The New York Mets are facing significant offensive struggles as they recently lost back-to-back games for the first time this season. The team's batting average with runners in scoring position has been abysmal, ranking 29th in the league. Juan Soto, despite being a high-profile addition, has not delivered the expected performance. He has recently hit home runs in consecutive games, yet fans feel his at-bats lack the quality they expected. The spotlight is on Soto and other key players like Pete Alonso, as they need to step up to improve the team's offensive output.

Alonso remains a bright spot, boasting a solid OPS, but overall, the Mets' lineup needs to perform better. With a new season underway, the pressure is mounting in New York for the big-ticket players to deliver and lead the team back into contention. Fans are becoming impatient, and the team's success will heavily depend on how quickly they can find their stride offensively.

Ben Rice's stellar performance this season showcases his improved contact skills, with 36 batted balls and 10 barrels, positioning him as a key asset for the Yankees, particularly with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso continues to dominate at the plate with a slugging percentage of .673, backed by a strong expected slugging of .753, indicating even more potential. As the weather improves, both players are likely to elevate their stats further, making them essential picks for fantasy managers.

Juan Soto's time with the New York Mets is shaping up positively, as he is recognized for seeing a lot of pitches and enhancing the team's overall approach at the plate. Soto, who had previously been with the Yankees, is viewed as a fun-loving yet dedicated player, showing improvement in his adaptation to the new environment. However, Soto expressed concerns about the lack of Aaron Judge as a significant presence behind him in the batting order, compared to having Pete Alonzo now. Alonzo's response reflects a respect for Soto as a hitter, indicating a mutual appreciation that contributes positively to the Mets' lineup.

Clay Holmes has shown significant promise as a pitcher for the New York Mets, particularly with his latest outing where he effectively managed five innings, showcasing a new pitch in his arsenal that allows him to be more unpredictable to hitters. Despite initial skepticism about his transition from closer to starter, his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, especially against the Minnesota Twins, indicates he could be a valuable asset for the Mets moving forward.

On the offensive side, Pete Alonso is excelling, especially with runners in scoring position, contributing significantly to a struggling lineup. However, the Mets are still grappling with the fewest runs scored among division leaders, emphasizing the need for other players like Mark Vientos to step up. Despite a slow start, there's hope that Vientos’ recent hit could spark a turnaround. The Mets will need to find consistency in both pitching and batting as the season progresses.