Mets first-half report card: Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo shine, but two veterans post failing grades

The Mets’ season was headed toward the bottom of Flushing Bay on May 29, but a 27-13 surge into the All-Star break 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.

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.

Jose Iglesias: A-

How does somebody who couldn’t 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 DH’s big contributions in late-May and June.

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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 Nuñez: B+

The rookie helped save the bullpen from total ruin during Edwin Diaz’s absence. A success story for player development.

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: B

Workhorse leads the Mets in innings pitched (109 ²/₃) while providing a dependable arm atop the rotation.

Strikeouts are down, but he is taking the ball every turn through the rotation.

Sean Manaea: B

The lefty struggled to get deep into games early, but has shown improvement on that front.

Starling Marte: B-

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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 missing the early part of the season rehabbing from hip surgery.

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 asset.

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 outfielder’s 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

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The right-hander might be the unluckiest pitcher on the staff, but he doesn’t help himself with his high walk rate.

Edwin Diaz: D

There has been much drama surrounding the star closer, from a May tailspin to a June suspension . 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, he’s barely been used and appears lost.

DJ Stewart: D

Playing time has been scarce and his contributions even scarcer.

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.

He’s 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. He’s found many.

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