These 5 Mets players, along with Grimace, are most responsible for their winning streak (2024)

The wins are piling up in the month of June for the Mets.

Mets fans have found their rallying cry in the Grimace Era. Since the big, purple McDonald's mascot threw out the first pitch at Citi Field prior to the team's matchup with the Marlins on June 11, the Mets have not lost.

They're on a seven-game win streak following Tuesday night's 7-6 victory over the Texas Rangers, and Grimace has become a cult figure in the Mets fanbase.

And a jovial spirit has followed for the players with the mounting results.

"He definitely correlates with us going on this run, and if that's what you want to attribute it to, then I'm all for it," Brandon Nimmo told SNY's Steve Gelbs following their latest win. "Whatever it is, let's keep it going."

The Mets carried their momentum through the team's series opener against the Rangers on Monday night. The Mets matched their season-high run total and collected 22 hits (the most since 2019) in a 14-2 win at Globe Life Field.

With their sixth straight win, the Mets improved to 34-37 and moved within one game of the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Maybe Grimace has mystical powers, but the Mets players have needed to deliver. Here are the five players who have stood out during the recent win streak:

J.D. Martinez

When the Mets offense had yet to work into a rhythm early last week, Martinez was there to provide the spark. He has 10 hits and nine RBI during the recent run.

In the rubber game against the Marlins, the designated hitter delivered a two-run walk-off home run. His two-run double one day later marked the Mets' lone scoring in a 2-1 series-opening victory over the Padres. He reached base all five times in the middle game, including a pair of home runs and three RBI, in a 5-1 win.

With a single during Monday's win, Martinez has now reached base safely in 21 straight games dating back to May 24. He was named the National League Player of the Week following his heroics last week.

Francisco Lindor

It has been exactly a month since Lindor was moved into the leadoff spot by Mendoza, and the Mets shortstop is providing a spark in that position in the lineup. Lindor feels responsible for providing that emotional lift for his teammates.

After a stellar back-handed flip during Saturday's win, Lindor pounded his chest and screamed toward the 7-Line Army in center field. "I'm trying to get myself going," Lindor said. "I'm trying to get the team going. I'm trying to get the fans going."

With a huge game on Monday, Lindor is 8-for-21 (.380) with two home runs, nine runs, five RBI and three doubles during the win streak. But more importantly, his attitude is setting the tone.

Francisco Alvarez

After his last start, Jose Quintana flashed a wide smile when asked what it meant to throw to Alvarez for the first time since the second-year backstop's thumb injury. The pitching staff, as a whole, as appreciated Alvarez being back behind the plate for five games since returning on June 11.

"When I see him, he has that kind of instinct behind the plate," Quintana said. "As a pitcher, we have an opportunity to read swings and think what's next, but probably because he's close to the hitter, he has great ideas of 'Hey, this is the pitches we need to throw now.' He's always on top of the game."

During the win streak, Mets starting pitchers have notched a 3.27 ERA when throwing to Alvarez.

Dedniel Nuñez

Sure, Edwin Diaz is back to hold down the fort in the Mets' bullpen, but the biggest revelation during the last month has been the dominance of Nuñez.

The 28-year-old right-hander earned his spot in the bullpen upon Diaz's return earlier in the week. He gives the Mets a multi-inning relief option, and in the last week, he has tossed 4⅓ scoreless innings without giving up a walk or a hit while striking out seven.

Over two stints and 11 appearances with the Mets this season, Nuñez has struck out 26 and pitched to a 2.04 ERA and 0.74 WHIP in 17⅔ innings.

Pete Alonso

Alonso has heated up toward the latter half of the Mets' win streak.

His offensive outburst was badly needed on Sunday afternoon as he poked a three-run home run in the first inning and then added a two-run single in the eighth inning. Alonso's five-RBI game helped the Mets pull away for an 11-6 win.

The Mets first baseman kept going during Monday's series opener as he finished 3-for-5 with two RBI, a run and a walk. Alonso leads the Mets with 39 RBI this season.