The 2017 New York Mets’ X-factors: What needs to go right

If the New York Mets want to make the playoffs for a third straight season, there’s a few guys who really have to come up big.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ew York Mets fans know the story all too well. Overwhelming preseason predictions – concocted through sometimes delusional fan optimism – are quickly shot down by disabled list stints and underwhelming play on the Citi Field grass and dirt.

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But look out, as this Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins-led squad has reached the postseason each of the last two seasons for just the second time in franchise history.

Team leaders in Yoenis Cespedes, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, and Matt Harvey have been, and still are, all but locks to have All-Star level seasons as long as health isn’t an issue.

Beyond that bunch, there’s plenty of talent and big-time ability, but a cloud off uncertainty hovers over a few guys that could make or break the 2017 season based on their performances.

Those players are what we call the X-factors for the team in Queens.

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