The Mets’ season was headed toward the bottom of Flushing Bay on May 29, but a 27-13 surge into the All-Star break changed the conversation.
The second half will begin Friday with the Mets firmly in the hunt for a postseason berth.
A look at the first-half grades:
Francisco Lindor: A-
Moved to the leadoff spot and results followed.
Easily would have been an All-Star if not for his slow start.
Brandon Nimmo: A-
Last season, he reached 20 homers for the first time in his career and this year he may hit 30. A clutch performer.
Francisco Alvarez: A-
The Mets’ abysmal play coincided with his stint on the injured list.
His steady presence behind the plate and bat have been huge in the last five weeks.
Jose Iglesias: A-
How does somebody who couldn’t find a major league job last season lead the team with a .999 OPS at the break?
Jose Butto: A-
First he bolstered the rotation for a stretch.
Then the right-hander returned from Syracuse and became a multi-inning threat from the bullpen.
The team has needed it.
J.D. Martinez: B+
The Mets’ season might have cratered beyond repair without the veteran DH’s big contributions in late-May and June.
Mark Vientos: B+
Lost the third base competition in spring training to Brett Baty, but returned with a vengeance and has helped carry the lineup with an .896 OPS.
Dedniel Nuñez: B+
The rookie helped save the bullpen from total ruin during Edwin Diaz’s absence. A success story for player development.
Luis Torrens: B+
Strong arm with a timely bat, the Mets upgraded at backup catcher with the trade that brought Torrens from the Yankees.
Pete Alonso: B
Solid but unspectacular first half for the Mets’ lone All-Star.
Leads the team in homers (19), but others in the lineup have provided the big moments.
Harrison Bader: B
Defense, contact, base running.
He has stayed healthy and brought a well-rounded game to the Mets.
Luis Severino: B
Workhorse leads the Mets in innings pitched (109 ²/₃) while providing a dependable arm atop the rotation.
Strikeouts are down, but he is taking the ball every turn through the rotation.
Sean Manaea: B
The lefty struggled to get deep into games early, but has shown improvement on that front.
Starling Marte: B-
Plenty to like about his offensive production, but defense lacked — probably with the bone bruise in his right knee that forced him to the IL late last month as a significant factor.
David Peterson: B-
A dependable back-of-the-rotation piece, the lefty has managed to keep the Mets in games after missing the early part of the season rehabbing from hip surgery.
Reed Garrett: B-
Dominant to start the season, he succumbed to increased usage later and scuffled.
But overall his work — which included a 3.64 ERA in 36 appearances — was respectable and helped carry the bullpen.
Jose Quintana: C+
Resurrected his season beginning in mid-June after a rough stretch.
The veteran lefty has pitched in playoff races previously and remains an asset.
Christian Scott: C+
The rookie has been steady since bursting on the scene with a dominant MLB debut.
Ideal sixth starter for this rotation once Kodai Senga returns.
Tyrone Taylor: C+
There is plenty to like about the backup outfielder’s defense and base running.
Though he owns a subpar .654 OPS, he has delivered plenty of big hits.
Adrian Houser: D
Appeared to have it figured out in a long relief role after a disappointing stint in the rotation, but lately the right-hander has reverted to hittable.
Tylor Megill: D
The right-hander might be the unluckiest pitcher on the staff, but he doesn’t help himself with his high walk rate.
Edwin Diaz: D
There has been much drama surrounding the star closer, from a May tailspin to a June suspension. It cost the team.
The Mets need better from him.
Adam Ottavino: D
The veteran reliever had a dreadful May and was moved to lower leverage spots.
Lately, he’s barely been used and appears lost.
DJ Stewart: D
Playing time has been scarce and his contributions even scarcer.
Jeff McNeil: F
The 2022 NL batting champion had a brutal first half last year and has sunk even lower this season, with a .590 OPS.
He’s not even halfway through his $50 million contract extension.
Jake Diekman: F
He became the Mets’ primary lefty relief option when Brooks Raley hit the injured list in April and was subsequently lost for the season.
The results have been awful.
Carlos Mendoza: B+
A straight-shooter who has earned his players’ respect.
The rookie manager understands New York.
David Stearns: B+
Unafraid to shuffle the roster and search for the right fits. He’s found many.
