If the Mets weren’t baseball’s biggest disappointment before the All-Star break, at 42-48, they were close. Individual first-half grades for the players — particularly the starting pitchers — reflect much of the problem.
David Robertson: A
The veteran moved into the closer’s role with Edwin Diaz sidelined and has been almost automatic. Easily could have been an All-Star with his 2.06 ERA and 13 saves.
Francisco Alvarez: A-
The 21-year-old rookie wasn’t supposed to be this good already. His bat has won a few games for the Mets and his work behind the plate has been solid.
Brooks Raley: A-
The lefty reliever owns a 0.90 ERA in his last 24 appearances and has held opposing batters to a .579 OPS during that stretch.
Francisco Lindor: B+
Emerged from a slump after the birth of his second daughter last month and has provided strong defensive play for most of the season.
Tommy Pham: B+
Got lost in the platoon shuffle early, but has emerged as one of the Mets’ most productive hitters. It’s hard to ignore his .992 OPS since May 28.
Pete Alonso: B
A wrist injury decelerated his season, but Alonso’s raw power helped keep the lineup afloat in April and May, in particular.
Brandon Nimmo: B
His power has increased, but did it occur at the expense of on-base percentage? He entered the break in his first real slump of the season.
Kodai Senga: B
Walks and the ability to work deep into games were the right-hander’s biggest issue in the first half, but he has shown, in more than a few flashes, that he can be special.
Adam Ottavino: B-
Scuffled early in the season — perhaps with the pitch clock as a factor — but has settled in as a key late-inning option who can close if needed.
Justin Verlander: C+
Not what the Mets were expecting for $43.3 million this season. But the three-time Cy Young award winner’s 2.70 ERA since June 1 is a reason for optimism.
Mark Canha: C+
All-around professional who has adjusted to his decrease in playing time. His ability to get on base and deliver the big hit are valued.
Dominic Leone: C+
Two rough outings inflated the right-hander’s ERA, but he largely has been dependable as a bridge in the fifth and sixth innings.
Max Scherzer: C
The season has been a roller-coaster ride for the right-hander, with a suspension and his slider’s inconsistency contributing to a first half in which he posted a 4.31 ERA.
Drew Smith: C
The right-hander has lacked the consistency to become a true member of Buck Showalter’s circle of trust in the bullpen. He still has the ability to dominate.
Brett Baty: C-
The rookie was thrust into the starting role at third base after a torrid stretch in Syracuse, but the Mets are still waiting for the payoff. Baty will have to show improvement from his .669 OPS.
Luis Guillorme: C-
The infielder was optioned to Syracuse for a stretch. His defense has lagged and it hasn’t been his best season on offense.
Jeff Brigham: C-
Was an early surprise who slumped before a demotion to Syracuse. Walks and homers were an issue.
Omar Narvaez: C-
His calf injury brought Alvarez to the major leagues, for which the Mets should be grateful. Since returning, Narvaez has been seen in the clubhouse, but not so much on the field.
Carlos Carrasco: D
The veteran right-hander has struggled to provide the Mets with any kind of length or consistency within the rotation. His 5.16 ERA in 12 starts this season says it all.
David Peterson: D
The lefty has looked better in three starts since returning from Syracuse, but his early season regression hurt for a team in need of capable replacements for Verlander and Jose Quintana.
Tylor Megill: D
A dip in velocity and control issues are not a great combination. The right-hander hasn’t been the same since he returned last season from a shoulder strain.
Jeff McNeil: D
The 2022 NL batting champion hasn’t brought much to the lineup. If ever there were a time for Lindor to buy his teammate the new car he promised him …
Daniel Vogelbach: D
A disappointing season for the veteran, whose OPS has nose-dived since mid-May. The Mets need more power from that spot in the lineup.
Starling Marte: F
His drop-off has been precipitous, both on offense and defense. Will he remain an everyday player in the second half?
Mark Vientos: INC
The rookie received something of a chance with the Mets, but was mostly buried on the bench before he was returned to Syracuse.
Buck Showalter, Manager: C
Ultimately, the manager has to share in the blame for the team’s performance — his handling of the bullpen has been far from perfect — but it’s hard to pin the underperformance of veterans on him.
Billy Eppler, General Manager: C-
Robertson, Raley and Pham, in particular, were good low-key moves that have worked out. But there’s no escaping the Mets’ lack of volume in the bullpen and the need for another offensive presence.
