Mets’ ‘Mojo’ Compared to Recent NL Pennant Winner, According to Insider

2024 New York Mets Full of surprises, these matches have wowed fans with everything from wins and breakout years to low-risk veteran signings and utility lineman impromptu post-match concerts.

One Article exclusive to ESPN+ In the article published Thursday, multiple insiders shared bold predictions about MLB’s most dangerous teams. Jesse Rogers It offered an intriguing perspective on the NL Wild Card hopeful Mets.

“I talked to a scout who was at Citi Field when the Mets beat the Phillies on Sunday night. The atmosphere was electric. New York seems to have the same mojo that carried the Diamondbacks to the World Series last season,” Rogers said. wrote.

The 2023 Diamondbacks sneaked into the postseason with 84 wins and the final spot in the NL Wild Card. Expectations were low for a team that won just 74 games last year and was just two seasons removed from going 52-110. Still, thanks to heroic performances by 22-year-old Corbin Carroll and his young pitching staff, they upset both the Dodgers and Phillies en route to their first World Series appearance since 2001. They went 7-25 after coming from behind and eventually fell short in the Fall Classic, losing to the Rangers in five games.

Like Arizona, the Mets entered the season focusing more on the future than the present. They hired first-time coach Carlos Mendoza and recently passed on two big win-now contracts in Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander during a disappointing 2023 season; They had won just 75 games the previous year after a 101-win season.

The Mets have captured the hearts of fans by compiling a league-best 65-37 record since their 22-33 start. They rallied behind utility infielder José Iglesias’ hit song “OMG” and McDonald’s character Grimace, who sparked a seven-game hitting streak after throwing out the first pitch on June 12. A purple seat has since been installed at Citi Field. the honor of their good luck charm.

The Mets’ starting pitching has faded and led the NL in ERA since the All-Star break. Closer Edwin Díaz has been warming up, logging 42 strikeouts in 24 innings since the break and allowing just one run all month. Rookie Luisangel Acuña emerged as a surprise hero, hitting three home runs and hitting a .375 average through his first 10 major league games after struggling in Triple-A and helping the team stay afloat while Francisco Lindor suffered a back injury. Lindor now looks ready to return.

Looks like the stars are aligning in Queens. With a one-game lead over the Braves and five games remaining, the Mets control their own destiny. A road sweep by the Brewers and at least one victory by the Royals over Atlanta could clinch the Wild Card by Monday. Otherwise, the season-ending doubleheader in Atlanta, postponed until Monday due to Hurricane Helene, will set the stage for a dramatic finish just one day before the postseason begins.

NL Wild Card teams have reached the World Series in each of the last two seasons. If the scouts are right, the Mets may have enough mojo left to go three straight games.