4 reasons to remain optimistic about the Mets

2. NY Mets SPs Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are healthy and starters are pitching deeper in games

To me, this is the biggest key to the Mets season. If Scherzer and Verlander aren't healthy and pitching like aces the Mets aren't going anywhere. After a rough start, Scherzer has gotten himself into peak form, looking dominant at times. Verlander has been more up and down but seems to be getting closer to where he needs to be as well.

The Mets are built around these two aces at the top of their rotation. It is what gives them a shot to win the World Series. Having two future Hall of Famers starting in a short playoff series is what we dreamed of in the off-season and after several injury scares early this season that is still a possibility. It's not just Scherzer and Verlander though. Kodai Senga has been inconsistent but has pitched deeper into games, his last start notwithstanding.

Carlos Carrasco has had a couple of good starts since coming back. The Mets have the best record in MLB when their starters pitch at least 6 innings. They need their starters to pitch deep because the bullpen is very shallow. There are only 3-4 guys at best you can trust right now in the bullpen and when the starters go deep Buck Showalter can go right to his trusted relievers. Jose Quintana being on the mend and on his way back will only help this even further.