During the past 30 days, only four other teams have struck out at a higher rate than the Mets.
Mets’ hitters struck out in 23.2 percent of their plate appearances in this span, which is the fifth highest mark in the league.
This problem has been magnified during the last two games against San Diego. Padres’ starter Andrew Cashner punched out 12 Mets in 4.2 innings while Ian Kennedy fanned eight in six innings.
Overall, New York has struck out at total of 28 times in these two games.
It’s critical for the lineup to start making better contact, especially since it does not supply a lot of power.
The Mets are 19th in the MLB in home runs and 28th in slugging percentage. Low power numbers combined with poor contact hitting and high strikeout rates is a very concerning mix.
The NL average for strikeout rate is 20.5 percent. The Mets have more than half their hitters striking out at a higher rate, led by Anthony Recker (31.7), John Mayberry (28.6), Kevin Plawecki (27.9), Michael Cuddyer (23.6), Curtis Granderson (22.4) and Lucas Duda (22.3).
Daniel Murphy is one of the toughest hitters to strikeout, leading the team with a 7.7 percent strikeout rate.
Meanwhile, the strikeout numbers on the pitching side are extremely encouraging. New York has one of the most overpowering staffs in the majors as they are top ten in the MLB in K’s and K/9.
In the month of May, Mets’ pitchers posted a 8.38 K/9. The league average stands at 7.66.
The Mets’ also have a firm lead in the MLB in strikeout to walk ratio. Their 4.10 K/BB still remains the best in baseball. The next closest team is the Cubs at 3.50.
