Mets Struggle Without Lindor, High Payroll Under Scrutiny

0:00On April 26th, the New York Mets are struggling hard this season with the highest payroll and major league baseball, sitting at 9 wins and 18 losses. They dropped a 3-1 decision to the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a Sunday double header. Making it worse, their star shortstop Francisco Lendor is sideline with a calf strain and won't be back anytime soon. According to reports, the Mets are privately bracing for Lendor to miss time until weeks into June, with no official timetable yet. Lendor is not just key for New York, he ranks 16th in the league for most popular jerseys, right behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and ahead of Ronald Okona Jr., fans love him, and in the biggest market like New York, his absence quites the buzz around the team. This hurts baseball overall too, as fewer star players on the field means fewer eyes on gains. Look at Tampa Bay, 27th in payroll, at just over $109 million, yet they're 16 and 11 showing big spending. Doesn't guarantee wins.

1:01With the Mets eyes cold and Lendor out long term, the spotlight stays harsh on those massive contracts, raising doubts for free agents eyeing the. Lee, stay tuned with MLB News Today, AI-powered updates.