Reese Kaplan -- October Baseball is Starting to Feel Real

As the Mets go into the single digit number of games left in the regular season even the most cynical and pessimistic among us are beginning to feel this odd, unknown and uncomfortable emotion called hope.  Can it be that the Mets are paving the way to October baseball after all?

Well, before anyone gets too self confident in their confirming declaration of “Hell, yeah!” or thereabouts, let’s take a look at some of the areas that the club needs to watch before planning a trip to some out-of-town stadium for the first round of the playoffs.

Relief Pitching

While Edwin Diaz looked totally dominating in the first game against the Phillies, there were some moments from earlier-inning relievers that make you far less assured that things will progress as expected.  Even some of the most reliable pitchers over the past few assignments like Jose Butto have shown that he too can have a bad day.  Adam Ottavino, the Youngs, Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton, Huazacar Brazoban and Phil Maton have been far more good than bad overall but you’re never quite sure when one of this group takes the mound exactly what’s going to happen.

The Slumps

Brandon Nimmo has most recently shown some very good swings after an embarrassingly long period of very non-Nimmo hitting, but you’re still not sure which Brandon is going to show up.

J.D. Martinez is not making any positive strides after this late but otherwise productive start to the season.  His impact on Mark Vientos and others has surely made the investment a good one but he’s rapidly playing himself out of a return to the club for 2025. 

The Injuries

The Francisco Lindor back situation is certainly not welcome given his MVP like output for the entire year, but it’s better he rests up now to prepare for the second phase of the 2024 season in October.

Kodai Senga is throwing from the mound and is looking to make a final week return to the rotation.  He needs it as much for his own peace of mind as the Mets do for renewed hope he will return to the same dominating performance he delivered in 2023.

Positive Signs

The starting rotation is having an absolutely unbelievable month of September.  The club has been able to stay in the race due to a near 2.00 ERA for an extended period of time.

A few folks breaking out of slumps have also helped.  After Mark Vientos went on an extended hitless several games, he has bounced back in a big way when it’s needed most.

Catcher Francisco Alvarez has seemed to regain his swagger after a mid year quiet ineffectual output at the plate.  His power swing has returned and with it you can see the determination in his eyes that was missing for quite awhile. 

Fringe Contributors

Rookie Luisangel Acuna has not looked at all intimidated by his first taste of the major leagues.  He’s showing defense, speed and hitting, all of which combined to give the club the luxury to allow Francisco Lindor to heal properly.

Outfielders Starling Marte, Tyrone Taylor and Harrison Bader while not offering up All Star level performance have each recently delivered big time hits to help the Mets win games.

All in all, the Mets have a most interesting mix of pitching and hitting, particularly when it comes to the long ball.  Having shown three consecutive 10-run games suggests that the hitting is more formidable than some might expect.  If the relief pitching, slumps and injuries don’t overwhelm the club, it would seem that they indeed belong putting on their uniforms for the month of October.