NY Mets: NLCS Notes And Factors To Consider

The 2024 New York Mets are NLCS bound! After defeating the red hot Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, the team moves on to play potentially the feared San Diego Padres or the Los Angeles Dodgers pending game 5 of this series.

Whilst the team could potentially see disaster unfold or defy expectations, some points to consider will be listed below.

1. The Padres, who will obviously be more of a threat than the Dodgers, seemingly have the Mets’ number in the postseason.

Shades of 2022 hopefully won’t be fresh in everyone’s memory however it’s very wise to never underestimate your opponent. The Padres are a formidable opponent and not to be taken lightly, especially with everything they have accomplished this season.

2. The Dodgers, also a slight concern, have one of baseball’s best players in the game on their team.

Shohei Ohtani is going to be a tough out and most certainly put runs on the board in a game he’s in. That requires the Mets to overcompensate and step up on offense and defense both. The starting pitching will be put to the test and everyone must bring their A game regardless of what team they play. Every runner is important, therefore stranding them in key scenarios will likely be the downfall of the team.

3. The Mets have the potential NL MVP on their team, so it’s likely that he will provide the spark.

Fransisco Lindor is an electric player. He makes spectacular plays look routine and can put on an offensive clinic with his bat. Lindor has started off cold and then did a whole 180, entering himself in the MVP conversation yet again. Undeniably a leader on and off the field, Lindor is capable of changing the game with one swing and he is obviously someone you want at bat with runners on base.

4. Pete Alonso is heating up.

Alonso, 29, is in the walk/final year of his contract. Seeking a mega deal, the star first baseman went all gas no brakes as of late, and he looks to make up for a seemingly off year.

Considering that he’s given this organization 6 years of quality play, where he was the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year, a 2x Home Run Derby Champion, and a 4x All-Star, Alonso hitting 30 home runs or so is “mediocre” because of the expectations due mainly to betting on himself.

One thing to keep in mind is that Alonso is just now heating up and if it’s in the cards, Alonso will for certain provide an offensive boost.

Several things to consider that I’ve listed here will be key in whether or not the team will prevail and make it to the World Series. Time tells all, and the team cannot afford to lose focus by underestimating their opponent.