NY Mets record is distracting us from fully enjoying these 3 storylines

Even after completing a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers, the New York Mets' record of 18-25 is still a major cause for concern. They're already 11.5 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves and according to FanGraphs, have just a 29.5% chance to make the playoffs. Winning the division now seems like a pipe dream and with the NL Central remaining hot, there's a real chance of New York missing the postseason for the third time in the past four years.

Aside from its playoff implications, the other downside of the Mets' standings struggles has been the overshadowing of real positive indicators. Although it may seem like it at times, the team isn't totally a lost cause and there are potential signs of life that could be integral to a meaningful step forward down the stretch.

The top three arms in the rotation are starting to find their groove

In terms of performance, the team's starting pitchers fall into two camps. While Kodai Senga and David Peterson have struggled immensely with the former going on the injured list a few weeks ago, the front of the rotation has had solid outings over the past several weeks.

Peralta's time in Queens didn't get off to the hottest start, giving up four earned runs in five innings on Opening Day and posting a 4.80 ERA after his first three starts. However, since his start on April 12th, he has pitched to a 2.36 ERA over 34.1 innings, finally giving fans an idea of what the front office was looking for when they acquired him from the Brewers this offseason.

Nolan McLean has been outstanding in his sophomore campaign, posting a 2.92 ERA over 52.1 innings of work. He has struck out 32.6% of batters faced while walking just 6.9% and seems far more like a big-league veteran than someone in his second season.

Last but not least, Clay Holmes has been the team's best starting pitcher so far, posting a 1.86 ERA over 48.1 innings. His strikeout and whiff rates don't jump off the page and are actually just slightly above the bottom quartile of qualified pitchers but his ground-ball rate of 56.5% is exceptional.

Carson Benge has started looking more comfortable

Benge came into the year with high expectations as one of the Mets' top prospects filling an important gap in the outfield left by Brandon Nimmo. It took him some time to warm up at the plate, falling to an OPS of just .416 after his 20th game, but his numbers have really started to turn around. Since April 23rd, he has hit to an .875 OPS.

Depending on whether you look at Outs Above Average (1) or Defensive Runs Saved (-3), he has either been a solid defender in the outfield or slightly below average. He has been good on the basepaths as well, stealing eight bases on nine attempts. Overall, he looks like a solid player with some areas for improvement but after a month and a half at the highest level, he has already taken big strides.

The Mets have a few unlikely heroes stepping up in big ways

Huascar Brazobán has been on the team since 2024 but he has already accumulated more rWAR this year than in his previous 84 innings for the Mets combined. After 21 innings, he has a 2.14 ERA and has been one of the best at limiting hard contact, holding opposing hitters to a barrel rate of just 1.8%. A 36-year-old reliever having the best year of his career is unexpected to say the least but he isn't the only bullpen arm exceeding expectations.

Austin Warren pitched in just five games for the Mets last season, spending most of the year with Triple-A Syracuse. He was optioned back to Triple-A to start the year but has managed to find a footing on the big-league roster after posting a 0.82 ERA in his 11 innings of work. Aside from his great numbers, he has also regularly been giving the team multi-inning appearances, adding much-needed length to the Mets' relief unit.

And last but not least, MJ Melendez, who was similarly expected to spend much of the year in the minors, has been making a name for himself in the Mets' lineup, hitting to an .812 OPS since being called up. Whether this newfound success is fleeting is debatable but the team has benefited from his contributions thus far and will continue to do so as long as he remains hot.

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