Baby Not Loving Solids

Anyone else's baby not digging eating solids? My guy turned 6 months last week and we waited to start solids until almost 6 months due to all of the recommendations and open gut syndrome. His first food was avocado and he enjoyed playing with it but wasn't that into it, we are trying the Baby Led Weaning method. We have also tried cucumber, banana, and baby pears, carrots and beef. He makes a sad face when he puts any of it in his mouth. From what I've read, some babies aren't ready until they are 8 or 9 months or even older, I don't want to torture him or make him feel like it's not enjoyable to eat, we've been letting him explore and play with the food on his high chair tray. Anyone else experiencing this?