NY Mets: 5 things we must see in the second half for a successful season

The New York Mets have wrapped up the first half of the 2021 MLB season. Sometimes thought of as a “second half team” in recent years, the club is already in a great spot to capture the National League East and go on a terrific run into the postseason.

The first half had its share of hiccups but it’s hard to argue with results. Imperfect, this club is set up well for a successful overall season.

To accomplish this, the Mets have a few “musts” for the second half. Otherwise, any of those good vibes around the squad heading into the All-Star Break might be for naught.

A healthier Mets roster is key to winning the division

Want to win the NL East and earn a playoff spot? It’s going to take some more yoga, ice packs, and Flintstones vitamins.

Health has been an issue for the Mets all year long. Name a random player on the roster and chances are he has appeared on the IL at least once.

The roster is a good one when fully healthy. As we have seen at times, they can still win when the backups are in the starting lineup or on the mound. However, this is a dangerous game. Eventually, starting the bench mob each day can catch up.

Realistically, there’s nothing the Mets can actually do to give themselves a healthier roster. Injuries are often flukes. A hit by pitch to the face, a hard crash into the wall, or a pulled hammy running to second base can all take a player out of action for a long time.

Whatever the Mets can do keep guys off the IL a little more of, short of black magic, they must.