Luis Robert Jr. shows improved plate discipline, could become X-factor for 2026 Mets

Carlos Mendoza called Luis Robert Jr. ’s 10-pitch walk the biggest at-bat in what turned out to be the Mets ’ rather stunning first-inning takedown of Paul Skenes , the best and most imposing pitcher in the National League. And afterward, the manager was practically giggling as he tried to explain it.

“I mean, historically he’s been chaser, right? ” Mendoza said. “We know he’s going to chase.

But then you watch that at-bat. For him to lay off that 3-2 breaking ball…for me, that whole inning was about that Luis Robert at-bat. ” As it turned out, Robert Jr.

’s unexpected plate discipline loaded the bases and set the table for the Brett Baty triple - albeit, thanks to a misplay by Oneil Cruz - that led to Skenes’ first-inning knockout and eventually a feel-good 11-7 Opening Day win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field . It was a win that featured the Mets’ new-look offense that prioritizes making contact, the deliberate result of David Stearns desire to, as he said during spring training, “have more competitive at-bats 1-through-9” in the lineup. The first-day results say the plan could work wonders for an offense that has been too feast-or-famine in recent years, and way too inconsistent with runners in scoring position.