Yesterday marked a monumental shift in the National League playoff picture, a shift characterized by the dramatic fall of the Atlanta Braves and the simultaneous rise of the New York Mets. For Braves fans, the current five-game losing streak has turned what once seemed like a promising season into a desperate struggle for playoff contention.
Trouble for the Braves
The Braves' recent woes were underscored by a crushing 16-7 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers. This loss significantly impacted their standings, converting a slim half-game lead for the third and final wild-card spot into a half-game deficit. If the playoffs were to commence tomorrow, Atlanta, for the first time since 2017, would not be part of the postseason drama.
This downturn is particularly jarring given that, as recently as July 9, the Braves enjoyed a seemingly secure six-game advantage over the Mets. However, their lackluster performance this month—marked by a 2-5 record—has exacerbated their struggles. Overall, they hold a disappointing 7-12 record in the second half of the season.
The Mets on the Rise
In sharp contrast, the New York Mets have seized the opportunity to climb the standings. Their resounding 9-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies exemplified the momentum they have been building, as evidenced by their 12-8 record since the All-Star break. This uptick in performance places the Mets in a favorable position as they eye the remaining season with optimism.
Diminishing the sting of their recent struggles, the Philadelphia Phillies have maintained a comfortable 7 1/2-game lead in the National League East. Yet, it's the Braves' immediate future that demands attention—they are on the cusp of a taxing three-city, 10-game west-coast road trip facing formidable teams like the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels. Notably, the Braves' remaining opponents have won 48.6% of their games this season, a statistic that underscores the challenges that lie ahead.
Schedule Advantage
Meanwhile, the Mets will conclude their current road trip with a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners before embarking on a nine-game homestand. During this stretch, they will host the Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles—a slate of games where their opponents have a slightly higher cumulative winning percentage of 49.9%. This advantageous schedule positions the Mets to potentially extend their recent success.
A pivotal fixture that looms is the three-game series between the Braves and the Mets in Atlanta during the final week of the season. These games could very well decide the fate of both teams' playoff hopes. For the Braves, who have enjoyed postseason baseball consistently since 2018, missing the playoffs would be both a jolt and a disappointment, considering the expectations set at the beginning of the season.
A Season-Defining Moment
Ultimately, the narrative of the 2023 National League playoff race is still unfolding. The Braves must navigate a challenging path ahead, riddled with high-stakes games and formidable opponents. In contrast, the surging Mets seem to be peaking at precisely the right time, embodying resilience and seizing opportunities to enhance their standing. As both teams edge closer to their climactic matchup, fans and analysts alike will be watchful, ready to witness the drama and triumphs that make baseball an enduringly captivating sport.