The New York Mets have won nine of their last 11 games to get back to 33-37, which is just 1.5 game out of a Wild Card spot in the National League.

It has been a roller coaster season for the Mets. They began 0-5 before winning 12 out of 15. New York would then head into a downfall before going on this recent streak. As the All-Star break approaches in the middle of July, the Mets have one final chance to get to and over .500.

Beginning July 1, the Mets have winnable series against the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Colorado Rockies. There is a chance for New York to gain ground but there are major x-factors that need to step up.

4. Starting Pitching

The starting pitching for the Mets hasn’t been bad this season but it’s not been great by any stretch of the imagination.

Luis Severino has been a pleasant surprise in his prove-it year for the Mets. He is 4-2 with a 3.12 ERA and has been the best starter in the rotation. Jose Quintana has been disappointing while Sean Manaea continues to struggle to go more than five innings. This is a middle-of-the-road staff that does not have electric stuff. This has led to high pitch counts and short outings.

Kodai Senga is working his way back but it is unknown when he will be ready — and how effective he will be when he gets back. The Mets will need their starting pitching to keep its head above water moving forward.

3. Edwin Diaz & Bullpen

The Mets bullpen began the season hot. It was one of the best in baseball through the first six weeks but that has quickly come to an end. In May and early June, the Mets lost six games where they had a lead after eight innings. This is where the bullpen comes into play.

Edwin Diaz returned from a knee injury that cost him last season and was making an impact early. He lost confidence and began blowing saves, which led to a quick hook from the closer role. Diaz has returned and turned in his best outing last week. He closed out a victory and reached triple-digits on the radar gun while displaying that wipeout slider.

The Mets can’t afford to lose games that are in hand late. The bullpen needs to go back to getting out in big spots.

2. Brandon Nimmo

Brandon Nimmo is beginning to turn the corner and he must be the player that the Mets signed to an eight-year deal. He has moved to a corner outfield spot with the arrival of Harrison Bader this season and this could take some stress away. Now, it is time for Nimmo to get going at the plate.

Nimmo is hitting .232 this season with seven home runs and 35 RBI. He is continuing to get on base at a .351 clip. At the top of the lineup, Nimmo needs to produce. If he can continue this climb, the Mets will benefit.

1. Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso remains the biggest x-factor on the team. Many will say Francisco Lindor because he is making the most money. What about when Alonso gets paid? Whether it I by the Mets or another team. He will get the same criticism but he deserves it right now.

Alonso has had a terrible season. He is hitting .232 this season with 15 home runs and 37 RBI. He has 63 hits and 63 strikeouts this season. J.D. Martinez has carried the Mets offensively over the last two weeks. He is a proven power bat in the middle of the lineup. If Alonso can get going next to him, New York will have a duo to rely on.