The 2024 season has been a roller coaster for the New York Mets, marked by dramatic lows and exhilarating highs. Though they began their campaign with a dismal 0-5 start, the Mets quickly regained their footing, embarking on a 12-3 surge that briefly hinted at the potential they would later unleash.
However, consistency eluded the team as they faced a severe slump, losing 27 of their next 39 games. Yet, it was in the dog days of summer that the Mets found their rhythm. From June to the end of the season, they posted a remarkable 65-38 record, a testament to their resilience and determination.
A Season of High Stakes
The turning point came in Game 161 of the regular season. With a postseason berth on the line, the Mets delivered a nail-biting win against the Atlanta Braves, thanks to a dramatic ninth-inning home run. This victory not only secured them a spot in the playoffs but also served as a metaphorical rallying cry for a franchise eager to shake off past disappointments.
In the Wild Card Series, the Mets faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers. The series extended to a dramatic third game where the Mets, once again, showcased their flair for the dramatic with a clutch home run that sealed their advancement. Their playoff journey, though spirited, culminated in the National League Championship Series. The Mets battled fiercely against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers but ultimately bowed out in Game 6.
Key Players and Performances
A key storyline of the Mets' season was the outstanding performance of Francisco Lindor, a major MVP contender. Not to be outdone, Pete Alonso delivered a powerful display with 34 home runs for the season, bringing his career tally to an impressive 219 since 2019. However, a potential shift looms as Alonso, a pivotal figure in the lineup, is slated to enter free agency in the offseason—a development that could significantly alter the team’s future dynamics.
On the pitching mound, the Mets’ starting rotation, comprising Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, and David Peterson, emerged as a steady force. Each of the first three pitchers made at least 31 starts, maintaining ERAs no worse than 3.91, and combining for 115 of the team's 162 games with a collective ERA of 3.56. Their contributions have been substantial, though the offseason will bring uncertainty with Manaea, Quintana, and Severino hitting free agency.
Looking Ahead
The Mets' front office is already eyeing the offseason with a priority to bolster the pitching lineup, acknowledging both the strengths and the gaps revealed throughout the season. With a promising core and lessons learned from a challenging year, the Mets are positioned as a team to watch in the coming seasons.
While their postseason run fell short of the ultimate prize, their resurgence paints a picture of a franchise on the rise, capable of mounting serious challenges. As the baseball world now turns its attention to the World Series showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, the Mets will be plotting their course for next season, eager to build on the wins of 2024 and convert heartbreak into triumph.