3 factors that can break the NY Mets in June

The New York Mets actually had a winning record in May (16-12), but it was far from a dominant stretch, which is what'll be required over the next month or so for the Mets to save their season. No matter what happens over the next four weeks, you'll surely be tuning in, because on the other side of the "Mets turnaround" coin is a failed month that would officially cost New York its season and create a ton of juicy speculation about the direction of the franchise.

If that latter, dark fate is indeed what's in store for manager Carlos Mendoza and the 2026 Mets, here are the three factors that'll likely contribute to their downfall in June.

3 factors in June that might hammer the nail into the coffin of the Mets' season

1. An incredibly tough schedule

Not until the second-to-last day of the month do the Mets have a game against a team with a sub-.500 record, and the Toronto Blue Jays (the team in question) may very well be above .500 by then! Yikes.

The Mets are currently in a series with the American League West-leading Seattle Mariners. Next up, New York will remain on the road for a three-game set against one of the best teams in the National League, the San Diego Padres.

The Mets also have to face the seemingly unstoppable Atlanta Braves this month, and they also have two June series against the Philadelphia Phillies, who have had the look of a new (and winning) club since Don Mattingly took over. There isn't a single "easy" series in the entire month of June for the Mets. This could get ugly.

2. Their rotation is a glass only half full (or perhaps empty)

The Mets are basically rolling with a three-man rotation this month. Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean (can he stay on track?), and Jonah Tong are regulars, but New York will be relying on an opener-by-committee situation and bulk relievers (looking at you, David Peterson) just to stay afloat in June, let alone thrive.

So ... what's the June forecast looking like for Sean Manaea and Christian Scott? Neither was awful in May. Manaea was 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in five appearances, while Scott was 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA in six appearances. It could be worse. But the Mets' ship might sink fully if an injury befalls any of Peralta, McLean, or Tong this month (and that's not crazy to imagine). At least McLean bounced back in his last start after a couple of horrific outings.

3. Speaking of health ... it's not looking good

Jorge Polanco is expected to return from the Injured List for the Padres series, and the "Franciscos" (Lindor and Alvarez) could be close behind, but all three of these guys (and others) will need some runway to get their rhythm back. This isn't going to be a plug-into-the-lineup-and-produce situation for any of them.

The problem for the Mets is that they don't have the luxury of a runway now that we're three-plus months into the season (and New York has dug itself a massive hole). Maybe Juan Soto can go on an MVP-level run this month and carry the offense. Maybe Bo Bichette can help with that cause! Otherwise, this team just doesn't have the amount of healthy, quality bats needed to compete with that aforementioned gauntlet of a schedule.

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