Within that 14-year span, he broke records, made seven All-Star teams, was an elite third baseman both in the field and at the plate, and was the face of a franchise that far too often didn’t come close to meeting the standards he was at. In spite of setbacks, many beyond his control, he carried himself as a true leader—a player that fans could relate to and be proud of. Wright built a legacy that has made him a Mets immortal and among the most Amazin’ to ever wear orange and blue.

Welcome to the Bigs – July 21, 2004

It was meant to be. He rooted for the Mets growing up in the Tidewater area of Virginia. After being drafted in 2001, Wright blossomed in the minor league system and never gave the organization reason to question him as a cornerstone player-in-waiting. David went hitless in his major league debut at Shea Stadium versus the Montreal Expos, but made several impressive plays in the field. The necessary tools to become the third base fixture and team leader were evident.

Although it was a small sample size of 69 games and 263 at-bats, Wright finished ’04 with a .293 batting average, 14 home runs, and 40 RBIs while carrying himself in a manner unusual for a 21-year-old. It was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal Mets season.

Glove Not Required – August 9, 2005

Easily his greatest defensive highlight occurred at Petco Park during his first full big-league season. San Diego’s Brian Giles lifted a soft fly ball over Wright’s head in the seventh inning—a certain hit (usually). It would’ve been tough enough to make the play with a mitt. So as he ran back for the ball, he tracked the trajectory and where it was headed—leaving him little choice about the next course of action.

Wright reached out with his throwing hand. While falling down, he held on to the ball before landing on the grass in shallow left. It was one of the best catches you’ll ever see, by a Met or anyone.

Subway Series Classic – May 19, 2006

What’s the lasting image of David Wright? For many, it’s him running out of the batter’s box after a drive to straightaway center field and leaping with hope multiple times before exulting after he had delivered the game-winning hit to beat Mariano Rivera and the Yankees.

He faced a legendary closer with the score sitting at 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth. On a 2-2 pitch, Rivera threw his patented cutter down in the strike zone.

Johnny Damon couldn’t get it. Paul Lo Duca scored to ensure a thrilling victory in one of the best Subway Series games ever. It was also a series that carried extra significance for the Mets, as it came in the midst of their best regular season since the start of the decade, coupled with the emergence of a new face of the franchise.

A Homer Happy All-Star Debut – July 10 & 11, 2006

Ignore the fact that after the Home Run Derby, Wright’s second-half power numbers tailed off significantly. But that night (and the next) was a national coming-out party for David. He ended up second to the Phillies’ Ryan Howard in the derby. But nobody told him the contest was over.

Wright stepped up for his first All-Star Game at-bat and hit a liner off former Met Kenny Rogers in the second inning that cleared the short left-field fence. Wright was one of six Mets selected to the National League squad in a season when the East was already a runaway by the unofficial midway point. The American League’s comeback victory prevented Wright from potentially being the game’s MVP.

Welcome to the Club – September 16, 2007

His third base predecessor Howard Johnson did it three times. Darryl Strawberry accomplished it as well. Now it was Wright’s turn to enter the select 30-homer, 30-steal circle. An opposite-field homer against Philadelphia made David the first 30-30 Met since HoJo in 1991.

While September 2007 was certainly a month to forget for his team, Wright did not suffer down the stretch. In fact, he had a 1.034 OPS over the regular season’s final 27 games and would’ve made a strong case for NL MVP if the Mets hadn’t completely cratered.

Lone Walk-off Homer – August 7, 2008

He held the Mets record for walk-off hits before it was broken by Wilmer Flores, but only once did a game-ender leave the park. It couldn’t have come at a better time for the player or the club. Both Wright and the Mets were struggling. New York had lost five of six, and manager Jerry Manuel even considered sitting David for this afternoon’s contest versus the San Diego Padres. But Wright proved his worth. He singled in the first, doubled in the fifth, and punctuated his three-hit day with a two-out, two-run homer against Heath Bell.

First Mets Citi Field Blast – April 13, 2009

Who better? And how ironic also, considering the original canyon-like dimensions helped to severely limit Wright’s power numbers for years to come. After he laced a double down the right field line in the bottom of the first for the Mets’ initial hit in their new ballpark, Wright came up with two on and two out in the fifth, and the Mets down by three. He had enough lift and distance to send it about 390 feet. Back then, that was *barely* enough to get it over “The Great Wall of Flushing.” That briefly tied the score at five, but the San Diego Padres would be the home-opening spoiler.

The Hit King – September 26, 2012

He had already become the leader in nearly every significant offensive category: RBIs, runs scored, extra-base hits, and total bases. A little more than eight years into his career, David surpassed Ed Kranepool for the most hits ever by a New York Met. But it didn’t happen in typical David Wright fashion. The record-breaker was a dribbler down the third-base line. The attempted throw to get Wright out sailed wide of first, and he advanced on the throwing error. But they all count the same. After that infield single, the count was a historic 1,419.

“Captain” Made Official – March 21, 2013

Dating back to his start in the big leagues, Wright embodied the qualities that make a team captain. Eight full seasons into his career, and having signed an extension earlier that off-season, the Mets gave him the title he deserved. Wright became the fourth player in franchise history to have the honor, joining Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco. It was the first time anyone held the title since Franco left the team in 2004. A leader by example, he exemplified professional success and personal character, which earned respect from those in the clubhouse and throughout the league.

Your All-Star Host – July 16, 2013

When the Mets hosted a Midsummer Classic for the first time in almost 50 years, the man playing in his seventh served as an unofficial ambassador. His duties included participating in the Home Run Derby and receiving the ceremonial first pitch from Tom Seaver, who not surprisingly, has the most All-Star selections of any Amazin’ with nine. Wright also won the fan balloting at third base and manager Bruce Bochy slotted him in the clean-up spot of the starting lineup. He singled in the seventh inning off Greg Holland—the last of his three at-bats in the game and, as it turned out, his final All-Star appearance.

Returning with Thunder – August 24, 2015

In the top of the second inning at Citizens Bank Park, Wright prepared to take his first swing in 133 days. Once a mainstay in the Mets lineup, he had missed over four months. First, it was a hamstring injury, and then, because of the dreaded spinal stenosis, the ailment which would ultimately cause the premature end of his career. It wasn’t a certainty he’d ever return.  Now, Wright was facing Phillies starter Adam Morgan. The 1-1 pitch went over the heart of the plate. David swung and did not miss. It wasn’t just a home run, it was a moonshot.

The Fist-Pump – September 7, 2015

This was the unleashing of stored energy. Wright ran from first base off a liner to right-center by Yoenis Céspedes in the seventh inning of the series opener with the Washington Nationals. The ball was retrieved on the warning track by Bryce Harper. Wright turned for home. With his team eying a first postseason berth since he was a rising star in 2006, the emotion of the moment came out soon after he slid safely ahead of the throw from Anthony Rendon and the tag from Wilson Ramos. The Mets won that day, the next, and ultimately completed a three-game sweep to sew up the division title.

A World Series Homer to Remember – October 30, 2015

He had spent 12 seasons waiting to make the Fall Classic. He had spent many months just hoping to be healthy. In his first World Series at-bat in New York (and the first World Series game at Citi Field) with a runner on base, he sent a towering drive over the left-center field fence and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Wright’s classic swing put the Mets on top, 2-1. New York went on to capture their lone win of the series, 9-3, with Wright tacking on two more RBIs in the sixth with a single to center.

Farewell, Captain – September 28, 2018

On the penultimate day of the regular season, Wright bid goodbye to a New York audience that watched him grow up. With setbacks that would’ve forced a less determined player to quit, Wright was too proud to go out that way. After returning the previous night for his first at-bat in more than two years, an anticipatory sellout crowd at Citi Field was there for the finale. Wright made two plate appearances: drawing a walk in the first and popping out to foul territory in the fourth. Before the fifth inning started, it was time for the final send-off and an ovation that was both long and very much deserved.

The post Captain’s Choice: The Best David Wright Moments appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mark Vientos. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Pre-Grimace Era

3. The Lindor Flu Game

Before this September, Francisco Lindor‘s presence in the lineup was an everyday occurrence. After exiting early on May 1 with flu-like symptoms, Lindor was not a starter for the next afternoon’s game at Citi Field versus the Cubs. But he was the finisher. He entered as a pinch-hitter in the sixth and delivered a two-run double. Then in the bottom of the 11th, down by a run with men on first and second, he went the other way with an extra-base hit down the left-field line. Brett Baty and Harrison Bader scored easily. Even if Lindor was still feeling bad, he made Mets fans feel great. Four RBIs and a walk off isn’t bad for an off day.

2. Mark Vientos Maximizes His Opportunity

He made the most of his time in the majors—even when it was just for a few days. Mark Vientos‘ brief stint in the bigs while filling in for Starling Marte might have had tremendous long-term effects. He hit a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the 11th as the Mets avoided a sweep against the Cardinals on April 28. About 48 hours later, he was sent back to Triple-A. It would be less than three weeks before Vientos got the call-up again. It was an opportunity he never let go.

1. Torrens Saves the Day in London

A two-game series in the UK was on the brink of a two-game Phillies sweep before Luis Torrens made a play that was both intelligent and physically impressive. The Mets had rallied to take the lead with three in the top of the ninth and held a 6-5 edge with the bases loaded and one out for Philly. Nick Castellanos hit a weak grounder in front of home. Torrens picked it up, then stepped back and touched the plate. He heaved it to first just before Garrett Stubbs slid in and knocked him over. Pete Alonso handled the throw in time to complete the first-ever game-ending  2-3 ground-ball double play.

Walk-off Home Runs

3. Francisco Alvarez vs. Orioles (August 19)

The young catcher endured a tough year full of injuries and slumps. So when he connected off of Baltimore’s Seranthony Domínguez, Francisco Alvarez savored it. He was given the green light a 3-0 count in a tie game. What followed was a no-doubter to center field, estimated at 421 feet. Alvarez didn’t waste time to celebrate as Citi Field went wild.

2. Mark Vientos vs. Reds (September 6)

Now established as the Mets third baseman, Vientos was on his way to a 111-game performance highlighted by 27 home runs and an .838 OPS. Perhaps the best highlight in this regular season full of them came as New York extended its win streak to eight. He started the Mets scoring with a two-run shot in the first and ended it with a two-run shot in the tenth. The latter was a low and inside pitch that he golfed over the left-field wall. The Mets won a big game…and Vientos lost his shirt.

1. Jesse Winker vs. Orioles (August 21)

Two days after Alvarez’s dramatics, the veteran who had been a friendly pest to Mets fans throughout his career unofficially became a true member of the orange and blue. Winker’s first home run as a Met came at the perfect time. Domínguez was the victim again. This homer went nearly to the same spot as Alvarez. And like his teammate, Winker showed his emotions once it was official—stopping to slam his helmet before rounding the bases in full flow.

Pitching Performances

3. Jake Diekman Owns Aaron Judge

Admit it. The left-hander in the midst of a terrible season pitching to Yankees’ slugger in the bottom of the ninth with a runner on and a one-run lead had all the makings of a Yankees walk-off. Everyone thought it—except maybe Carlos Mendoza. With a depleted bullpen and Edwin Díaz unavailable, the call went to a man with a 5.28 ERA to get the save. Diekman got Judge to strike out looking with a 96 mile per hour fastball on the inside corner. He then retired Ben Rice to preserve the Mets victory. Diekman was DFA’d two days later.

2. Sean Manaea‘s Development

After observing the Braves Chris Sale, Manaea lowered his arm slot to mimic the fellow southpaw and possible Cy Young winner in the NL. From July 30 on, he struck out 83 over 75.2 innings as the Mets won 10 of his 12 appearances. Not only was he missing more bats, but he was providing length. He went into the seventh inning 10 times and posted nine quality starts. He didn’t allow an earned run against the Twins, Cardinals, and White Sox while unofficially garnering ace status. Manaea was one example of the remarkable performance of the entire the rotation down the stretch—posting a 2.67 ERA in September.

1. Severino Blanks Marlins

The right-hander wanted it. The Citi Field crowd wanted it. Complete-game shutouts are rare these days. The atmosphere on this Saturday afternoon on August 17 reflected that into the ninth inning. Luis Severino was carrying his scoreless effort against the Marlins, but hit Jake Burger with his first pitch. Mendoza went to visit with his starter and, after a brief conference, left him in to try and finish it. Severino retired the next three batters to preserve a four-hitter. His 113th and final offering got Derek Hill to swing at strike three.

Miscellaneous OMGs

3. Pop Star Second Baseman

While Grimace was the mascot of the Mets’ revival, “OMG” was the anthem. Jose Iglesias signing a minor-league contract on December 5 went, as expected, unnoticed. He arrived to the Mets on May 31. His insertion was one of many catalysts to New York’s charge—slashing .337/.381/.448  and ending the regular season with a 22-game hitting streak. Oh, and the singing career isn’t bad either. His song blared each home at-bat, fans recited every lyric, a sign with the title letters was carried in the dugout and showed up among the crowd. And after a June 28 win over Houston, giving the Mets their 16th victory in the turnaround month of June, Iglesias transformed into “Candelita” and performed it live on the field.

2. Lindor Homers to End No-No

He did what MVPs are known to do. For much of this September afternoon game in Toronto, the Mets offense was lifeless…and hitless. Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis cruised through eight with a 1-0 lead. Lindor led off the ninth, fell behind 0-2, and proceeded to end the no-hitter and the shutout all at once. The homer to right field was the wake-up call they needed. New York went on to score five more in the frame and win the game.

1. Exorcizing the Demons in Atlanta

The blast against the Blue Jays was Lindor’s biggest home run for less than three weeks. Entering the doubleheader of make-up games at Truist Park to conclude the regular season, both the Mets and Braves needed one win for a playoff berth. Everything was pointing to a do-or-die finale when New York was down 3-0 through seven. But the Mets’ resilience showed in the eighth. The six runs scored were an afterthought as Edwin Díaz gave the lead back. Mets fans’ thoughts went to another nightmare in Atlanta. New York’s shortstop and face of the franchise dispelled all negativity with one swing of the bat. Credit to Starling Marte for getting on ahead of Lindor’s heroics. Edwin Diaz redeemed himself in the bottom of the ninth and the Mets put champagne on ice.

Postseason Heroics

T3. Still on the Mark

The playoff stage really had an effect on Mark Vientos—because it made him better. It was exciting enough that he had a great regular season. But Vientos became a star in October. He slashed .327/.362/.636 with a .998 OPS, five home runs over 13 games and his 14 RBIs set a new Mets postseason record. Four were collected on one plate appearance against the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS, when he finished a terrific at-bat with a second-inning grand slam.

T3. Masterful Manaea

The culmination of his second half adjustment came in the Division Series with Philadelphia. After splitting the first two games and hoping to finish it at home, Manaea made sure the Mets would have the edge. He honored his late aunt with a brilliant outing of one run on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts over seven against a potent Philly lineup. Leading 2-0, he escaped a sixth-inning jam with two on and none out by fanning Bryce Harper and getting Nick Castellanos to hit into a line-drive double play. New York would soon break it open to get one step closer to the NLCS.

2. Grand-cisco Lindor

Citi Field had never seen a Mets clinching celebration. Game 4 versus Philly was that opportunity, but the offense was squandering their chances to score. Down 1-0 in the sixth, New York loaded the bases for the third time. With one out, the Mets needed someone to step up. Lindor had been the one to do it most frequently in 2024. So why not now? The 2-1 pitch was sent out and into the bullpen. It was the kind of situation he was brought to Queens for. He circled the bases like he expected it to happen. Surrounding him was the loudest cheer this 15-year stadium had ever experienced. Three innings later, after a 4-1 win, it got to host the party fans had long been waiting for.

1. Pete Alonso Saves the Season

It may have been the best moment of 2024. It certainly was the best moment of Alonso’s career. On a night when he tripped over his own bat, dropped a pop up, and prolonged his struggles at the plate, the Mets’ first baseman erased all those bad memories—and so much more—when he came up with two runners on and his team down two with two outs left in New York’s season. Alonso has 226 regular season home runs as a Met. There might not be another, depending on how free agency goes. Regardless, he earned a special place in team history with his top-of-the-ninth drive over the right-field wall in Milwaukee.

The post The Greatest Moments from the 2024 Mets Season appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Player Data: Age: 29 (09/03/1995), B/T: L/L

Primary Stats: 21 G (21 GS), 121.0 IP, 2.90 ERA, 1.289 WHIP, 10-3, 101 SO, 50 BB
Advanced Stats: 136 ERA+, 19.8 SO%, 9.0 BB%, 4.58 xERA, 3.67 FIP, 4.10 xFIP, 1.9 fWAR, 2.9 bWAR

2024 Salary: $2.15 million

Grade: A 

2024 Review

David Peterson’s breakout 2024 season came as a surprise to many.

After a disappointing first half of the 2023 season headlined by a 6.46 ERA in the first half and a demotion from the rotation, Peterson rebounded with a 3.65 ERA in the second half of the season. Then, Peterson underwent hip surgery in the offseason and didn’t return until May 2024. It remains unclear as to what extent that hip played a role in Peterson’s tough 2023.

As late as July, the inconsistency of Peterson’s past looked like it would persevere. He’d give the Mets 6+ innings of two-run ball and then concede four runs against the Miami Marlins. He’d strike out eight against the Yankees, only to throw 87 pitches in 4 1/3 innings a couple of starts later against the Pirates. The lefty hurler entered August with a respectable 3.52 ERA, but managed to pitch six or more innings in just four of his ten starts.

Luckily for the Mets, though, Peterson would bear down, pitching a near-perfect August, including seven-inning starts against the Diamondbacks and Padres. The only game New York lost in a Peterson start was on August 3rd, against the Los Angeles Angels. Of course, that wasn’t his fault. Peterson gave the Mets six great innings, yielding just two runs. Mets fans, you remember what happened.

Over 31 2/3 frames in the month of August, the rising talent was brilliant, recording a 1.71 ERA with an OPS against of .535. 

September was an interesting month for Peterson. He started right where he left off in August on September 3, delivering yet another outlandishly good start. He struck out 11 that day as the Mets trounced the Red Sox 7-2.

However, he then gave up five runs (four earned) against the Blue Jays. Of course, in classic Peterson fashion, he’d rebound to go 7 2/3 innings while allowing just one run against the Phillies. 

Altogether, Peterson would end up finishing the regular season strongly. Opponents hit just .229/.286/.309 against him over August and September, and he put up perhaps the strongest stretch of his career in the most vital of times. 

Peterson carried his strong form into the postseason, where the Mets used him as a high-leverage long reliever. He pitched a scoreless frame in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series and then was lights out in the NLDS, baffling Phillies hitters with ease.

After Kodai Senga threw two solid innings in Game 1, Peterson took over. His outing highlighted a pristine performance by the Mets bullpen against a Phillies offense that had lost all of its bravado. Peterson then delivered another pitch-perfect relief appearance, helping the Mets secure a Game 4 victory and advance to the NLCS. 

Peterson’s NLCS run was shakier. Yet, even without poor appearances from the lefty, the outcomes of the games probably wouldn’t have changed. Both games Peterson appeared in were extreme blowouts. Throughout the 2024 postseason, he posted a 3.14 ERA over 14 1/3 innings pitched. It is fair to say that without Peterson, the Mets might not have even reached the Division Series.

2025 Overview

Peterson entered 2024 without high expectations after his lackluster production in 2023. He now must face a different obstacle – facing pressure to replicate his incredible 2024 success.

Peterson is projected to earn a $4.4 million salary in 2025 via arbitration. As the Mets bolster their rotation through free agency, that $4.4 million could end up being one of the biggest bargains in the sport for one of baseball’s most underrated pitchers.

David Stearns has already said that the Mets are adding multiple starters this offseason. However, depending on the direction Stearns goes, Peterson’s role could vary. Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana could all leave, and their possible exits leave Peterson as one of New York’s best remaining starter. 

Regardless of how good a pitcher looks on paper, there is always more to the story. Baseball Savant does not commend Peterson’s performance; it has decided he was lucky. They have given him a 4.58 xERA, indicating that he was only marginally better than he was in 2023 based on advanced peripheral stats. Be that as it may, I think the Mets fanbase can agree that they saw Peterson escape tough jams much more often this year, and that can explain why some of his more advanced stats look similar to his brutal 2023 season. If he can continue his clutch work out of trouble, he’ll be fine in the future.

Overall, Peterson provided consistency and established himself as a top of the rotation arm for Queens. His 2.90 ERA, 121 innings pitched, 3.4 BB/9, and especially his 0.6 HR/9 in 2024 are all career-bests. His left handedness and absolutely filthy pitch repertoire have maintained the Mets’ confidence in him through his hardships. Perhaps those difficulties are now taking a backseat. If he can continue to harness his pitches, he can be a dangerous weapon for the New York Mets in 2025 and beyond.

The post 2024 Mets Report Card: David Peterson, SP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Sean Manaea

Where would the Mets be if it wasn’t for the emergence of their ace, Sean Manaea? Well, they likely would not be in the NLCS. Manaea and his reworked delivery has been lights out for the Mets for months now, and that has not changed in the playoffs.

After his terrific regular season, where he posted a 12-6 record and 184 strikeouts to go along with a 3.47 ERA, Manaea has not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his three postseason starts. This includes a Game 2 start in Los Angeles where he allowed two earned runs and struck out five over five innings of work. In Game 6, Manaea will certainly want to decrease the walks (four in Game 2), which will help him give the Mets more length. However, if he replicates most of the other characteristics of that Game 2 start, the Mets should be in a great spot to force a Game 7.

In that Game 2 matchup, Manaea relied mainly on his sinker, which he threw 62% of the time. He then mixed in his sweeper (23% of the time) and changeup (15% of the time) to try to finish off at-bats. As has been the Dodgers’ philosophy all season, they interestingly, despite Manaea’s success, did not chase all that much, only swinging at pitches out of the zone 28% of the time (below the 28.5% league average). Instead, Manaea relied on whiffs (30% whiff rate; league average is 25.3%) and soft contact (only four hard-hit ball allowed) to get outs.

All this is encouraging for Manaea, as despite still walking four, he was able to get Dodgers hitters out without relying on the need to get the opposition to chase. As has been well documented, the Dodgers’ hitters simply do not chase many pitches out of the strike zone (second-lowest chase rate in the majors). As Jose Quintana unfortunately experienced in Game 4, pitchers who make a living on not throwing pitches in the zone, and need to induce chases to win, struggle mightily against the Dodgers. That is not how Manaea needs to work to be successful.

Despite Manaea’s distinct reverse splits this season (.585 OPS and .190 batting average against right-handed hitters and .738 OPS against left-handed hitters), he took care of Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, making him look silly in two at-bats, culminating in two strikeouts. Manea also handled the left-handed hitting Freddie Freeman, holding him hitless. As for the right-handed hitters, which is the side Manaea has dominated overall this year, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández were both held without a hit as well. Max Muncy was really the only Dodger, a left-handed hitter, who did damage against Manaea, stroking a home run.

It’ll be interesting to see what adjustments the Dodgers’ big bats, all of which struggled against Manaea make, in Game 6. Overall, on the season, the Dodgers are used to abusing left-handed pitching, ranking first with a staggering 121 wRC+. Hopefully, that season-long sample does not rear its head on Sunday and Manaea is able to make another quality start and lead his team to a Game 7.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Bullpen

For a second game this series, the Dodgers will resort to a bullpen game. They used the same approach in Game 2, opposing Manaea, and it resulted in a 7-3 Mets victory. Los Angeles will hope that the strategy reflects close to what it did in Game 4 against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series. In that game, the Dodger bullpen worked nine scoreless innings en route to a 8-0 victory.

The distinct difference between the two bullpen games was in the Game 4 success against the Padres, no pitcher tossed more than 1 2/3 innings. However, in the Game 2 loss to the Mets, the Dodgers were planning on using pitcher Landon Knack as a bulk man, beginning in the second inning, however, he got lit up for five hits and five runs, shortening his day and soiling the Dodgers’ plan.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see if manger Dave Roberts goes back to the successful approach used in the NLDS, rather then rely on any single true “bulk man,” as he did in the Game 2 loss to the Mets. Another potential difference from the NLDS that may make that difficult is the absence of left-handed reliever Alex Vesia, who tossed 1 2/3 scoreless in the NLDS, and was left off the NLCS roster due to injury. Additionally, the Dodgers used reliever Brent Honeywell Jr. for 4 2/3 innings in Game 5, so one would assume he would not be available. Would these two variables force Roberts to once again rely on Knack for some bulk; the same pitcher the Mets got for five runs and five hard-hit balls across two innings?

Regardless of who pitches and when, the Mets should expect to see all right-handed pitchers except when Roberts choses to deploy reliever Anthony Banda. This means manager Carlos Mendoza can build his lineup as if he is facing a right-handed starter, unless of course if Banda were to start. On the season, the Mets are decisively better against left-handed pitching (105 wRC+ against lefties and a 115 wRC+ against righties).

Final Thoughts 

On paper, the pitching matchup in this one should favor New York. However, paper is just paper and the Dodgers own the most prolific offense in baseball. If the Mets wish to see their season continue, one more big outing by Sean Manaea is a must, and the Mets offense has to take advantage of a Dodgers bullpen they were able to hit around in their Game 2 victory. Regardless of the outcome of the game, it has been a heck of a ride for the Mets who have smashed through any type of preseason expectations.

The post The Game 6 Pitching Matchup; Manaea Versus The Dodgers’ Bullpen appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Against all odds, these remarkable Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies in four games to advance to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2015.

And, at this point, can you really bet against this team taking down either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the San Diego Padres and going all the way to the World Series? They just doesn’t know when to quit, and they have all the juice right now.

And, on that note, let’s dive into a very special edition of Six Up. Yes, that’s right, we’re doing things a little bit differently today. Because, after all, how can there be any negatives after what the Mets have just done?

Let’s get on with the show…

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

SIX UP

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Not only is the above heading an all-time classic song from Phil Collins, but it should also be the official mantra of the 2024 Mets. Because, no matter the situation, no matter the opponent, no matter the amount of adversity thrown their way, this team finds a way to deliver time and time again. Many, myself included, felt their run would come to an abrupt end against the Phillies. And yet, the Mets made what was supposed to be a World Series contender look anything but. In fact, it is New York that more resembles a team that could go on and win it all. Granted, the Mets will have to overcome greater odds in order to be crowned kings of baseball. But, at this point, they will no doubt relish that challenge.

MVP! MVP! MVP!

Just where would the Mets be without Francisco Lindor? We’ve uttered that very same sentence a bunch this year, but it feels even more relevant after Wednesday. In a Game Four that was light on offense, Lindor came up with the monster hit to end all monster hits. His sixth-inning grand slam put the Mets on top for good, booking their ticket to the NLCS in the process. Lindor has consistently come through in the clutch for his team this year, but his Game Four heroics may well end up being the defining moment of a truly stellar year.

GETTING HOT

Pete Alonso has stepped up when it has really mattered the most. Following his heroics in the Wild Card series, Alonso enjoyed an incredibly productive series against Philadelphia. He went 4-for-13 with two homers, one double, four walks, three RBIs and three runs scored. Alonso is now hitting .273/.433/.727 in October. The Mets were always going to need Alonso to take over games if they were going to make a deep run, and that is exactly what is happening so far.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

RISING STAR

ESPN should commission a 30 For 30 on Mark Vientos‘ meteoric rise in 2024. It really is a stunning story, especially when you consider that his Mets future was in doubt back in March. Yet, fast forward to the present day, and the young slugger is playing a major role in an unlikely postseason charge. Vientos is currently riding a four-game multi-hit streak, including nine hits and five RBIs against the Phillies. Furthermore, Vientos’ RBI double in the eighth inning of Game One helped change the entire tenor of the series. All in all, Vientos has entered rarified air as it pertains to his October exploits for this team.

PITCHING MASTERCLASS

The Mets starting rotation deserves a collective Cy Young Award, especially for what they accomplished in this series. All four starters delivered and then some, helping to shutdown a dangerous Phillies lineup. Kodai Senga was impressive in his short outing in Game One despite allowing a leadoff home run. Luis Severino was excellent for the most part in Game Two, but did allow back-to-back homers. Sean Manaea, who is quickly proving he is an ace for this team, delivered an absolutely breathtaking start in Game Three with just one run allowed in seven-plus innings. Then, in the decisive Game Four, Jose Quintana produced his best and most important start of the year to help send the Mets to the NLCS. Overall, the starting pitching was beyond extraordinary in this series, and the Mets have a legit shot at doing something really special this October because of the rotation.

MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF 

Speaking of pitching, let’s give the bullpen their flowers. Yes, there were some scary moments in this series when it comes to the Mets’ relievers. But, overall, they delivered when they really had to. David Peterson hurled three scoreless innings in long relief in Game One. Reed Garrett followed by tossing two scoreless innings to help get the job done. Both Garrett and Peterson were perfect in Game Four, before Edwin Díaz atoned for some earlier sins by earning the save and sending Mets fans into a frenzy. Yes, this bullpen is gassed. Yes, this group of relievers are running on fumes. Yet, despite everything, they just keep finding a way to get the job done just like the entire team has themselves.

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Lindor stepped into the box in the bottom of the sixth, with the bases loaded, one out, and the Mets down by a run. This wasn’t the first time during this game that the Mets had found themselves on the brink of scoring. They loaded the bases in the first inning with one out and failed to score. They loaded them up again in the second, but couldn’t convert. 

The Mets left 10 runners on base throughout this game and were held scoreless through five despite out-hitting the Phillies 8-to-4 by games-end. 

When the lights shined brightest, however, the Mets’ star-studded shortstop came through. He rocketed a 2-1 fastball from Carlos Estévez deep into the right-center-field gap. The ball wasn’t obviously gone off the bat, but it kept carrying, and Citi Field was sent into pandamonium as it landed 398 feet away in the bullpen. Estévez could only watch in horror as Lindor, ice-cold around the bases, reached home. His 99 MPH heater had been turned around in a hurry, leaving Lindor’s bat at a sizzling 109.5 MPH.

FRANCISCO. LINDOR.

(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/WQBTUqa8wc

— SNY (@SNYtv) October 9, 2024

The Mets would go on to win that game by the same score of 4-1, advancing to the NLCS for the first time since 2015, and cementing the first-ever playoff series win celebrated at Citi Field. After the game, Lindor was nothing short of ecstatic. 

“I was just trying to get a good pitch in the zone,” Lindor said of his homer. “I felt like I got a good one early and I missed it, and I was just trying to do whatever the boys did which is get on base.”

The Mets trounced each other on the field, and later in the clubhouse, spraying champagne all over the place as they embraced in celebration. 

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“I think I’ve probably said at least 26 ‘I love yous’ so far,” Lindor stated after the celebrations had calmed.

The 341-million dollar shortstop, who was criticized for his slow start, has fully solidified his MVP-caliber season. If not for Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance on the West Coast, Lindor would be a shoo-in. 

Award or not, Lindor has been something special. He slotted a 93rd percentile batting run value at an elite position on the field, with a 98th percentile ranking in range at shortstop. It’s not so often that you see a player of his offensive caliber paired with a leadership position on the field like shortstop, but Lindor has had it all. 33 home runs, 91 runs batted in, and 29 stolen bases. 

Lindor still had an OPS below .800 in the first half of the season, but his second half cemented him as an MVP candidate. He posted a .306/.368/.574 slash line after the all-star break, good for a strong .942 OPS across 258 plate appearances. 

Lindor sent the Mets to the postseason with his home run in Atlanta. He was instrumental in setting the table to push the Mets past the Brewers during the Wild Card. Now, the 30-year-old superstar has sent the orange and blue to a fight for the National League Pennant. What more could you ask from Steve Cohen’s first big splash acquisition as Mets owner?

“We’ve got to finish the job, and the job wasn’t finished at that moment,” Lindor said. “I’m just blessed to be the guy that drove in runs today.”

Francisco Lindor brings the house down 🔥

(via @MLBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/IuPBpUlrHX

— SNY (@SNYtv) October 9, 2024

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Before that, it’s time to check out who will take the mound in a heated Game 3…

Sean Manaea

The Mets send southpaw Sean Manaea to the mound in Game 3 at Citi Field on Tuesday. Manaea has been an absolute revelation for the Mets after signing a two-year deal in the offseason. Not much was expected of him, or the pitching staff or the Mets to be honest, but he’s exceeded expectations with flying colors. Everything started to click when he tweaked his delivery after watching NL Cy Young-favorite Chris Sale pitch against the Mets (he went from a 33-degree arm angle to a 26-degree arm angle to a 23-degree arm angle in 2024). The rest is history.

Manaea got the nod Friday in the NL Wild Card Game 2 in Milwaukee, where he pitched five innings of two-run ball, striking out four and earning a no-decision. The southpaw had a career year in 2024, posting a 3.47 ERA and 3.75 xERA through 181 ⅔ innings of work. He threw a career-high number of pitches (2,996), struck out 184 batters, and owned a 1.08 WHIP.

His strikeout rate is slightly above league average (66th percentile), while he does dish out a fair amount of walks (41st percentile). While Manaea throws the sinker most of the time, his ground ball rate was at a career-low in 2024 (23rd percentile), and he’s been decent at limiting hard-hit contact (58th percentile).

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

While Manaea uses his sinker predominantly, he mixes in a sweeper, changeup, four-seamer, cutter and slider. His fastball use in 2024 was down from 56% in 2023 to just 11% in 2024 as he incorporated the sinker after barely using it in 2023. He has a .201 batting average against the sinker and an expected batting average of .248 on the pitch. Manaea has the fifth-best run value in baseball on the sinker at 15 (24th overall for all pitches). For context, Paul Skenes has the best sinker run value at 18.

On the Phillies, only platoon players Austin Hays and Johan Rojas have negative run values against the sinker. Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Edmundo Sosa all have a run value of nine against the sinker and whopping batting averages of .364 and .365 against the pitch. While that seems to bode poorly for Manaea, he made three starts against the Phillies in 2024, all of different qualities. He’s 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA against Philadelphia in 2024 in 16 ⅔ innings pitched. Manaea struck out 15 batters and allowed ten runs (four homers) and two walks. One start in June was a blowout; the Phillies knocked Manaea out in the third inning after giving up six runs.

In his most recent against the Phillies in September, Manaea allowed three hits, three runs (two homers) and struck out six. He earned the win in that game. Nick Castellanos is Manaea’s biggest threat. The righty is 6-for-16 against him, with three home runs, one double and four strikeouts. Manaea has had a backward split this season. Righties are hitting a measly .190/.271/.313 off him, while lefties are slashing .248/.310/.428.

The run game will be key to the Phillies. Manaea’s allowed 13 stolen bases in 2024, the most of any Mets pitcher this year. He holds a negative three pitcher base advances prevented (the sum of advances prevented and outs added), second worst on the Mets (Adam Ottavino holds a negative eight). The Phillies have 12 players above league average in sprint speed (the average is 27 feet per second). Four of those players are in the top eight percentile. Meanwhile, the Mets only have seven players above league average and one in the top eight percentile (Luisangel Acuña).

Aaron Nola

The Phillies will turn to their longest-tenured rotation arm, Aaron Nola. Nola threw 199 ⅓ innings in 2024, posting a 3.57 ERA and 3.75 xERA. While it wasn’t a career year for Nola, he continued to be one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball, making all 33 of his starts and pitching his sixth complete game and fourth shutout. That shutout happened to come against the Mets on May 14. The righty finished the 2024 campaign with a 14-8 record, 197 strikeouts and a .247 BAA, his highest since 2016.

A strikeout pitcher for most of his career, Nola’s strikeout rate dipped in 2024 (58th percentile compared to 85th percentile in 2022). He throws a knuckle curve, four-seamer, sinker, changeup and cutter, and his chase rate is in the 86th percentile. While his fastball run value is near his career low (42nd percentile), his breaking run value stands in the 97th percentile. As a result, Nola’s expected batting average ranks him in just the 40th percentile, putting a cap on his up-and-down 2024 campaign.

Ironically, Nola’s best pitch in 2024 has been his four-seamer. Although his fastball run value is near his career low, he uses the pitch 28% of the time, has a batting average of .168 against it, and an expected batting average against of .195. While his knuckle curve receives the most movement (an average of 14 inches of break and 9.9 inches of vertical drop), his fastball gets movement, too. The four-seamer has an average of 14.6 inches of rise and 11.9 inches of tail, according to Baseball Savant. The mixture of break and movement between the curve (which ranks second in run value behind Zac Gallen‘s) and the fastball is Nola’s key to success on the mound.

Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Mark Vientos, Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez, Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens all have a negative run value against the curveball this year. Jesse Winker has a run value of seven against the curve and a .294 batting average against the pitch. Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo have a run value of five, each producing a .286 and .213 batting average against the pitch.

Nola hasn’t pitched since September 29, nine days ago from Tuesday. When he’s on four days of rest, hitters are limited to a line of .220/.266/.393. On five days rest, hitters are .237/.283/.393, off Nola. On six days of rest or greater, batters are slashing an absurd .416/.466/.675, off Nola. In nine postseason starts, Nola is 5-3 with a 3.70 ERA in 48 ⅔ innings pitched. He struck out 50 batters in the 2022 and 2023 postseason and allowed only nine walks.

Nola is no stranger to Citi Field and the New York Mets. As noted above, the righty threw his sixth complete game and fourth shutout of his career against the team at Citi Field on May 14. He allowed four hits, two to Starling Marte, one to Tyrone Taylor and one to Jeff McNeil, and struck out eight. His only other appearance against the Mets came on September 13 in Philadelphia. The Mets roughed him up, tagging Nola for six runs, six hits, two home runs (Francisco Alvarez and Brandon Nimmo) and two walks. However, Nola did strike out seven Mets.

Final Thoughts

Looking at everything as is, the numbers seem to feel pretty even. They may tilt the Phillies way because of Manaea’s inability to control the running game and higher walk rate than Nola’s. Most of the Mets’ power hitters struggle to hit the curve, Nola’s predominant pitch. That said, Alonso’s numbers against Nola are good (16 hits (five homers) in 50 at-bats, as are Starling Marte’s (.355 BA in 31 AB). The Phillies have excelled at hitting lefties in 2024, slashing .270/.342/.441 as a team. They have the third-highest OPS (.783) in baseball against southpaws in 2024.

The Mets, though, have held hitters in 2024 to an NL-best .230 BA (tied for second in baseball with the Cleveland Guardians). They’ve struck out more batters and allowed fewer home runs and hits than the Phillies this past season. While the Phillies won the season series 6-7, three Met losses were decided by one or two runs. The Phillies’ bullpen has been shaky at times, and the Mets have taken advantage of the moments, as seen in the first two games of the NLDS. The Mets also have the advantage of playing in front of the home crowd – a small advantage, but it might be an extra boost of confidence and adrenaline to get the players going.

Regardless, the Mets can punch their ticket to the NLCS at Citi Field with a win on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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For the first time in 16 days, the Mets will play a game at Citi Field, hosting the Phillies for Game 3 of the NLDS.

Sean Manaea (12-6, 3.47 ERA) will take the hill for the Mets against Aaron Nola (14-8, 3.57 ERA). Manaea was solid in his first outing of the postseason, holding the Brewers to two runs over five innings. Nola faced the Mets twice this season, throwing a complete-game shutout at Citi Field on May 14, but getting tagged for six runs in 4 1/3 innings in Philadelphia on September 13. Since 2022, the Mets are 6-1 against the 31-year-old righty.

First pitch is scheduled for 5:08 p.m., and Keith Hernandez will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to John Franco. Daniel Murphy will do the honors before Game 4 on Wednesday. Parking lots will open at 1:30 p.m. and stadium gates will open at 2:30. There will be a block party before each game beginning at 1:30 and continuing after the games.

Photo by Roberto Carlo

Latest Mets News

Jeff McNeil took batting practice at Citi Field on Monday, continuing to trend towards a return should the Mets advance in the postseason. Additionally, Carlos Mendoza said that Kodai Senga is progressing well after his start on Saturday, and would likely start a potential Game 5.

Francisco Lindor has been named a finalist for the National League Hank Aaron Award. The award is given to the best offensive player in both leagues.

Michael Mays, the son of the late Hall of Famer Willie Mays, will travel from San Francisco to attend Game 3 of the NLDS. Mays told Jay Horwitz that this year’s Mets team reminds him a lot of the 1973 pennant-winning team, and added that his dad would have loved to watch this year’s team play.

Former Mets infielder Matt Reynolds announced on social media that he is retiring from baseball. A second-round pick out of the University of Arkansas, Reynolds was on the 2015 World Series roster, replacing the injured Ruben Tejada. Reynolds was picked up by the Nationals in 2018, but returned to the Mets and appeared in one game in 2022. He most recently had a brief stint in Japan with the Hiroshima Carp before calling it quits.

Latest MLB News

Tarik Skubal tossed seven shutout innings, and Kerry Carpenter broke a scoreless tie in the ninth inning with a three-run homer off Emmanuel Clase as the Tigers stunned the Guardians, evening up the series with a 3-0 victory.

The Royals broke through for four runs against Carlos Rodón in the fourth inning, and the Royals’ bullpen combined for five innings of one-run ball in relief of Cole Ragans as the Royals pulled even with the Yankees with a 4-1 win. According to OptaSTATS, this is the first time ever that all four division series have been tied after two games

In San Diego, Michael King (13-9, 2.95 ERA) will look to follow up his masterpiece in the Wild Card Series against Dodgers righty Walker Buehler (1-6, 5.38 ERA). King struck out 12 Braves and walked none over seven shutout innings in his last outing.

Former Rangers pitcher Matt Bush was arrested on Friday for driving while intoxicated and trying to evade arrest after a crash in Arlington, TX. According to a police report, Bush allegedly ran a red light and crashed into a truck, which then collided with two other vehicles. Bush previously served a 39-month prison sentence for a drunk driving incident that seriously injured a man in 2012.

The Dodgers have sent a video to Major League Baseball of Manny Machado throwing a baseball toward their dugout between innings in Game 2 of the NLDS. Dave Roberts said that the ball was directed at him with “something behind it.” Machado acknowledged that he threw a ball in the direction of the Dodgers’ dugout, though he claims he threw it the same way he throws balls into any dugout.

Latest on MMO

Matt Lazzaro looks at the strong performances of Pete Alonso and David Peterson, who are the MMO Players of the Week.

In an MMO Exclusive interview, Mathew Brownstein spoke with Mets all-time saves leader John Franco.

On This Date in Mets History

1973: Rusty Staub cracks two home runs and drives in four as the Mets take a 2-1 NLCS lead with a 9-2 victory over the Reds. In the fifth inning, Pete Rose slides hard into Bud Harrelson to break up a double play, prompting a fracas at second base. Jerry Koosman scatters eight hits and strikes out nine in a complete game.

1988: Trailing 4-3 in the eighth inning, the Mets bust through for five runs against the Dodgers bullpen, including RBI hits by Wally Backman, Mookie Wilson, and Darryl Strawberry, as well as a bases-loaded walk by Keith Hernandez. Strawberry drives in three runs as the Mets take a 2-1 lead in the NLCS with an 8-4 victory.

2000: Robin Ventura sets the tone with a two-run homer off Mark Gardner in the first inning, and Bobby Jones tosses a complete-game, one-hit shutout as the Mets advance to the NLCS with a 4-0 victory over the Giants. Edgardo Alfonzo drives in two runs with a double in support of Jones, who throws 116 pitches and strikes out five in the win.

2022: Jacob deGrom strikes out eight over six solid innings, and Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor both go deep as the Mets beat the Padres 7-3 to tie the Wild Card Series at one. Brandon Nimmo collects three hits, and Jeff McNeil drives in a pair of runs with a double that caps a four-run seventh inning.

Born On This Date: Colin Holderman (1995).

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The 70-year-old, 11-time Gold Glove winner will make the toss to fellow Mets Hall of Famer, John Franco.

Daniel Murphy, the 2015 NLCS MVP, will throw out the first pitch for Game 4. The Mets haven’t played a home game in the NLDS since 2015. That was the year Murphy hit three homers in the NLDS and four in the NLCS. If the Mets win games three and four, it will be the first time they clinch at home since 2000, when New York defeated the San Francisco Giants to advance to the NLCS.

Some other notes the Mets announced for Tuesday’s game:

• All fans will receive a rally towel
• Block parties at both games will start at 1:30 p.m. ET and continue post-game
• Gates open at 2:30 p.m. ET

Game times for both days are 5:08 p.m. ET and will air on FS1.

The post Keith Hernandez to Throw Out First Pitch at Game 3 of NLDS appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Photo by Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Offensive Player of the Week: Pete Alonso

Mets fans across the globe were tuned into the ninth inning at the edge of their seats in Milwaukee on Thursday, many of whom thought they were watching the last at-bat Alonso will ever take wearing the Mets orange and blue across his chest. Brewers’ two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams would deliver his best pitch, his changeup, making matters even more difficult. And then the unthinkable happened. Alonso took that changeup deep to right field to give the Mets the lead before securing the win in the bottom half of the inning.

Perhaps it was fate or destiny, or the powers of OMG and Grimace combined. Williams had only allowed one home run across 21 2/3 innings during his regular season. Alonso is the first player in MLB history to hit a go-ahead home run while trailing in the 9th inning or later of a winner-take-all postseason game. It was also the first opposite-field home run Williams ever allowed. He debuted in 2019, just like Alonso.

His big three-run homer wasn’t the only important at-bat attributed to Alonso this week. He followed up that moment with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning of Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday. His sac fly improved the Mets’ lead to 3-1 and played a factor in their 5-run inning. In Game 2 on Sunday, he hit a solo shot again to right field to put the Mets on top 4-0, which, at the time, looked like a big enough lead to hold onto the win.

David Peterson. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Pitcher of the Week: David Peterson

Peterson has been used in a different role thus far in the postseason. After making 21 appearances in the regular season, all as a starter, he was thrust into the bullpen during the short series in Milwaukee. He earned the save in the Mets’ Game 3 come-from-behind victory after Edwin Díaz had pitched earlier to record the five outs leading up to the big moment.

I think most expected Peterson to get the ball to start Game 1 in Philadelphia before the shocking announcement that Kodai Senga was returning from the Injured List to make the start. Carlos Mendoza used Senga for two innings before turning to Peterson in long relief. He turned in a gritty performance for his squad, throwing three scoreless innings despite allowing three walks and just one hit. It wasn’t the best stuff he has displayed, but he sure did his part to help the Mets get the win.

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Honorable Mention: Mark Vientos

Words can’t possibly describe what Vientos has done for this team throughout the regular season and in the playoffs. For a guy who didn’t crack the Opening Day roster, he’s easily become a top-three hitter for the Mets, possibly even the top spot on any given day.

In Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, he gave the Mets the lead in the fifth inning, lining a single with two outs and the bases loaded. His two-RBI single put the Mets on top 6-4, and they never looked back. When the Mets offense struggled to get on the board on Saturday in Philadelphia, it was Vientos again who stepped up with an RBI single to tie the game in the eighth inning, the first of five Mets runs in the inning. If that wasn’t enough, Vientos hit a pair of two-run home runs, including the game-tying shot in the ninth inning of Sunday’s loss to the Phillies.

He seemingly steps up in every big situation dealt to him. Back in April, he smacked a walk-off homer against the St. Louis Cardinals, then, in early September, hit a walk-off homer against Cincinnati to keep the Mets in the thick of the Wild Card race. He’s quickly becoming one of the best young bats in Major League Baseball.

Up Next

The Mets will host Game 3 of the NLDS on Tuesday evening with an earlier than usual start time at 5:08pm (Thanks MLB). Make sure to zoom out of the office and get to your favorite spot to catch the first pitch, and if you’ll be at Citi Field, do your part to make that place rowdy!

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