The Mets season went down in flames with a 5-21 June but since then the team is 32-29. They have won 20 or their last 34.
Before Sunday’s game against the Phillies, Mickey Callaway was asked if he thinks a good September could build some momentum going into 2019.
“I really do,” Callaway said. “I think the way we finish is going to have a big impact on the winter. I think it’s going to have a big impact on the players going into the offseason as far as confidence and the things that they can do well and can’t.”
It looked like the Mets might be spiraling towards 95 losses, now they might not even lose 90. And there are positives as the team plays out the strong. Brandon Nimmo is batting .413 over his last 18 games. Michael Conforto has 11 home runs, 29 RBI and 30 runs scored since the All-Star break. Jeff McNeil has reached base safely in each of his last 21 starts. Amed Rosario is batting .336 over his last 26 games.
“Finishing strong as a team and playing the right way, the way we’re capable of and doing the things that we feel is necessary to win is always important,” Callaway said.
Of course the Mets are not a team that can stand pat in the offseason whether that means trades or signing free agents. The fact is they’re still a 64-77 team and not as good as Atlanta or Philadelphia. They’re not as good as Washington although Bryce Harper leaving in free agency could change that.
The pennant race ended months ago in Queens but individual Mets might be playing for 2019 roster spots.
A few solid performances in these final weeks could have the team learning something about itself. And give the front office more to contemplate in the winter.