Mets surging in the second-half, providing hope for a better 2019

The New York Mets have played incredibly well in the second half of 2018. As a result, there is a reason for optimism in the near future.

In some minor and Independent Leagues, the first-half and second-half record matters. The winner from each earns a playoff spot and a chance to continue into the postseason. Unfortunately for the New York Mets, the MLB campaign only accounts for the record after 162 games.

Nevertheless, there are some positive things to take away from the Mets in the second half of 2018. Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler have historic ERAs. Noah Syndergaard threw his first complete game and added another stellar start against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday.

It’s not just those three playing good baseball. Michael Conforto has been on fire this month and the same is true for rookie Jeff McNeil. It’s beginning to look like the theories about Conforto playing hurt at the beginning of the year may have been true. As for McNeil, we can only hope this start is the real deal.

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Up and down this lineup you will find guys having a productive second half. The majority of players are hitting over .250, which is a huge accomplishment. Many are below this mark on the year and spent a large portion of it near the Mendoza Line. Good offensive numbers in August and September have changed their fortunes.

One challenge the Mets face is whether or not these quality at-bats are fool’s gold or not. Jay Bruce looks like a home run threat yet again. Amed Rosario may very well have turned the corner needed to earn our trust.

Until next year, we won’t know for sure how much of this late-season success is the team playing with nothing to lose or what we can look forward to in the future. It definitely does provide hope, even if we need to add on the word “false” at a later date.

The Mets aren’t a team that would roll over the rest of the National League East next season. There’s no cakewalk to any postseason appearance. They need to deal with three other teams in the division with playoff aspirations plus the Miami Marlins who should always give their rivals a good fight.

Whether you want to get excited about next year or stay bullish is up to you.

Let’s enjoy it, though. There hasn’t been much to like about the 2018 Mets.

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A good final chapter should at least muster up a little optimism that things may not be so bad in the near future.

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