3 huge obstacles that could prevent a World Series run

For most New York Mets fans, the 2022 season has gone as well as can be expected. Sure there have been a few hiccups and bumps, but compared to what we’ve been used to over the last few years, I’m sure most fans would have signed on for what we’ve experienced so far.

With that said there are a few potential roadblocks for the rest of the season. Some of these are internal and some are external. Here are 3 things that may stop the Mets from lifting the World Series trophy this season.

1) The Mets old nemesis, the Atlanta Braves

The Mets have spent most of the 2022 season alone in first place, but fans of the Amazins have seen this movie before. Early season lead, only to hit a summer slump and be left in the dust by the time fall rolls around.

What seemed like an insurmountable lead at times of close to double digits, is now down to a lead that can be counted on one hand. Last year's world champion Braves won’t go quietly into the night.

The shrinking lead is more a reflection on the Braves than the Mets. The Braves just happened to go 21-6 in the month of June, good for the second best in baseball. The boys in orange and blue went 13-12 in June, not great, but hardly as bad as we’ve seen in recent years from the Mets.

July has left the teams evenly matched, with the Braves holding a 15-8 record, while the Mets are close behind with a 14-8 mark. The remaining schedule should favor the Mets, whose remaining schedule ranks the 23rd hardest, while Atlanta holds the 14th toughest.

The thing most likely to determine the NL East champ, whoever comes out on top in the season series, with the teams playing each other 12 more times before the regular season closes.

2) The Mets bullpen, of course

Ahh, the New York Mets bullpen. It seems like every year is the same story. The team needs to add arms in the pen to stay competitive with other top tier teams. The Mets bullpen ERA sits at a 3.53, not bad by any means.

However, it is last among the big 5 World Series contenders (Mets, Braves, Dodgers, Yankees and Astros).

Adam Ottavino has been solid in the setup role with a 2.35 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. The Mets however are missing that 7th inning guy. Neither Drew Smith or Seth Lugo have pitched up to their best this season.

The team have made a small trade to boost their bullpen with the addition of LHP Phillip Diehl. However, Diehl appears to be just a depth piece for the Amazins who should still look to target a bigger arm.

David Robertson is likely to be dealt before the deadline, the only question is where. He is a target the Mets would love. Robertson gives the team a nice one two, three punch, with himself, Ottavino and Edwin Diaz out of the bullpen.

One spot where the team isn't weak in the bullpen has been the closer spot with Diaz who has been lights out. When the trumpets begin to play, fans have confidence that the game is theirs.