Mets September Preview: Many ways the Mets can spoil the pennant race

The New York Mets round out the 2023 campaign by playing the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies for 13 straight games.

The most interesting thing I found in the 2023 schedule when it was announced was that the Mets played the Marlins in seven of their first 10 games, but wouldn’t see them again until the second to last week of the season. And the Marlins have been a fun team to watch this year. Luis Arraez flirted with a .400 batting average for much of the season before he’s cooled off, Jorge Soler has hit 35 home runs, and Jake Burger has become a fan favorite after he was acquired from the White Sox.

The Mets may also have to deal with a young and talented pitching staff, with Jesus Luzardo and 20-year old phenom Eury Perez pitching very well recently, while Sandy Alcantara has had an up-and-down defense of his Cy Young title.

When the schedule came out, some figure that the Marlins had a chance to play spoiler on the Mets (which has historically happed), but the roles are reversed this time. It should be a great showcase of young talent from both teams that can play a role in their division next season. The two teams play in Miami from September 18-20 and then at Citi Field from September 26-28.

When the Mets swept the Phillies in early June, the Phillies were 25-31. Since then, they’re 49-28, and have kept getting better as the season got deeper. Their offense has been incredible, while their rotation has been good (and healthy) despite Aaron Nola’s inability to keep the ball in the ballpark this season. Cristopher Sanchez has broken out in a big way to back up Zack Wheeler and Taijuan Walker. Oh, and their trade deadline pickup, Michael Lorenzen, threw a no-hitter last month.

The two sides play four at Citizens Bank Park from September 21-24 and a three at Citi Field from September 29-October 1 to finish the season.

With all of this in mind, the Mets will go 12-14 the rest of the way to end the season at 73-89.