Joel Sherman

The Mets completed a homestand that defined their 2023 squad to date — inspiring enough to sweep three from the Phillies, inadequate enough to be swept three by the Blue Jays.

There are many reasons why the Mets completed one-third of the season on a surprisingly long list of most disappointing teams in the majors.

The hope, though, for the Mets is that the difference-making power change was not from outside in the offseason, but from the inside.

There is time for the Mets to get right. But salaries and reputations are not going to do that. It is up to this group to prove that they actually have a winning DNA.

The 2023 Mets have not offered off-the-field concerns. But on the field, the worry level is rising.

The Mets are in the business of winning this year, which could make for some interesting decisions about how they handle their most promising prospects.