In a dramatic turn of events, the National League playoff picture has undergone a significant reshuffling. The Atlanta Braves, once a formidable force, are now grappling with a daunting five-game losing streak, culminating in a crushing 16-7 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers. As a result, their slim half-game lead for the third and final wild-card spot has evaporated, leaving them trailing by half a game.
Just a few weeks ago, on July 9, the Braves boasted a comfortable six-game lead over the New York Mets. Fast forward to the present, and those fortunes have dramatically reversed. The Braves' struggles have been pronounced; they have managed only a 2-5 record this month and find themselves with a 7-12 record in the second half of the season. This precipitous decline has them on the brink of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
In stark contrast, the New York Mets are riding a wave of momentum. Their decisive 9-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies is a testament to their stellar form. With a 12-8 record since the All-Star break, the Mets are firmly in the playoff hunt and could very well dethrone the faltering Braves. The Philadelphia Phillies, meanwhile, hold a substantial 7 1/2-game lead in the National League East, further complicating the Braves' path to the postseason.
The road ahead for the Braves is anything but easy. They are about to embark on a grueling three-city, 10-game west-coast road trip, facing the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels. Complicating matters further, their remaining opponents have a winning percentage of 48.6%, promising a series of challenging encounters. Conversely, the Mets will wrap up their current road stint with a series against the Seattle Mariners, before returning home for a nine-game homestand against the Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles. The Mets' remaining opponents sport a winning percentage of 49.9%, indicating a relatively smoother path ahead.
Crucially, the Braves and Mets are set to face off for three pivotal games in Atlanta during the final week of the season—an encounter that could very well determine the fate of their respective postseason ambitions. The stakes couldn't be higher; the Braves have been a fixture in postseason baseball since 2018, and their fans will be hoping for a miraculous turnaround to extend that streak.
While the Mets appear to be peaking at the perfect time, the Braves' recent form is cause for concern. It’s a season that started with so much promise for the Braves but is now teetering on the edge of disappointment. How this race will unfold remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the next few weeks will be critical in shaping the National League playoff landscape.