2 reasons the Mets aren't on the same tier as the Braves, 1 philosophy to get them there

NY Mets can get into the same tier as the Braves by continuing to focus on the youth movement

Improving the team and finding stability are two ways to get into the same class as the Braves. So is embracing the youth movement.

The Mets have been firm about keeping as many of their young prospects as possible. They’ve balked at any significant trade that would’ve cost them players like Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty. Each has now become a starter for the Mets in 2023. Neither has yet to fully make their mark, but the signs are there of a bright future ahead.

Down in Atlanta, the reputation has become a tendency to lock up young players to team-friendly contracts early on. The Mets don’t necessarily need to go this far. What they must do in order to catch the Braves and be as relevant as their NL East foe is to hold onto and add even more quality young players to the system. This means selling high when they need to. It means being smart about the pieces you put around those young players. Find a Charlie Morton for the rotation. Make a trade for a Sean Murphy or Matt Olson when appropriate.

The way these two teams operate is very different. The Braves have built up the farm system and even managed to use many of those pieces to land proven big leaguers. The Mets could be headed there, but remain big spenders above anything else.

There is no need for the Mets to become the Braves. They can do their own thing while taking a few hints from Atlanta. If you can’t beat ‘em, copy ‘em.