In their London Series opener against the Phillies, the New York Mets faced defensive struggles that proved costly in a 7-2 defeat. Center fielder Starling Marte's misjudgment of a fly ball led to a crucial run for the Phillies, highlighting ongoing defensive issues for the team.

The incident occurred in the fourth inning, with two outs, when Phillies shortstop Edmundo Sosa hit a lazy fly ball towards Marte. Unfortunately, Marte failed to see the ball until it was too late, resulting in an RBI single for Sosa. The next batter, Whit Merrifield, capitalized on the Mets' defensive lapse and hit a three-run homer, giving the Phillies a comfortable 5-1 lead.

Marte later explained that the architectural quirks of London Stadium, where the game was played, played a role in his difficulty tracking the ball. The stadium, originally built for the 2012 Summer Olympics, features a partial roof ring around the seating bowl. The positioning of the sun, combined with the orientation of the ballpark and a delayed sunset in London, caused visibility challenges for Marte and other outfielders.

The Mets' defensive struggles have been a recurring theme this season, particularly for Marte. Despite his reputation as a standout defender throughout his career, Marte's defensive performance has declined since joining the Mets on a four-year, $78 million contract. This decline is evident in Marte's Outs Above Average (OAA) numbers, where he currently ranks at the bottom among all Major League outfielders.

Furthermore, Marte's defensive range, especially on plays to his left, has noticeably diminished. However, his arm strength remains top-notch, contributing to his five outfield assists this season, which is tied for second in the Majors.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged Marte's defensive struggles but commended his arm strength, noting that it has won games for the team. Mendoza also hinted at possible adjustments to Marte's positioning in right field, hoping to address the ongoing issues.

Injuries do not appear to be a factor in Marte's defensive decline. Despite missing one game due to a minor right knee injury, Marte reported to Spring Training in good health and has played in 57 of the Mets' first 63 games this season, on pace for his highest games played total since 2015.

Although the Mets' defensive woes are cause for concern, including their performance in the London Series opener, the team remains determined to address the issues. Marte's commitment to discussing his positioning with Mets coaches demonstrates a proactive approach to improving his defensive performance.

As the Mets continue their series against the Phillies in London, they will strive to rectify their defensive struggles and bounce back from Saturday's defeat. The team understands the importance of shoring up their defense, as it directly impacts their ability to compete and secure victories.