HOUSTON — As the Mets took an unexpected off day on Sunday, it offered us a unique opportunity to reflect on their recent series against the Houston Astros, which ended not with a bang but a whimper. Despite a 1-2 record in this tightly contested matchup, there are notable positives for New York fans to cling to.

1. Juan Soto’s Bright Start: A Beacon of Hope

Despite the Mets’ two losses, standout player Juan Soto shone brightly. His record-breaking contract, totaling $126 million for 2025 alone, hasn’t seemed to weigh him down. Soto dazzled fans with the team's only home run during the series and showcased his formidable skills by reaching base seven times. An electric home run on Friday that blasted off the upper deck and a near-miss double on Saturday demonstrated his power and potential. “I thought I got it,” Soto lamented after his near-home run, proving even the best are motivated by the desire to improve.

Heading into their next match-up in Miami, Soto reflected on the team’s performance: “This is the first series. It didn’t go as expected... But we have a lot of things we can take from this and move on.”

2. Support Needed for Soto’s Heroics

However, even Soto's heroics cannot overshadow the need for stronger support from his teammates. The remaining members of the Mets’ star-studded lineup — Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Vientos — managed a disappointing 4-for-42 combined at the plate (.095). Lindor, yet to register a hit after 11 at-bats, remained optimistic. “I’ve got to do a way better job to be on base and make things happen,” he said, expressing hope that his performance will improve as the season progresses.

Despite scoring only five runs over three games, fans can hold onto the belief that the formidable line-up will find its stride soon.

3. Promising Pitches from the Mets’ Lab

The Mets’ much-lauded pitching lab shows early signs of paying off, at least for pitcher Griffin Canning, who made a significant impression in his debut. Although he previously struggled with a 5.19 ERA, Canning stayed competitive against the Astros, showcasing considerable improvements in his fastball velocity, reaching up to 96 mph. Canning's transformation not only signifies potential but also reflects the efficacy of the Mets’ advanced analytics and development strategies. “I think you’d be stupid not to use the technology to get yourself better,” he remarked, embracing the analytical approach.

4. Edwin Días Resurfaces as a Dominant Closer

One standout moment of the series was the return of Edwin Días to form, a vital development for the Mets’ future success. Días, whose rollercoaster performances have overshadowed his talent, showcased his potential by delivering a stellar save in the Friday game. Clocking speeds close to 98 mph, he provided a welcome sight for fans yearning for a reliable closer. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted, “We knew that once the bright lights come on, we’re going to see typical Sugar,” confirming the faith in Días's capabilities.

Despite the lackluster outcome of the series, it’s clear that the Mets have promising foundations on which they can build. As they gear up for their next match in Miami, fans and players alike can take solace in the silver linings emerging from this early setback. Will the Mets rally and claim victory in their upcoming games? Only time will tell!