NEW YORK — It’s difficult to identify a possible area of weakness on a team that has the best record (28-15) and run differential (69) in the National League.

On Wednesday, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns praised his team for being “pretty balanced.” He also admitted that there’s one area they can certainly improve.

“I think we can play better defense … that’s an area we can get better,” Stearns told reporters. “I think the players that we have are capable of playing better defense.”

As of May 14, a little over the quarter mark of the season, the Mets’ defense has been average at best. Their collective 13 defensive runs saved ranks 13 of 30 teams, while their -6 outs above average ranks 23. Their 20 errors rank 18, and their .987 team fielding percentage ranks 12.

“I think right now we’ve had some very strong defensive performances. Brandon Nimmo has played a very solid left field,” Stearns added. “I think there are also areas where we have some guys who are skilled defenders, and we’ve just made some mistakes at some points.”

The main “skilled” culprit who’s taken a steep dip has been shortstop Francisco Lindor. Traditionally, one of the best shortstops in the game, this season, Lindor’s -4 defensive runs saved and 1 outs above average are the lowest of his career.

Lindor is on pace for 22 errors, which would represent the most of his career by a long shot. The most errors he’s committed are 14 as a member of the then-Cleveland Indians in 2018.

It’s not for lack of trying. Lindor is constantly working on his defense, taking grounders before games and during batting practice.

Then there’s an area where the Mets have shown great improvement — controlling the running game.

“That’s certainly been one of the highlights of our defense so far this year,” Stearns said. “That’s a testament, not only to the three catchers we’ve had up here, all of them have thrown really well, but also to our pitching group as a whole. They made this a priority, keeping runners close.

“In certain cases, getting a little quicker to the plate. All of that has turned into a team that controls the running game very well.”

The Mets have improved their caught stealing percentage from 20% last season, 20th of 30 teams, to 42.4% this year, the best in MLB. They’ve also gone from allowing the fifth-most stolen bases in the game last year to allowing the second-fewest.

“(Controlling the running game) did become a priority, especially with our coaching staff,” Stearns said. “(Mets manager Carlos Mendoza) did a great job of prioritizing that with our group, not only in the offseason but in spring training. And the guys have reacted, and we’re in a pretty good spot there right now.”