3 things the NY Mets did vs. the Padres that can win them a World Series

The New York Mets recent series win over San Diego revealed patterns they must sustain to remain contenders. This wasn’t a series of lucky breaks—certain approaches clicked in a way that highlighted the team’s strengths and the edge they can sustain. As the season progresses and the playoff race intensifies, the challenge isn’t just winning games; it’s replicating what worked here and avoiding the missteps that have cost them in the past. Maintaining that level of execution could turn a strong series into a lasting advantage, setting the tone for the stretch run and beyond.

Power surge at the plate

The Mets reminded everyone why their power has been a season-long weapon, launching 10 home runs in the series. Heading into the matchup, New York ranked seventh in MLB with 203 homers, but their long-ball production had slowed since September 1, with just 15 over 13 games—good for 18th in the league during that stretch. The series against San Diego was a sharp course correction, showing that the Mets can still rely on one swing to shift momentum.

As games become increasingly important, particularly in a playoff race, the ability to score without stringing together multiple hits is crucial. Against top-tier pitchers and late-inning bullpens, one well-timed homer can be the difference between a win and a loss. This series showed the Mets still possess that weapon, and maintaining it will be key if they hope to turn strong performances into consistent results down the stretch.

Attacking opposing starters early

The Amazins were relentless in their approach against San Diego’s starting pitchers, ensuring none lasted into the fifth inning across all three games. By putting pressure on the opposition early, New York dictated the flow of each matchup, turning key at-bats into momentum shifts before the Padres could settle in. The strategy showed how effectively a team can control a game when it aggressively challenges the starter from the first pitch.

Mets fans have spent the past two months seeing how difficult it is to win when their own starters don’t go deep into games, often leaving the bullpen overworked and vulnerable. In a short series late in the season, and particularly in the playoffs, forcing early pitching changes for the opposition becomes critical. It wears down bullpens, creates scoring opportunities, and gives hitters familiarity with multiple arms—subtle advantages that can prove decisive in tight, high-stakes contests.

Starter efficiency and length

In the Mets’ wins over San Diego, the starters provided more than just stability—they gave the team length and control. Manaea and Holmes combined for a complete game, while Tong delivered a solid five innings, allowing Mendoza to strategically deploy the top arms in the bullpen to close out the game. By maximizing the output of their starters, the Mets limited the pressure on the relievers and kept key bullpen pieces fresh for high-leverage moments.

The Mets’ bullpen carries several question marks, making efficient use of starters crucial. Even with piggyback starts or creative rotation management, generating length from the mound sets clear lanes for relievers, reduces exposure, and helps the team navigate crucial late innings. Sustaining this approach will be essential if the Mets want to maintain consistency down the stretch and preserve flexibility as they push toward the playoffs.