeting: pic.twitter.com/fVEWutFLAP
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 29, 2025
Manager of the New York Mets, Carlos Mendoza, was asked about the players-only meeting, and he made it clear—he respected the leadership move from his players. Mendoza mentioned, “Yeah, I mean, every year is different. Every meeting, every get-together is different. So just from my standpoint, I appreciate the fact that the guys felt the need yesterday to get together in the same room, look each other in the eye, and express their feelings. From day one, I’ve expressed the importance of communication.” Wonder if the last sentence hints at all the rumors about how Soto and the rest of the leaders in the club didn’t get along!
Also, Mendoza mentioned that he acknowledges the bad stretch he is in and that he appreciates this coming from the leadership group. Lindor, Alonso, and Juan Soto are stepping up to be there for the team. And, if anyone knows about powering up right now, though, it’s Soto. After a rocky start to his first season in New York, he has surged high. Soto had just three runs and a .241 average in March and April. And how he has surged with 17 homers and a .262 clip since May. That “keep going” mindset that Soto is talking about has worked for him.
Now the New York Mets will try to channel the same energy on Sunday and avoid a sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates, one of the NL’s worst teams. For now, though, the urgency to prove their worth is real, and locker room talk doesn’t lie. But the Pirates have been making quite a few changes in their lineup for their final game.
Pirates make key lineup changes as Mets look to avoid sweep
The Pittsburgh Pirates have shuffled the deck quite a bit ahead of their series finale at PNC Park. They are hoping that some of these tweaks help them win. Adam Frazier, for the first time, is back at second base. He is replacing Nick Gonzales and is leading off for the second straight game. It’s actually his first start at second since June 12 against the Cubs. He is finding his rhythm, and the Pirates want to ride the wave.
Next up, Tommy Pham is moving to left field. It gives Frazier a breakout there after three recent starts. Pham has been on fire at the plate, batting .533 over the past four games. He will bat seventh. There is Jared Triolo, who gets the start at shortstop over Isiah Kiner-Falefa. It’s his first appearance there since June 9.
Also behind the plate, Henry Davis is making his return to the lineup after taking a short break. He is replacing Joey Bart and hitting ninth. It’s honestly been rough for Davis; he is slashing. .152/.204/.326 with just two homers and seven hits in 46 at-bats. There are other movements too, like Ke’Bryan Hayes is staying at third base but is jumping from eighth to fifth in the order. Oneil Cruz also moved down to the sixth.
Meanwhile, Andrew McCutchen is holding steady as the DH. So yes, plenty of changes, and each team will be hoping for the best. It remains to be seen if the leadership talk in the Mets clubhouse will work its magic or not, though. Do you think it will?
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