3 overreactions from the first half of the 2022 Mets season

Everytime, it seems like New York Mets fans have overreactions to everything when things go astray. The “what can go wrong, will go wrong” mentality that fans have instilled in themselves is quite fascinating, given the hope and optimism Steve Cohen brought with him when he became the owner of the Mets less than two years ago. 

But here we are, the Mets playing at a high level throughout the first half, and we still find the same overreactions on Twitter and elsewhere. So today, let us make sense of everything and differentiate reality and fiction on this Mets team, which feels different from years past. 

Overreaction 1: “The Mets season is collapsing” 

On June 1, the Mets held a 10.5 game lead over the Braves in the NL East. At the break, it’s just 2.5. But why? Why did the Mets lose eight games in the standings in six and a half weeks? 

Well, look at the schedules, and who each team faced in June. The Mets had a brutal schedule in June, where they faced teams like the Dodgers, Padres, Astros, and Brewers. Three of these four teams are in first place in their divisions at the break while the other is in position to make the playoffs. And the Mets had a winning record in June! Then, they’ve gone 11-6 since July 1, including a big series win on the road in Atlanta. 

The Braves, meanwhile, faced the Rockies, A’s, Pirates, Nationals in early June, and went on a 14-game winning streak, picking up 7 games on the Mets in that span. Give Atlanta credit for pouncing on the inferior competition, which is what good teams are supposed to do. The Mets have done so likewise. 

But comparing the 2nd half schedules of each team: After August 3, the Braves will have 57 games left, with 35 of them on the road and just 22 at Truist Park. In that same period, the Mets will have 58 total games left, with just 25 on the road and 33 at Citi Field. And with the crowds increasing with the Mets’ winning ways, that will give the Mets a big home field advantage. 

The Mets are in prime position to make the playoffs for the first time in six years, and with the rotation that’s about to take over the National League, it’s good luck to the opposition. They’re fine.