The Mets were left for dead at the All-Star break, but since then they've roared back into playoff contention.
Brodie Van Wagenen's squad had an incredibly disappointing first half of the season before their recent resurgence has flipped the script. Instead of angry fans, the team now has raucous supporters who have turned up the atmosphere in Citi Field in an attempt to push their Mets into the postseason.
But the Mets have stalled just a bit over the past week or so. On September 1 they'll get the chance to boost their roster a bit as it expands to a 40-man group.
Here are three players who could potentially get make an impact if brought up to the majors.
Stephen Nogosek
The 24-year-old reliever struggled in his first call-up to the majors earlier this season, posting a 10.80 ERA over seven appearances. But Nogosek has been dominant in the minors all year. The right-hander, who was acquired in the 2017 Addison Reed trade with the Red Sox, has yet to allow a run in 21 appearances with Triple-A Syracuse, and he had a 0.95 ERA earlier this season with Double-A Binghamton.
Nogosek has certainly earned another shot at the big leagues this year. The Mets bullpen has struggled all season. If Nogosek can come up and pitch well out of the 'pen, then Mickey Callaway's team will be in much better shape at the backend of games.
Dilson Herrera
Herrera's path has been an unusual one. He was once viewed as one of the top prospects in the Mets' minor-league system, but he never found consistent success when given a chance in the big leagues. The Colombian was dealt to the Reds as a part of the trade that brought Jay Bruce to Queens.
He couldn't find success in Cincinnati either before he was sent down to the club's Triple-A team. At the end of the season he chose to become a free agent, and the Mets signed him back up in November of 2018.
Herrera has spent 2019 in Syracuse where he is hitting .253 with 24 home runs and 61 RBIs. If he earns a call-up, he could provide another decent bat for Callaway to bring off his bench. At this time of year, there's always room for more guys who can hit.
Ali Sanchez
Sanchez started 2019 in Double-A Binghamton, but he was promoted to Triple-A midseason. The 22-year-old a catcher who excels defensively. That being said, he has still managed some decent returns in the batter's box. Sanchez is hitting .271 with one home run and 33 RBIs in his combined time in Binghamton and Syracuse.
Wilson Ramos and Rene Rivera are clearly the Mets' top two options at catcher, but a talented youngster like Sanchez will eventually get his chance at well. He may not feature much if New York does reach the playoffs. Instead, he can play in September to give Ramos and Rivera a break, and to get some valuable MLB experience under his belt.
