The 2024 New York Mets season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by an initial stuttering start, a powerful midseason surge, and a dramatic postseason run that captivated fans until it culminated in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Early Struggles and Midseason Surge
The Mets' season began unfavorably with a dispiriting 0-5 start that had fans fearing a repeat of previous years' frustrations. However, those worries were quickly allayed as the team found its rhythm, posting an impressive 12-3 record in the early stages of the season. Unfortunately, this surge was short-lived, as the Mets lost 27 of their next 39 games, drawing concerns about consistency and depth in the team’s roster.
Yet, from June onwards, the Mets shifted gears dramatically. Their 65-38 record from June to the season's conclusion was a testament to their resilience and the strategic adjustments from both the coaching staff and players. This remarkable turnaround positioned the Mets as one of the league's most formidable late-season teams, earning them a coveted spot in the playoffs.
Clinching a Postseason Berth
The clinching moment for the Mets came in spectacular fashion during Game 161 of the regular season. In a dramatic ninth inning, they secured their postseason berth against the Atlanta Braves. With this momentum, the Mets entered the postseason with renewed vigor and a sense of destiny.
In the Wild Card Series, the Mets faced the Milwaukee Brewers. This matchup proved to be a nail-biter, with the Mets advancing past the Brewers in a decisive Game 3, propelled by a clutch home run that etched another memorable moment in the franchise's postseason lore.
A Fallen Dream Against the Dodgers
The Mets’ postseason journey, however, ended in the NLCS, where they faced the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers. The series extended to six games, with the Mets eventually succumbing to the Dodgers' depth and experience. For Mets' fans, while the defeat was disappointing, their team’s performance in 2024 offered a promising glimpse of what might lie ahead.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ victory set the stage for a compelling World Series showdown against the New York Yankees, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between the cities.
Player Highlights and Future Considerations
Francisco Lindor emerged as an MVP candidate, leading by example on and off the field. Pete Alonso also delivered a fantastic season, belting 34 home runs, bringing his career total to an impressive 219 since he burst onto the scene in 2019. However, Alonso's impending free agency during the offseason is a significant talking point, as the Mets front office considers the dynamics of retaining their slugging powerhouse who will turn 30 in December 2024.
The Mets’ success heavily relied on a sturdy starting rotation. Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino each recorded at least 31 starts with ERAs no worse than 3.91, while David Peterson played a crucial role in a rotation that accounted for 115 of the team’s 162 games with a collective ERA of 3.56. As the offseason approaches, the Mets face critical decisions with Manaea, Quintana, and Severino all set to enter free agency, prompting the front office to prioritize bolstering the starting pitching ranks to maintain their competitive edge.
The details of these contract negotiations and offseason moves will be pivotal in shaping the Mets' future, as they aim to build on the strong foundation laid during this season.
In sum, the 2024 New York Mets season was far from linear. It was a test of grit, skill, and adaptability, infused with moments of brilliance and tenacity. While their playoff run may have ended prematurely, the journey provided an exhilarating ride and laid a robust groundwork for the looming challenges and opportunities of the next season. With key players potentially departing and new faces likely arriving, the Mets have positioned themselves as a team to watch — and perhaps to be feared — in the years to come.