Marcus Semien’s continued struggles at the plate in spring training, including an 0-for-3 performance against the Cardinals, highlight growing concerns about the New York Mets’ offensive chemistry as they prepare for the season without Francisco Lindor.
The New York Mets’ 6-1 Grapefruit League victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on March 10 offered little cause for celebration in the Mets’ clubhouse, as second baseman Marcus Semien extended his spring hitting slump with an 0-for-3 performance that included a strikeout. This outing dropped Semien’s exhibition average to a meager .190, a number that should set off alarm bells for a veteran tasked with filling a critical role at the top of the lineup.
Semien is batting leadoff temporarily with star shortstop Francisco Lindor still sidelined, a responsibility that falls on the shoulders of a player known for his consistent production. The Mets’ offensive plans hinge on getting on base from the leadoff spot to set the table for power hitters like Pete Alonso and Starling Marte. A .190 average from Semien disrupts that entire rhythm and puts additional pressure on the rest of the order to produce without runners in scoring position. The New York Post confirmed the details of the game and Semien’s struggles, noting this is part of a persistent pattern this spring. New York Post
While spring training statistics are often downplayed, Semien’s prolonged issues are too significant to ignore. He is not a young player seeking his first opportunity; he is a seasoned veteran with a career .262 average and a track record of being a reliable middle-of-the-order bat. The transition to the leadoff spot, even temporarily, requires a slightly different approach focused on patience and on-base ability. Semien’s current average suggests he is either pressing, suffering from mechanical issues, or simply not finding his timing—a problem that could linger into the early regular season if not corrected.
The Mets’ coaching staff, led by Manager Carlos Mendoza, must decide whether to persist with Semien in the leadoff role or shift the lineup order before Opening Day. Options likeutility player Jeff McNeil or even moving Marte up could be considered, but each change carries its own set of consequences for defensive alignments and player confidence. The next week of Grapefruit League games is crucial for Semien to show tangible improvement; otherwise, the Mets may be forced to open the season with a modified offensive strategy while Lindor recovers.
Amid the Semien concerns, there was a positive offensive development: catcher Francisco Álvarez launched a 439-foot home run to center field, his first of the spring. Álvarez’s power is a major asset for the Mets, and his ability to impact the game from the catcher’s position provides a much-needed boost. His homer highlighted that not all Mets hitters are struggling, offering a contrast to Semien’s woes and reminding everyone of the team’s offensive potential when key contributors are clicking.
The game also featured notable activity involving the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, a technology being tested this spring. Semien successfully won a challenge that overturned a called strike to a ball, demonstrating the potential for players to influence calls. Conversely, both Álvarez and pitcher David Peterson lost their challenges. This back-and-forth with the system underscores the learning curve all teams face as they adapt to the new technology, which will be a storyline to follow throughout the remainder of exhibition play and into the regular season.
For Mets fans, the combination of Semien’s slump and Lindor’s absence has sparked intense debate on social media and fan forums. Many are questioning whether the leadoff experiment is worth the risk, arguing that Semien’s strengths are better utilized in the middle of the order where his power can drive in runs. Others point out that spring training is for working out kinks, and that Semien’s track record suggests he will round into form. The anxiety is understandable: after a 2024 season where the Mets’ offense was inconsistent, any prolonged weakness at the top of the lineup could derail early-season momentum.
The stakes are clear. The Mets are a team with World Series aspirations, and their ability to navigate the first few weeks without Lindor while maintaining offensive production will be a major test. Semien’s performance in the next spring game against the Cardinals on Thursday in Jupiter, Fla., will be dissected more closely than almost any other spring training at-bat. A multi-hit game could ease concerns; another 0-fer will amplify them.
Looking ahead, the Mets’ regular-season opener is just around the corner. The final spring lineup decisions will be made in the next 72 hours, and Semien’s name in the leadoff spot is far from guaranteed. His ability to adjust, simplify his approach, and find his timing will be one of the most watched developments as the team transitions from Florida to New York. The margin for error is slim, and the Mets cannot afford to carry a slumping leadoff hitter into the regular season while they await the return of their franchise shortstop.
The only constant in spring training is change, but some trends are too persistent to ignore. Marcus Semien’s .190 average is not just a blip; it is a symptom of a potential lineup issue that could define the Mets’ early season. All eyes will be on his at-bats in the coming days, because for a team with championship goals, every out from the leadoff spot feels magnified.
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