Mets Report Card: Our grades for all the players for first half of 2021 season
The All-Star break has arrived, so the professor has returned.
It's time to hand out midseason grades for the New York Mets.
They lead the NL East by 3.5 games. They are seven games over .500. But some have performed better than others, and we'll grade them all here.
Here are the first-half grades for the 2021 Mets:
Jacob deGrom: A+
Yeah, I don't really need to say much here.
Marcus Stroman: A-
He's been about as good as the Mets could've hoped.
Taijuan Walker: A
Walker is an All-Star. Who expected that when he signed with the team in February? He's had a great season.
David Peterson: C-
He's had his ups and downs. He's just been OK.
Pete Alonso: B-
He struggled at points in the first half, but still ended it with 17 home runs on a team that hasn't yet hit for as much power as it hoped.
Jeff McNeil: C
McNeil had a tough first half. He hasn't been the same hitter we've seen in previous seasons.
Francisco Lindor: B
Before you yell at me for this grade, consider this: Even if he had a rough first half at the plate, he played stellar defense and has been a great leader for this team. Those things matter.
Jonathan Villar:B-
He's had some big moments this season, especially when so many starters were out. That pulls this grade up a bit.
Luis Guillorme: B-
He's done his job this year. Defensively, he's been a valuable piece of the lineup whenever he's in it.
José Peraza: B-
He's been mostly average, but a few clutch moments pushed up this grade.
James McCann: B-
He's had some huge moments at the plate despite his struggles there. The pitchers have lauded him for how he helps them. He's also aided the Mets in controlling the running game. Overall, he's brought positive things to the team.
Tomás Nido: B-
Nido has filled in nicely when called upon by manager Luis Rojas. When the Mets had a lot of injuries, he became the starting catcher as McCann played first.
Brandon Nimmo: A
He was the Mets' hottest hitter when he hurt his left hand. When he returned, he sparked their lineup. He might be the most important hitter in the order.
Michael Conforto: D+
He has had a brutal contract year to this point. But here's the thing about Conforto: He can get on a hot streak at any point.
Dominic Smith: B
He's had a bit of everything on offense this season: Struggles, good moments, big hits in huge spots. His defense is also improved, which brings his grade up a bit.
Kevin Pillar: C+
He filled in admirably when so many starters were out with injuries. He's been a good signing.
Billy McKinney: C-
He was hot at the plate after the Mets acquired him, but has since cooled off. He's still on the roster, though, which tells you something about his value.
Edwin Diaz: B+
For the most part, he's been lights out. He's had some tough days, though, which is why this grade isn't an A.
Trevor May: B
He's been a good addition to this bullpen.
Jeurys Familia: B
Familia entered the season as an X-factor, someone who could change this bullpen depending on his performance. He's been the best version of himself.
Seth Lugo: B+
He's been all the Mets could've asked for since he returned to the bullpen.
Aaron Loup: A-
He's been really, really good this season.
Drew Smith: B
He's served his purpose for the Mets. He's done his job well.
Miguel Castro: C
He has really hit a rough patch. I do feel bad giving this grade, though, considering Rojas admitted he overused Castro early in the season.
Justin Toscano is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.
Email: toscanoj@northjersey.com
Twitter: @justinctoscano