2024 NLCS Preview: New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
By Matt Hanifan,
4 hours ago
(Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)
2024 NLCS Preview: New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The last time the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets met in the postseason was nearly a decade ago in the NLDS. Now, the two foes will meet in the NLCS for the first time since 1988. What should you look out for in this best-of-seven series? Let’s dive into it!
New York Mets overview:
Down, but never out–the phrase that encapsulates the New York Mets’ postseason so far.
They’ve shown they’ve been able to come back, no matter how much they’re down over the final three innings, better than any team this postseason. The Mets were also the first team in MLB history to play four straight postseason games in which the team that led entering the 8th lost.
Ironically enough, that’s how they got into the postseason in the first place after a back-and-forth shootout against Atlanta over the final two innings on Sept. 30. It’s been a chaotic–albeit fun–journey for New York, who clinched its first NLCS berth since 2015.
Francisco Lindor has continued to play at an MVP caliber this postseason, slashing .259/.382/.482 with one homer and six RBIs in seven games, including a .906 OPS in the NLDS against rival Philadelphia. Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso are the only two players who have hit multiple home runs, sporting 231 and 200 wRC+, respectively. They’ve also gotten very good starting pitching from Jose Quintana , Sean Manaea and Luis Severino , plus excellent work from the bulk of their bullpen.
New York is hot at the right time, and that should strike fear into any opponent at this time of year. It knows how to win in myriad ways, which is very important.
Los Angeles Dodgers overview:
The Dodgers trailed 2-1 to the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, but held them scoreless for the series’ final 24 innings behind the back of Yoshinobu Yamamoto plus their bullpen, which got exclusive run during Game 4 in a bullpen game.
It hasn’t been a perfect postseason for star outfielder Mookie Betts , though he began to find his rhythm at the plate toward the end of the NLDS against San Diego. Teoscar Hernandez is the only other Dodger player with at least two home runs, having slashed .333/.400/.667 with seven RBIs.
Again, it’s hard to say enough about the Dodgers’ bullpen, which was a roller coaster ride throughout the 2024 season. Seven of their relievers–including Blake Treinan, Anthony Banda , Michael Kopech and Daniel Hudson –has yet to allow a run in at least three innings of work. You couldn’t ask for much more out of any of their ‘pen arms–literally.
This was my key for the Padres, but they forgot to score runs over the final 2.5 games. New York isn’t as talented as Los Angeles, but if they can neutralize Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman , their chances of survival increases.
Dodgers: Continue to get strong production from pitching staff
As I mentioned before, the Mets have found ways to win–especially from behind. Over the course of 27 outs, you can’t let them find life. Dodgers need another strong series from their pitching staff.
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