This week heralds a pivotal showdown in the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a crucial three-game series at Truist Park. The stakes couldn't be higher, with a potential postseason spot hanging in the balance for both teams. Adding a layer of suspense, a potential hurricane is bearing down on the region, threatening to disrupt this high-stakes matchup.
All other National League teams trailing Atlanta have been eliminated from the wild-card race, narrowing the competition to a four-team fight for three coveted postseason spots. Fans might recall that two years ago, the Braves delivered a resounding sweep of the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, causing the Mets to lose their grip on first place in the NL East. As this season's series approaches, one can't help but wonder if history will repeat itself.
The Matchups
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a duel between right-handers: Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The excitement continues with acclaimed left-handers taking the mound for the next two games—David Peterson versus Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea against Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets, taking advantage of Monday's off-day, have adjusted their rotation, pushing Jose Quintana’s start to Friday.
Both teams have seen notable contributions from various players. For the Mets, rookie Luisangel Acuña has been stellar at shortstop, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has been equally impressive, batting .467 since taking over the leadoff spot and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. Despite his injury, Lindor remains optimistic about his return this season, albeit acknowledging that it may not be pain-free.
Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
For the Braves, key players have been significant in maintaining the team's competitive edge. Marcell Ozuna has exhibited a strong performance, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, while Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have also contributed to the lineup. On the flip side, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month, posing a challenge for the Mets.
Even a sweep of the Mets will not guarantee the Braves a wild-card spot this series, particularly if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter in their games against the San Francisco Giants. However, should the Mets win two games in this series, their postseason ticket will be punched. For the Braves, their fate depends not only on their performance but also on other teams' outcomes, specifically Arizona's.
Future Prospects
Beyond this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers. The Brewers, having clinched the NL Central, are now focused on securing a Wild Card Series bye. As for the Braves, they will stay home for a crucial three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, who are also locked in a tight wild-card race. This sets the stage for a potential win-or-go-home scenario in Game 162 for both the Braves and Royals.
The tension is palpable. As Sean Murphy aptly remarked, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.” Whether it will be the Braves soaring into the postseason or the Mets solidifying their spot, only time—and a few critical games—will tell.