The New York Mets' 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, marked by stunning comebacks, heart-wrenching losses, and unforgettable moments. As the season unfolded, the Mets exhibited resilience and determination, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.
A Rocky Start and Remarkable Turnaround
Early April saw the Mets stumble out of the gate with a disappointing 0-5 record, leaving fans concerned about the team’s prospects. However, the Mets quickly rebounded with a remarkable 12-3 run that silenced the skeptics and reignited hope. Yet no sooner had they found their footing than fortune turned against them again. A dismal stretch followed, with the Mets losing 27 of their next 39 games. The ebb and flow of their performance left both fans and players searching for answers.
A Strong Finish
From June onward, the Mets found their rhythm and were among baseball’s elite, compiling an impressive 65-38 record. This resurgence was crucial in securing a postseason berth in dramatic fashion—a ninth-inning home run against the Atlanta Braves in Game 161 clinching their spot.
Postseason Journey
In the postseason, the Mets faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers in a tightly contested Wild Card Series. They advanced past Milwaukee, sealing the series with a decisive home run in Game 3. Sadly, their playoff run concluded in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers, bowing out in Game 6. The Dodgers, having bested the Mets, went on to face their historic rivals, the New York Yankees, in the World Series.
Standout Performances
The 2024 Mets had no shortage of standout performances. Francisco Lindor emerged as an MVP candidate, demonstrating his leadership and prowess on the field. Meanwhile, slugger Pete Alonso added 34 home runs to his tally, bringing his career total to 219 since his debut in 2019. As Alonso prepares for free agency in the offseason and approaches his 30th birthday this December, his future looms large for the franchise.
Pitching Power
The Mets’ starting rotation was a formidable force, with Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino each delivering at least 31 starts with ERAs no worse than 3.91. Alongside David Peterson, these pitchers combined for 115 of the team's 162 games and a collective ERA of 3.56—a testament to their reliability and skill. With Manaea, Quintana, and Severino entering free agency, the Mets’ front office is poised to bolster their pitching further in the offseason, keeping an eye on sustaining their competitive edge.
Looking Forward
As the curtain falls on the 2024 season, the Mets can reflect with pride on their journey. Their late-season performance positions them as a formidable team preparing to make waves in future seasons. With strategic offseason moves and potential key player retentions or acquisitions, the Mets aim to build on their 2024 successes and emerge as strong contenders in the subsequent year.
The narrative of resilience, hope, and potential continues to define the Mets, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the storied franchise.