New York Mets: 5 Reasons They Can Make the Playoffs

The New York Mets were not expected to be competitive this season, and yet even after they have suffered some major injuries, they will likely reach the All-Star break with a chance to make the playoffs in the second half.

A lot will need to go right for the Mets if they are to make the playoffs, but they certainly have a decent chance.

Jose Reyes

Reyes has been a huge spark plug for the Mets this year and has 14 triples, 61 runs scored and 113 hits, all of which lead the National League. He is also second in the NL with 28 stolen bases.

The trade rumors surrounding Reyes have died down, and the Mets will almost definitely hold on to him. He could help push the Mets towards the playoffs.

Johan Santana Is Coming Back

The Mets have gone this whole season without Johan Santana. If he was healthy, Santana would have already made 16 starts for the Mets this year. They likely would have three or four more wins if that was the case. Unfortunately, it isn't.

However, Santana is due to come back in July. This will be a major boost to the Mets rotation and will actually help strengthen their bullpen. Chris Capuano could move into the Mets bullpen upon Santana's return.

David Wright and Ike Davis Will Return to the Lineup

Both Wright and Davis were putting up solid numbers before they were injured this season. There has been talk that the Mets mishandled their injuries, but that is in the past at this point.

When Wright and Davis return, it will be a huge boost to the Mets lineup. The team instantly improves significantly, and the rest of the lineup gets much more protection. If either of these two players can return soon, it can have a huge impact on the Mets final record.

Carlos Beltran Has Preformed at a High Level This Year

Beltran was one of the Mets' biggest question marks coming into this season. His health and his production were a concern.

Right off the bat, Beltran began to answer those questions. He is currently hitting .278, and he leads the Mets with both 10 home runs and 49 RBI. If he can keep up this production level in the second half, he can help lead the Mets to the playoffs.

Jason Bay Has Begun to Turn Things Around

In his past 16 games, Jason Bay has a .292 batting average with one home run and six RBI. This is much closer to what the Mets expected when they signed Bay.

While this is a small sample size, just 55 at-bats, it is very encouraging. In Bay's first 57 at-bats, he hit just .228. If Bay can continue to hit like he has over the past few weeks, it will be a huge boost to the Mets' playoff chances.