Aug 6, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) looks at the umpire after a strike call during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Mets at Baltimore Orioles
(New York) — The New York Mets have a toxic clubhouse.
That’s according to WFAN radio host Sal Licata.
“Put it this way: I’ve done my homework, and I know there are issues in that clubhouse. That’s a fact. They know the clubhouse was a major problem….that’s the reason Pete Alonso was made available. That’s the reason the Mets need a significant change in that clubhouse and their culture. It’s just not working. It’s become a toxic environment there.”
Of course, there’s another possibility, aside from negative clubhouse chemistry. The team was 21 games back in the division and seven games out of the final NL Wild Card spot ahead of the trade deadline. So that standings-based reality may be escaping Licata’s desire to spout hot takes at every turn.
“The Mets have a toxic clubhouse,” Licata added. “And Pete Alonso is part of that… he is the guy who has to go.”
All Alonso has done is become the first player in Mets history to post four straight 35-homer seasons. Despite a prolonged midseason struggle, the 28-year-old has enjoyed another impressive season, slashing .227/.321/.533 with 87 RBI across 106 games.
“Why did they fail so miserably? It’s because you have a bunch of selfish individuals not playing as a team,” Sal said. “And unfortunately, Alonso is part of that.”
Sal does present a fair question, however. Why the Mets fail so miserably this year? It’s the $364 million question.
Justin Verlander, who was recently traded to the Astros, addressed the team’s struggles.
“We kind of got off on the wrong foot. Everything that could go wrong did early. Even though we started playing some good baseball at times, we never really hit our stride.”
It’s also worth noting the 40-year-old had nothing but great things to say about his brief stint in New York.
“It was just an unfortunate season where things didn’t go according to plan. I have nothing but the utmost respect for their organization and how they treat players. A-plus from top to bottom.”
The moral of the story? Take anything Sal Licata says with a grain of salt, but he’s done his job. He has us talking.
