As of Friday afternoon, the New York Mets are on the brink of missing the playoffs, sitting 82–77 and 1 game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL Wild Card spot. The Reds hold the tiebreaker, making every game in the season-ending three-game series against the Miami Marlins virtually a must-win.
With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Mets face a critical test: Win out and you’re in. If not, hope the Reds falter. If neither happens, then the Mets will be watching this year’s MLB playoffs from Cancun.
Despite one of the largest payrolls in baseball history, the Mets have struggled to produce consistently. Juan Soto continues to shine with power and clutch hitting, and Francisco Álvarez has provided late-season sparks, but other high-priced stars like Fransico Lindor and Brandon Nimmo have underperformed, and Pete Alonso has regressed since the All-Star break, failing to carry the load in crucial moments.
Injuries, slumps and inconsistent performances have left the team vulnerable at multiple positions, undermining what should undoubtedly be a dominant roster on paper.
Adding to the pressure is the regression of manager Carlos Mendoza, whose decision-making has drawn criticism. Poor bullpen management, questionable lineup choices, and an inability to consistently get the best from the team’s talent have added to the frustration.
The Mets have seemingly lacked strategy since very early in the season, even with a few of their spurt-winning streaks in the middle of the year.
This season looks a lot different from it did in September-October 2024, when the Mets rode timely hitting, strong leadership, good vibes and late-season continuity to a playoff run. The expectations were that the team would build on that success, especially after adding Soto, the $765 million megastar from the Yankees. Yet, inconsistencies and underperformance have turned a potentially dominant campaign into a nail-biter down the stretch.
Meanwhile, the sneaky Cincinnati Reds quietly continue to win. Their timely hitting and reliable pitching contrasts sharply with the Mets’ struggles, clearly showing that payroll means close to nothing in a 162-game marathon.
Now, the Mets’ season hopes depend on finishing strong in the Marlins series that begins Friday night. Here every pitch, swing and managerial decision will be magnified.
For fans, the 2025 season is a sobering reminder that past success does not guarantee future trophies, no matter how much money is spent or how star-studded the roster appears in April. The Mets possess young talent, superstars and financial guru Steve Cohen, who will spend to see his childhood team win, but execution, leadership and heart will determine whether potential translates into reality.
Fail in the Marlins series, and this season will join a growing list of high-expectation Mets seasons defined by failure, leaving fans to question whether the stars outside of Soto can step up, and whether Mendoza can finally deliver results under pressure, and if he deserves the job if the season ends prematurely for the Mets faithful.
Finally, who is to say that the Mets can’t sneak into the playoffs and cause havoc in the National League? They did it last year with a less-talented roster and the exact same manager. Makes you think it is not all doom and gloom for the Mets, who will surely be a tough out if they make it to real October baseball.
In a 3-game series, anything is possible, even against the Dodgers, who they would be projected to play Monday if they grab the Wild Card spot. The Dodgers are similar to the Mets in terms of the payroll not adding up to the wins the team needs. They have been far from world beaters, and it would be wrong to say the Mets don’t have a chance so long as they get their foot in the door.
