At 5-2, good for second in what’s shaping up to be a hotly-contested National League East, the New York Mets have reasons to smile very early on in the 2019 season. But, as is par for the course for any major league ballclub, the Mets have a handful of problem areas that need to be addressed expeditiously if they expect to contend this season.

First and foremost, it’s not a great thing when a pitcher is accounting for 25% of your team’s four home runs (tied for third-least in the majors). Luckily, there are a few capable tater-mashers on this roster who — by all accounts — are due to commence clobbering season.

The offense — led by everyone’s favorite polar bear, Pete Alonso, and surging sophomore, Jeff McNeil — has certainly done some good things thus far. Lots to look forward to there, but, again,  there are some concerns.

The team’s 37 runs scored is good for seventh in the NL (Dodgers, 65; D-Backs, 56) and their +7 run differential is tied for third-best in the league with the Braves (Dodgers, +25; Phillies, +23), but they’ve struck out in 27.9% of their at-bats (third-most in the NL) and their 7.9% walk rate is barely middle-of-the-road (tenth in the league).

Alonso, 24, is performing at an extremely high level, albeit in a very small sample size. Over his first 28 plate appearances (.346/.393/.615), his four doubles and seven runs batted in lead the team.

His .429 wOBA and 162 wRC+ are giving an early glimpse of the still-developing offensive prowess he brings to the table. As long as he can improve on his 32.1% strikeout rate, Pete Alonso appears to be the real deal.

Speaking of which, Real Deal McNeil is carrying a .368/.429/.579 slash line through his first six games (21 plate appearances) with a .430 wOBA and 163 wRC+ rating. His 0.2 fWAR ranks behind only Alonso (0.3) for the team lead.

Wilson Ramos (.478/.500/.522, .450 wOBA, 175 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR, 24 plate appearances) has been everything he was advertised to be, and more. Talk about a field general, huh? Keon Broxton and Dominic Smith have produced splendidly despite limited at-bats. A solid bench is imperative to actual contention. These guys help that cause.

As long as Robinson Cano (.188/.212/.313 through 33 plate appearances) and Brandon Nimmo (.087/.276/.087) get themselves back in track in short order, this lineup undoubtedly has the potential to hang in there with the best in baseball.

On the pitching side of things, the Mets’ starting rotation is just as elite as ever. Their 2.90 ERA (fifth in the NL), 2.70 FIP (third), 10.93 strikeouts per nine (third), and 1.34 walks per nine (best in the league) all seem like reasonably sustainable targets for a staff that consists of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, and Jason Vargas.

Dallas Keuchel couldn’t hurt this team’s chances, though. Just saying.

The team’s revamped relief corps has been a bit all over the place so far. The group’s collective 4.50 ERA is sixth-highest in the NL, but their 3.36 FIP is fourth best. Edwin Diaz has looked terrific but, at least from my perspective, hasn’t been the dominant guy we saw in Seattle last year.

While his still-flawless ERA, 1.12 FIP, and 13.50 strikeouts per nine will most certainly cut the mustard, his walks have been a bit of an issue (3.38 per nine innings). Jeurys Familia (0.00 ERA, 2.18 FIP, 14.73 K/9, 4.91 BB/9) is largely in the same boat. Though, with high-powered fastballs, Diaz’ deadly slider, and Familia’s jaw-and-bottom-dropping splitter, these guys are the undisputed anchors of this squad.

The rest of the group, well… Seth Lugo (12.27 ERA, 12.27 K/9, 7.36 BB/9) and Luis Avilan (20.25 ERA, 6.75 K/9, 13.50 BB/9; nope, those aren’t reversed) need to step their games up considerably.

Robert Gsellman (6.00 ERA, 1.33 FIP, 12 K/9, no walks) has been up and down — consistent appearances should help that, in my opinion — and Justin Wilson (1.80 ERA, 4.80 FIP in five innings pitched) are expected to play considerable parts within this cast. Both could use a hot stretch to boost morale and get on track.

All in all, with seven down and 155 to go, the New York Mets are in a position to keep themselves in what should be a tight divisional race this season. General manager Brodie Van Wagenen upgraded many areas of this roster and — in most cases — have worked out to fine results.

Once everyone finds their respective grooves on both sides of the chalk, the Mets should be well on their way.