MIAMI — The Mets are in the playoffs. You heard it here first.
(OK, maybe not the first, but it’s pretty close.)
Watching their recent dismal and discouraging performance here on Friday night, I’m not sure if I’m a honker, a meher, a lightweight, a loser, or a taker (apparently this is the latest to “cook” someone). It was probably their worst performance before you can blame them. Seasons — listen.
Considering everything that went wrong, it’s important to know that before Friday night’s 8-0 loss to the Marlins, they were still only half a game away from the final wild-card spot. Today’s situation is not very good, but here is a sign that better days are coming. And I’m not the only one around here watching the 2024 postseason.
“I agree,” Francisco Lindor said before the game. “We haven’t taken off yet and we’re not that far away.”
Pete Alonso said the Mets’ chances in October are “100 percent.” “We’ve been playing some decent baseball. But I don’t think we’ve played our best baseball yet.”
Here’s why all three of us are right (and most everyone else isn’t).
1. Their schedule was tough.
Somehow, they’ve played over a quarter of the season, and on Friday, they’ll be playing one of MLB’s true favorites, the Rockies, White Sox, Athletics, or the intradivision gateway Marlins, whom they beat. This was my first chance to play against him. 22 of 32 games since the start of 2022.
The Mets had a disappointing first game between both teams, but the schedule should work out. The first 18 games in July will be against permanent players who will also be held.
(Of course, rookie Christian Scott will have to play better than he did Friday, when he was beaten early at home. I never felt comfortable playing against Luzardo.
Luzardo pitched in a showcase, and the Marlins will likely follow their star player from here as they play in 2026 and beyond. Maybe the Mets will get lucky next time they play the Marlins and Luzardo will be elsewhere.
Maybe he’s someone the Mets should consider?
2. Lindor is not a .195 hitter.
Well, he technically is for now. But you know that’s going to change.
Just entering the third year of the largest 10-year, $341 million contract in Mets history, the 30-year-old is in the midst of his prime.
Lindor’s expected batting average is a whopping .273. I don’t know exactly how much that means, but that’s about the same as what I expect Lindor to hit. Anyway, Mr. Smile remains the same.
“That’s news to me,” Lindor said of his projected .273 average. “That means I have to stay the course.”
3. Their offense is getting better and better.
Not only is J.D. Martinez the first Pete Alonso hitter mentioned here, he’s also a good fit to guard the greatest slugger in Mets history. And after hitting 33 home runs in 113 games with the Dodgers, he’s warming up after a long winter that didn’t live up to expectations.
Mark Vientos will also bring additional offensive power, and it’s good to see him return to his rightful place in the majors. I know he doesn’t rank as high on prospect lists as Brett Batty, but honestly, he’s a better hitter.
4. Their pitching depth is still better than most.
Luis Severino and Sean Manaea are great pickups, the talented Tyler Megill is back, David Peterson looks ready to rehab, and the bullpen is confident in its 97 mph fastball. With the exception of star closer Edwin Diaz, who needs to be brought back — he was exceptional. .
Ace Kodai Senga is not giving up either. It’s strange that mechanical problems have hampered his rehabilitation, but he says he’s feeling better. He will definitely help.
5. Don’t misinterpret cryptic tweets.
Mets powerbrokers believe this team is capable of making the playoffs. Team president David Stearns said something similar to the Post in the spring, so he was actually the first to say it. (There’s no shame in being three months behind the Harvard men.)
Some fans were unnecessarily upset by a now-deleted tweet from club owner Steve Cohen that read, “All things future, there’s not much that can be done before the trade deadline.” Apparently some fans took that to mean the Mets were going to sell him, I think incorrectly.
I don’t think so. This was meant to be a direct message, so I’m sure the intended recipient knew what it meant, but I can’t say I know.
But knowing Cohen and his MO, I’m not going to read that negatively. This isn’t the Marlins. If this Mets team gets close, they will make moves to improve the club.
Cohen may not be the perfect tweeter — heaven knows, but I’m not. — but he’s willing to spend money to win. If there’s one thing we know, he should know that too.
This is why one recent survey suggested that Cohen is the game’s most popular owner with an approval rating of 70%. I would put the team’s playoff chances in that range as well. One tweet won’t change the situation.
