Okay, so it’s actually only five reasons, but there is plenty of optimism surrounding the Mets recent improved play. There is also plenty of reason to believe it will continue, putting the Mets in position to grab a wild card spot:

1. Those Darn Kids – Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo & Rafael Montero have been strong contributors since they were called up over the last two months. With the Steven Matz injury, and Jacob deGrom dealing with fatigue(or something), manager Terry Collins could not have asked for much more from his new starters. In 7 games started, the three have combined for the following line:
4-2, 41.2 IP, 30 K, 2.40 ERA

The Mets don’t need these guys to be Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. They simply need them to stay healthy and to continue to roll out quality starts, more often than not.

2. Competition – After tonight’s win over the Nats, the Mets are a game behind the Cardinals for the second wild card spot, and only 2.5 behind the Giants for the first spot. None of these teams, including the Mets, is going to run away with a postseason berth. Remaining schedule becomes a YUGE factor, and on paper, the Mets seem to have an advantage. Tomorrow, the Mets hit the road for 9 games against the last place Reds(3), the last place Braves(3) and their final games against the Nats(3). Then its home for a 10 game stand against the last place Twins(3), the last place Braves(3) & basement worthy Phillies(4), who shut down Vince Velasquez. The Mets close out the year on the road against a fading Marlins(3) team and the season finale against the Phillies(3).
While the Cards have games versus the Reds and Brewers left in their pocket, they also have the Cubs(6), Pirates(6), at the Giants(4) and a 3 game series at Coors Field.

Reyes

3. Jose Reyes – There is no denying that it is an awkward feeling rooting for Jose Reyes. There is also no denying the impact he has had on the New York Mets, as they chase the wild card. Though charges were dropped against him(because his wife would not cooperate with authorities), Reyes earned a 51-game suspension for a domestic violence arrest last fall. Reyes would later be cut by the Rockies, and signed by the Mets to a multi-year deal for a minimum salary. Since rejoining the Mets, Reyes has given them a true leadoff hitter, as well as a threat on the basepaths; two things the team was sorely lacking all season. Reyes has also transitioned to 3B without many issues. More importantly, Reyes has played the role of team leader; a role left vacant by the absence of David Wright and Daniel Murphy. His dugout antics and energy on the field have become infectious, and, put the fun back into the game for a team that appeared to be getting crushed by expectation. Reyes appears to have found his own fountain of youth. If he can stay off the DL, and in the leadoff spot, then the Mets offense should continue to produce runs.

syndergaard

4. Noah Syndergaard – With the severity of the Jacob deGrom’s elbow inflammation uncertain, Syndergaard would appear to be the last man standing from the Mets army of young guns. Since a five-week period where he often struggled to finish six innings, Syndergaard has returned to dominance in his last three starts  With many weak line-ups ahead on the schedule, Syndergaard should continue to put up Cy Young numbers until the close of the season. Combine his efforts with the rubber-armed wonder, Bartolo Colon, and the Mets staff should be able to make short work of any losing streaks on the horizon.

cespedes

5. Yoenis Cespedes – Of course, reasons 1-4 wouldn’t have a chance to exist without Yoenis Cespedes. The Mets begin and end with Cespedes. It’s no surprise that since his return from the DL, the Mets are 10-5(they were 5-9 in the games he missed). Though Reyes, Asdrubal Cabrera and Neil Walker have been vital additions, it is Cespedes presence in the line-up that can singlehandedly change a game. Just ask Don Mattingly.
Cespedes batted .400 in August, with 5 HR’s and 10 RBI. All this while missing 16 games during the month. When Cespedes hits, the Mets line-up follows suit. When they don’t, he has the ability to take over and carry this team to the postseason on his back.
If the quad can hold up over these last 4 1/2 weeks of the season, Cespedes has a chance to cement his legend in Queens for years to come, as well as force the hand of the ownership when it comes to a new contract this offseason.