5 predictions for the Mets in the second half

4. The Mets will acquire a relief pitcher before the August 2 trade deadline. 

It seems like the Mets are poised to acquire a reliever at the trade deadline, and there are some names that could be moved that have been discussed on Rising Apple in the past two weeks, from David Robertson of the Cubs, to Andrew Chafin and Joe Jimenez of the Tigers.  

Either way, Billy Eppler knows that the bullpen could be improved upon its current state, and the Mets will be in the market for someone who can help the Mets match bullpens with those of the Braves and the Dodgers (reminder the Mets have twelve meetings with Atlanta following the deadline). They have been collectively a surprising success, but they are not a championship caliber unit yet. 

5. The Mets will go 44-25 in the second half, giving them 102 wins and their seventh NL East crown. 

The Mets schedule in the second half has its blend of weak and tough opponents, and the Mets will continue to grind out wins as they must with the Braves closing in on their division lead (Atlanta starts the second half 2.5 games behind New York). 

The Mets have not played the Pirates yet this season, and still need to host the Nationals (twice), Rockies, Cubs, and Reds, teams that will look at 2023 and beyond when these meetings take place following the trade deadline, so the Mets have opportunities to cash in there. In fact, the Mets have the eighth easiest schedule among the 30 teams in the 2nd half (scheduled opponents have a combined .488 winning percentage this season). 

So, look for the Mets to finish with 102 wins, win the National League East by seven games, and be the No. 2 seed in the National League playoffs and earn a first-round bye.