NY Mets: 5 things we must see in the second half for a successful season
By Tim Boyle
![Jul 4, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Jul 4, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Frisingapple-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F16369477-850x560-cfa1e081ec989c9870001dc9091ee02e.jpg)
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.