MLB progress report: Grading the best and worst teams in MLB

PENNSYLVANIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Brian Snitker #43 and Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves stand on the field before the National Anthem in game three of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on October 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
PENNSYLVANIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Brian Snitker #43 and Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves stand on the field before the National Anthem in game three of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on October 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) /
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MLB, New York Mets, Pete Alonso, Cardinals, Astros
May 19, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) acknowledges the fans after hitting a game tying grand slam home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Mets progress report: C+

For the $353 million super-roster that Steve Cohen built, 25-23 is not exactly what you want right now. But, the Mets have picked it up late, including sweeping the Guardians in a three-game set of thrilling games, and a series win vs MLB’s top team Tampa Bay Rays.

Although the Mets pitching staff has been throwing to a sixth-worst 5.09 ERA, they do have a .267 team batting average in the last 15 days, which is great for them. However, they only have a barrel percentage of 7.4 (eighth-worst), and a team slugging percentage at .391 (ninth-worst). You don’t win many ballgames with just singles.

Look for New York to add at the trade deadline, perhaps making a move for another outfielder, such as Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox. As the Mets pitching gets healthy — and both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are coming off successful starts — New York could turn up the heat on the Braves in the NL East.

With the Mets starting to turn the corner, they can be extremely dangerous. I give them a C+, but that could be bumped up very soon.