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4. NY Mets just have to get in it to win it
As we have seen from the 2019 Nationals, 2021 Braves, and 2022 Phillies it doesn't matter how you start the season, it matters how you finish it. All the Mets need to do is get hot at the end of the season. Having Scherzer and Verlander at the top of the rotation will make them a tough team to play in the playoffs.
This Mets team has too much talent to be held down much longer. They have a dedicated owner who will do whatever it takes to win. If the struggles continue to the trade deadline you can bet moves will be made to improve the team. The bullpen is an obvious place for improvement. I can see the Mets getting into talks with the Chicago White Sox about Liam Hendricks and possibly Lucas Giolito too.
The expanded playoffs also help the Mets as it would be hard for them to miss the playoffs. Six teams from the National League will make the playoffs, if the Mets are not one of those six it would be a massive disappointment. The Mets have not played to their potential thus far but it is a long season and the Mets still have plenty of time to turn it around.