The highs and lows of professional sports seasons can be as unpredictable as they are thrilling, and the New York Mets' 2024 campaign epitomized this rollercoaster nature. After an initially dismal start, the team made a stunning turnaround that captivated fans and set them on a memorable postseason run, though it ultimately fell short of the ultimate prize.
A Season of Contrasts
The Mets' season commenced inauspiciously with a 0-5 start, leaving fans and analysts skeptical of the team's prospects. However, showcasing resilience characteristic of great teams, the Mets bounced back with an impressive 12-3 run. This surge gave their season fresh momentum, but sustaining it proved challenging as they dropped 27 of their subsequent 39 games. Midway through the season, the Mets were in a precarious position, needing a significant performance boost to stay in playoff contention.
From June onward, the Mets displayed a formidable form, achieving a remarkable 65-38 record through the season's conclusion. This surge was instrumental in securing a postseason berth in dramatic fashion. It was a ninth-inning home run against divisional rivals, the Atlanta Braves, in Game 161 that officially punched their ticket to the playoffs, encapsulating the team’s never-say-die spirit.
Postseason Hopes and Heartbreak
Entering the playoffs against the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series, the Mets carried their late-season momentum forward. The series was fiercely contested, going to a deciding Game 3. Once again, it was a crucial home run that propelled the Mets past the Brewers, earning them a spot in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
However, their playoff journey met a formidable roadblock in the form of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The NLCS was a testament to high-stakes baseball, with the Mets battling valiantly before succumbing in Game 6. The Dodgers, a perennial powerhouse, advanced to face the New York Yankees in the World Series, leaving the Mets to reflect on their commendable season and look toward the future.
Individual Stars Shine
The 2024 season saw several standout performances from Mets players. Francisco Lindor, one of the team’s linchpins, was an MVP candidate, underscoring his pivotal role. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso, a beacon of consistency and power, added another 34 home runs to his tally. This brought his career total to an impressive 219 since 2019. Notably, Alonso is set to become a free agent in the offseason and will turn 30 in December 2024, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
Strength in Pitching
A significant factor in the Mets' resurgence was the reliability of their starting rotation. Anchored by Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino, the trio each started at least 31 games, maintaining ERAs no worse than 3.91. Alongside David Peterson, they accounted for 115 of the team's 162 games with a commendable collective ERA of 3.56. However, with Manaea, Quintana, and Severino all entering free agency, the Mets face crucial decisions to maintain the backbone of their pitching prowess.
Looking Ahead
The Mets' front office has already signaled an intention to bolster their starting pitching in the offseason, aware that solidifying this area is key to sustaining their success. The late-season performance has positioned the Mets as a team to watch, potentially setting the stage for an even more formidable 2025 campaign.
While the 2024 season ended in disappointment, it served as a testament to the Mets' resolve and potential. The lessons learned and the foundation built could shape the team into a formidable contender in the years to come.