The Mets season was headed toward the bottom of Flushing Bay on May 29, changed the conversation. The second half will begin Friday with the Mets firmly in the hunt for a postseason berth. A look at the first-half grades: Francisco Lindor: A- Moved to the leadoff spot and results followed. Easily would have been an All-Star if not for his slow start. Explore More Brandon Nimmo: A- Last season, he reached 20 homers for the first time in his career and this year he may hit 30. A clutch performer. Francisco Alvarez: A- The Mets abysmal play coincided with his stint on the injured list. His steady presence behind the plate and bat have been huge in the last five weeks. Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo are among five Mets graded at an A-. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Jose Iglesias: A- How does somebody who couldnt find a major league job last season lead the team with a .999 OPS at the break? Jose Butto: A- First he bolstered the rotation for a stretch. Then the right-hander returned from Syracuse and became a multi-inning threat from the bullpen. The team has needed it. J.D. Martinez: B+ The Mets season might have cratered beyond repair without the veteran DHs big contributions in late-May and June. Mark Vientos: B+ Lost the third base competition in spring training to Brett Baty, but returned with a vengeance and has helped carry the lineup with an .896 OPS. Dedniel Nuez: B+ The rookie helped save the bullpen from total ruin during Edwin Diazs absence. A succe s story for player development. Dedniel Nuez has been a key bullpen contributor. Getty Images Luis Torrens: B+ Strong arm with a timely bat, the Mets upgraded at backup catcher with the trade that brought Torrens from the Yankees. Pete Alonso: B Solid but unspectacular first half for the Mets lone All-Star. Leads the team in homers (19), but others in the lineup have provided the big moments. Harrison Bader: B Defense, contact, base running. He has stayed healthy and brought a well-rounded game to the Mets. Luis Severino: Lou Williams Jersey B Workhorse leads the Mets in innings pitched (109 /) while providing a dependable arm atop the rotation. Strikeouts are down, but he is taking the ball every turn through the rotation. Luis Severino has been as dependable as they come from the Mets. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Sean Manaea: B The lefty struggled to get deep into games early, but has shown improvement on that front. Starling Marte: B- Plenty to like about his offensive production, but defense lacked probably with the bone bruise in his right knee that forced him to the IL late last month as a significant factor. David Peterson: B- A dependable back-of-the-rotation piece, the lefty has managed to keep the Mets in games after mi sing the early part of the season rehabbing from hip surgery. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Reed Garrett: B- Dominant to start the season, he succumbed to increased usage later and scuffled. But overall his work which included a 3.64 ERA in 36 appearances was respectable and helped carry the bullpen. Jose Quintana: C+ Resurrected his season beginning in mid-June after a rough stretch. The veteran lefty has pitched in playoff races previously and remains an a set. Tyrone Taylor has come up with some big hits for the Mets. Robert Sabo for NY Post Christian Scott: C+ The rookie has been steady since bursting on the scene with a dominant MLB debut. Ideal sixth starter for this rotation once Kodai Senga returns. Tyrone Taylor: C+ There is plenty to like about the backup outfielders defense and base running. Though he owns a subpar .654 OPS, he has delivered plenty of big hits. Adrian Houser: D Appeared to have it figured out in a long relief role after a disappointing stint in the rotation, but lately the right-hander has reverted to hittable. Tylor Megill: D The right-hander might be the unluckiest pitcher on the staff, but he doesnt help himself with his high walk rate. Edwin Diaz: D There has been much drama surrounding the star closer, from a May tailspin . It cost the team. The Mets need better from him. Adam Ottavino: D The veteran reliever had a dreadful May and was moved to lower leverage spots. Lately, hes barely been used and appears lost. DJ Stewart: D Playing time has been scarce and his contributions even scarcer. Jeff McNeil has been a major disappointment for the Mets this season Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Jeff McNeil: F The 2022 NL batting champion had a brutal first half last year and has sunk even lower this season, with a .590 OPS. Hes not even halfway through his $50 million contract extension. Jake Diekman: F He became the Mets primary lefty relief option when Brooks Raley hit the injured list in April and was subsequently lost for the season. The results have been awful. Carlos Mendoza: B+ A straight-shooter who has earned his players respect. The rookie manager understands New York. David Stearns: B+ Unafraid to shuffle the roster and search for the right fits. Hes found many. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jersey