Ex-MLB closer predicts Mets finish below .500 and the Phillies make it to the World Series

The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies find themselves battling for a wild card spot after underperforming. In this sense, former reliever Jonathan Papelbon commented on the Audacy Original Podcast "Baseball Isn't Boring" that the Phillies have been resurfacing and would reach the World Series while the Mets would not win 80 games and would be out of the postseason.

Papelbon argues that Harper's arrival plus his expectation that the Phillies will make a big trade would make them favorites in the NL. While in the case of the Mets, he considers that things have been against him.

The Mets have a roster capable of finishing above .500 this season

Jonathan Papelbon may be right in his prediction because, in the end, it is a personal opinion. However, his preferences may be biasing his considerations toward the Phillies and minimizing what the Mets have.

The Phillies have a good roster. The return of Byrce Harper complements a lineup capable of heavy damage that has been underperforming all season.

Likewise, the Phillies' starting pitching hasn't been the best, but it has room for improvement. In this way, projecting that they could reach the world series is not unreasonable, given that they are the current reigning champions of the National League.

What is undoubtedly biased is his regard for the Mets. The Mets' roster has been producing below expectations but also can bounce back and play at a better level than it currently is.

The Mets can finish the season well above .500 and may or may not make the postseason. Last year, the Orioles finished four games over .500 and failed to qualify.

Papelbon has always been a person of character and volatility, his arguments seem subjective without any weight to support his prediction. Similarly, the Mets must continue to improve to try to reach the World Series in a tough division.