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Today’s game features two of the best starting pitchers in the game: Reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal versus 2025 NL Cy Young runner up Cristopher Sanchez, who is making his return to the Grapefruit League after a wonderful overall performance in the World Baseball Classic. The Phillies also have Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber back from the WBC.

Here are the lineups, let’s discuss.

For the Phillies:

For the Tigers:

From driver’s licenses to Tinder, there’s something about men lying about their height baked into the fabric our society — but only in MLB can it result in a competitive advantage, until now. Baseball is implementing its Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system this season, after undergoing a trial in 2025, and that means every player in baseball is getting accurately measured for the system, with some hilarious results.

We’re seeing a lot of players who claimed they were over 6’0 suddenly fall below the mark. Alex Bregman, who recently signed with the Chicago Cubs, has magically shrunk from six-foot, which he was listed as with the Houston Astros, to 5’11 with the Red Sox, now 5’10 in Chicago. Similarly Gavin Lux, previously a strapping 6’1 27-year-old, has now lost some inches as well.

This is happening because the league has to get accurate strike zone data for every single player, which means getting their full and accurate measurements. In order to do this they’ve needed to codify what the strike zone is across all of baseball, moving away from looser the interpretation of “top of the pants to the batter’s shoulders.”

Specifically, the strike zone is now defined as 17 inches across the plate for all players, but in terms of height the zone now starts at 27% of the player’s height, falling roughly around the waist of most players, and extends to 53.5% of the player’s height. MLB says this is a general reduction from umpire rulings, which they found averaged out to be 24.2% to 55.6% — which in turn means a smaller strike zone, and fewer strikes as a result.

Theoretically lying about your height in the past should have been a disadvantage, but umpires were paying attention to what they saw — not the figure on paper. If a ball went above your shoulders or below your belt it was a ball, regardless of the height ratios of players. Now that balls and strikes can be challenges thee has to be accurate measuring for the ABS software to work off.

Interesting MLB attempted to try and use a 3D model that turned the strike zone into a cube, but claimed it caused issues. Adding depth to the equation allowed pitchers to paint unnatural corners of the strike zone that ABS would have claimed was a strike — but didn’t make sense under the former understanding of the zone. So MLB scrapped the experiment and will instead use ABS on a 2D plane, much as we’ve come to understand the zone in the past.

Now you know why some of your favorite players might rock up at the plate seeming more like short kings that the strapping six-footers they’ve been claiming for years. Personally, as a sub-six foot man myself, just own it boys. Nothing wrong with being a little shorter — except when it comes to buying dress pants. Screw the inseam measurements of dress pants when you’re shorter.

With spring training winding down, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed a number of topics on Friday ahead of their game against the St. Louis Cardinals on SNY...

Latest on Francisco Alvarez

There was a small scare on Thursday asAlvarez exited New York's spring training game early after his back tightened up on him. Mendoza said it was for precautionary reasons and called him day-to-day. 

The manager gave another update Friday, saying Alvarez felt the tightness after Wednesday's off day and was happy he chose not to push it. If all goes well, the catcher will be back in the lineup on Saturday.

"Better. Saw him earlier this morning, was getting treatment. Definitely feeling better, moving around fine," Mendoza said. "The plan is for him to go through his workout, he's going to swing the bat. Everything goes well, he's back in the lineup tomorrow."

Alvarez will look to stay healthy and cap off his strong spring, as he's gone 8-for-22 (.364) at the plate with three doubles, one home run, and four RBI across 10 games.

Regular season pitching plan

Mendoza wasted no time in naming Freddy Peralta the Opening Day starting pitcher after just three spring training games on Feb. 27. 

With Opening Day less than a week away on March 26, the manager shared a loose plan for how things may look in the second and third games of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team will have minor leaguers start on Saturday and Sunday to round out the Grapefruit League, and then play an intrasquad game on Monday that will feature Nolan McLean vs. Sean Manaea.

"And then on Monday, that game that we have here, it'll be McLean versus Manaea... do the math," Mendoza said with a laugh.

He added on McLean: "Probably game three."

When asked if Manaea will start game two of the regular season, Mendoza said, "We'll see," with a smirk.

New York has still not confirmed it will begin the year with a six-man rotation, but Mendoza gave some more insight into how the rotation may look. He noted that Peralta will be pitching on the backfields Friday instead of facing the Cardinals, since the Mets play them in the second series of the regular season. 

"There's a chance he could face them," Mendoza said, indicating that the team could keep Peralta on regular rest even with the six-man rotation. 

That would mean one starter (one of David Peterson, Clay Holmes, or Kodai Senga) likely wouldn't pitch until the seventh game of the season. 

Opening Day roster decisions

In addition to figuring out the rotation, Mendoza and the Mets will need to finalize their Opening Day roster in the coming days. 

Many expect Carson Benge to make the team as the starting right fielder, joining Juan Soto and Luis Robert Jr. in the outfield. Tyrone Taylor is a lock for the bench, in addition to Luis Torrens and Mark Vientos, giving the team one more spot if they go with the six-man rotation.

Mike Tauchman could earn that role after a strong spring, but that would mean New York would be carrying five outfielders and no backups who play shortstop.

With Bo Bichette getting the start at short on Friday, his first time playing his old position this year, Mendoza discussed how the roster could look on Opening Day when asked about carrying five outfielders.

"Yeah I think everything is on the table," Mendoza said. "Again, we still got three or four more days. I'm not anticipating this decision any time soon. I think we are going to go all the way to the last day, not only here in camp, but once we get to New York.

"We could go in a lot of different ways here. And that's why Bo is getting that opportunity today at shortstop."

Mendoza added that it'll be good for Bichette to get some "familiar" work in at short, knowing that Francisco Lindor will be playing every game possible. The other potential bench spot, if not Tauchman, could go to Vidal Brujan, who can play everywhere on the diamond except catcher.

Tobias Myers' role

When the Mets acquired Myers in the Peralta trade with Milwaukee, it was unclear if the team planned to use him as a starter or out of the bullpen.

The 27-year-old will start on Friday against St. Louis in Grapefruit League action, but it will look more like a regular season relief appearance.

"He's very versatile," Mendoza said. "We got six starters that are healthy. Knock on wood here, he's gonna be pitching out of the bullpen in a multi-inning role. This is a guy that is going to get big outs for us. He's gonna pitch in a lot of different situations -- high leverage, medium leverage, low leverage if we need to. 

"And if we go that route where there's a need for starting pitching, he's in the consideration. That's why we got him built him up to almost 70 pitches. Now, it's more like how we'll potentially be using him in the regular season. Today, he's only going to go a couple of innings, no more than 35 pitches."

Mendoza noted the team is being "mindful" of how they use Myers in case of an early-season injury to one of the six starters. The right-hander has made 31 career starts out of his 49 appearances, but 25 of them came during the 2024 season as he pitched mostly out of the bullpen in 2025.

Mets Lineup

1. Carson Benge – RF
2. Tyrone Taylor – CF
3. Bo Bichette – SS
4. Mark Vientos – DH
5. Mike Tauchman – LF
6. Vidal Brujan – 2B
7. Jared Young – 1B
8. Hayden Senger – C
9. Antonio Jimenez – 3B

Tobias Myers – RHP

Cardinals Lineup

1. JJ Wetherholt – DH
2. Ramon Urias – 2B
3. Ivan Herrera – C
4. Jordan Walker – RF
5. Thomas Saggese – CF
6. Yohel Pozo – 1B
7. Jose Fermin – 3B
8. Nathan Church – LF
9. Brody Moore – SS

Andre Pallante – RHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 1:10 PM EDT
TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SNY, ESPN Unlimited
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Just last summer, Bryce Eldridge wasn’t sure where to position himself on relays from the outfield. He lacked other fundamentals that only come with experience at first base, such as tracking the batter, not the ball, when a pitch is on the way.

The Giants’ top prospect didn’t make their Opening Day roster, but the 21-year-old first baseman believes he put to rest this spring any doubts about his defensive future.

“My defense was always something that was kind of a question mark to these guys,” Eldridge told the California Post hours before he was optioned out of camp Thursday. “I think I played a damn good first. If you put me up with some of the best, I think I’m an above-average big-league first baseman.”

Whether or not Eldridge could crack the Opening Day roster was poised to be one of the most intriguing questions of Tony Vitello’s first spring training as the Giants’ manager.

Eldridge made his MLB debut last September, but he still only has 84 games above Double-A.

Despite his lack of experience, Eldridge made the decision about more than his defense.

“I think everyone was wondering about (his) position,” Vitello said. “But I think he showed real potential to not just be over at first base, but to be a quality defender at first base.”

In a twist, the prospect known for his prowess at the plate looked more uncomfortable in the batter’s box than he did on the infield dirt. The Giants would like to see Eldridge strike out less than his 38.7% rate this spring and, as Vitello said, “as big and strong as he is, just to be more dangerous at the plate.” Meaning: More consistently laying off pitches outside the zone.

“I think he showed he is a major-league player,” general manager Zack Minasian told the Post. “We’ve talked about him defensively, just getting more comfortable at first base in all facets. I think he’s done a good job there. Offensively, it’s huge, huge upside. I think him putting the ball in play consistently is a big deal.”

The assignment to Triple-A Sacramento should allow Eldridge to get everyday reps in at first base, in the batter’s box — and on the base paths, his next area of improvement. Base running mechanics are all the more important with Eldridge’s large, lanky frame, and he wasn’t on first base much this spring with six of his nine hits going for extra bases.

“It’s hard to keep your body under control when you’re this long and this big,” Eldridge said. “Learning how to run and use good mechanics isn’t something I’ve ever practiced, kind of like how I had never really practiced first before.”

In that case, the Giants should feel good about Eldridge’s ability to pick it up.

Vitello’s first interaction with Eldridge came when he was still a teenager and the Giants manager was attempting to recruit him to Tennessee. At the time, Eldridge was still splitting time between the mound and the outfield. He didn’t pick up a first baseman’s mitt until his first full professional season, in 2024, as he climbed from A-ball to Triple-A in the same year.

Eldridge initially struggled to make some routine plays. This spring, he made some that were only possible for somebody with an athletic, 6-foot-7 build and an understanding how to use it.

“There were several plays that I don’t know many other first basemen make,” Vitello said, commending the improvements in his footwork and the intent behind his work.

Eldridge has taken part in Ron Washington’s famously intense infield drills. He has been coached up by another legendary Giants first baseman in Will Clark. Last year, he struck up a close bond with J.T. Snow, a six-time Gold Glove winner at first base — four with the Giants.

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Snow visited Eldridge twice in Sacramento, where he told the Post that the young first baseman “opened up” about his defensive shortcomings and “got better” because of it.

“Everybody in the organization agreed he was better than day one,” Snow said. “That’s because we worked really hard. … We really got close in Sacramento.”

Eldridge told him he was confused about cutoffs and relays. Snow told him to read the third-base coach to see whether the runner is being waved home. Eldridge would set up before the pitch and lock in on the ball as it traveled to home plate.

“I said, no no no. We don’t do that,” Snow said. “We watch him wind up and we shift our eyes to the hitting zone. You focus on the catcher and the hitting zone. He never knew that because he signed out of high school and he’s 20 years old.”

Eldridge now has more than 200 games at first base under his belt. He added another 19 this spring. He would have had to contend with Rafael Devers for playing time at first base with the big-league club, but there should be no obstacle to him playing the field in Sacramento.

As for those little things he worked on with Snow, Eldridge said, “I definitely feel like I got all those things down.”

“Those are things that, over time, you don’t have to think about as much,” he said. “It’s just gonna take experience and reps, and I’m getting to that point where I’ve had pretty decent experience and taken a lot of reps.”

If there was any doubt about how seriously Eldridge was being considered for the Opening Day roster, look no further than his playing time: Only one player logged more plate appearances.

The Giants were determined to give him a serious look.

They saw enough to be confident that it won’t be long until they see him again.

Vitello said Eldridge took it “like a pro” when he delivered the hard news on Thursday.

“He’s gonna be with us at some point,” Vitello said. “We want him to be ready to rock and roll. I think he will be based off his work ethic and character.”

For a detailed explanation/FAQ regarding this tournament, click here.

QUADRANT 1

1986(1)vs 1962 (16)
G1: 5-3, ’86
G2: 8-2, ’62
G3: 6-2, ’86
G4: 12-3, ’86
Series MVP: Ray Knight

I know what you’re thinking: How did 1962, the team with the second-most losses in the modern era, possibly steal a game from 1986? It seems like a miracle. It took a 3-RBI day from Frank Thomas (not the HOFer), a stunning homer from Joe Pignatano (who never hit one during his actual Mets career), and a Jesse Orosco implosion which yielded five runs in the ninth. But aside from that surprising blip, the ’86 Mets performed as expected, getting a walk-off homer from Howard Johnson in Game 1 and outscoring the ’62 squad 18-5 in the series’ final two games. World Series MVP Ray Knight came through with a homer in Game 4 to give the Mets a lead they would not relinquish, and Orosco redeemed himself with a clean outing. A Richie Ashburn groundout to Rafael Santana at short sent the ’86 team advancing, and sent ’62 packing — just like we all expected.

2010(8)vs 1991 (9)
G1: 9-1, ’10
G2: 9-4, ’91
G3: 11-2, ’10
G4: 9-7, ’91
G5: 6-4, ’10
Series MVP: José Reyes

A seesaw series of two near-seeded teams, the advantage in this series ultimately proved to be 2010’s starting pitching staff. Johan Santana collected two of the team’s three wins, tossing a complete game in Game 1 and handing a quality start off to Francisco Rodriguez in Game 5. 2010’s pitchers even came through with the bat, as Santana had a pair of RBI singles and Jon Niese notched a solo homer. On the flipside, 1991’s staff led by David Cone struggled to hold 2010’s bats at bay — especially José Reyes, who batted .542, but also Angel Pagan and Carlos Beltran, who were extra-base hit machines. Though 1991 won’t be advancing in the tournament, we must still offer a footnote to the absurd heroics of catcher Mackey Sasser, who delivered a whopping nine RBI. His efforts will not be forgotten.

1998 (5)vs 2009(12)
G1: 13-4, ’09
G2: 7-6, ’09
G3: 12-6, ’98
G4: 15-3, ’09
Series MVP: José Reyes

The opening and closing games of this series were an absolute massacre by 2009’s lineup. They had an eight-run inning in the fifth inning in Game 1, and collected eight extra-base hits in Game 5. Much like the ’09 team’s actual first game at Citi Field, Game 3 immediately got off to a shaky start when Edgardo Alfonzo hit a two-run homer before an out had been recorded. 1998 didn’t let up from there, pouncing on John Maine and earning a clean win led by center fielder Brian McRae on offense. The only truly competitive contest was Game 2, during which ’09 trailed 5-3 entering the bottom of the eighth inning before a Josh Thole RBI single, Luis Castillo RBI double, and José Reyes two-run homer gave them a lead late.

2008 (4)vs 1983(13)
G1: 14-2 ’08
G2: 6-2 ’83
G3: 13-12 ’83
G4: 8-7 ’83
Series MVP: George Foster

Things looked all too promising for the 2008 Mets — and then their hopes turned to disaster. Where have I heard that one before? Game 1 was a blowout, with back-to-back homers from Carlos Delgado and Ramón Castro setting the tone early (Castro would finish 4-for-4 with two homers on the day), but the subsequent three games each ended in more devastating fashion than the last. In Game 2, 1983 trailed by a score of 2-1 in the top of the eighth, when George Foster crushed a go-ahead three-run homer. In Game 3, ’83 went ahead 8-3 and 13-6, but ’08 kept coming back, with homers from Carlos Beltran, Fernando Tatís, and Castro (yes, he did it again); but despite 12 runs and 15 hits, it ultimately wasn’t enough. In Game 4, ’08 seemed en route to a cathartic win, with a pair of David Wright homers giving them a 7-3 lead entering the bottom of the ninth inning. That’s when Billy Wagner had a nightmarish meltdown. Foster hit a two-run double, a wild pitch scored a run, and a Brian Giles RBI single tied the game. The only out that ’08 recorded in the ninth inning was the John Stearns walk-off sac fly which put them out of their misery.

2024 (3)vs 1982 (14)
G1: 6-3 ’24
G2: 5-0 ’24
G3: 5-3 ’82
G4: 6-1 ’82
G5: 8-6 ’24
Series MVP: Pete Alonso

This series was a tale of two flipped scripts. It started out as an “OMG”-style party, with nothing but magical vibes through the first two games at Citi Field. In Game 1, Sean Manaea was dominating, Jose Iglesias was getting hit after hit, and Edwin Díaz’s trumpets summoned a clean save. In Game 2, everyone was homering while Luis Severino took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before George Foster dunked a floater into left for the only ’82 hit of the night. When ’24 got ahead early in Game 3, and it seemed a sweep was in their sights. Then, the unthinkable happened. After a scoreless David Peterson outing, 1982 stormed back with five runs off Tylor Megill in the eighth inning. In Game 4, with Pat Zachry in command, ’82 kept Grimace’s forces at bay to force a winner-take-all Game 5. Ron Hodges stunned the Citi crowd with a grand slam down the right-field line to give ’82 an early lead. But the ’24 team simply can’t be counted out. Winker homered. Taylor homered. And with two on and two out in the fifth, Alonso delivered what ultimately proved the decisive blow. Dave Kingman and ’82 tried to claw their way back, but Díaz shut the door in the ninth, and the team perhaps most fit for a tournament called “Mets Madness” lived to sing another day.

2005 (6)vs 1968(11)
G1: 6-3, ’68
G2: 14-12, ’68
G3: 7-4, ’68
Series MVP: Ed Charles

Despite it being “The Year of the Pitcher,” it was actually 1968’s offense which took center stage in this upset sweep. Lots of players stepped up — Ron Swoboda hit .429, Ken Boswell blasted a three-run homer off lefty Tom Glavine, and Tommie Agee provided key insurance with a homer in Game 3 — but Ed Charles separated himself from the pack, batting .571 with 6 RBI and hitting a three-run homer of his own. In fact, of the four elite pitchers who took the bump in this series (Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Pedro Martinez, and Tom Glavine), Seaver was the only one who avoided getting shelled, tossing a dominant 8.1 innings of one-run ball. 2005 did manage an unusual feat in Game 2, getting back-to-back homers from Carlos Beltran and Marlon Anderson as well as José Reyes and Mike Cameron, but this was ’68’s series all the way.

2025 (7)vs 2002 (10)
G1: 3-1, ’02
G2: 6-2, ’25
G3: 6-5, ’25 (f/11)
G4: 1-0, ’02
G5: 7-4, ’02
Series MVP: Al Leiter

Make no mistake: 2002 did a lot to make this upset possible. They got a surprise scoreless gem of an outing from Jeff D’Amico in Game 4, saved at the last second by a Roberto Alomar diving play in the top of the ninth inning. Their stars showed up at the right times on offense, with Mike Piazza hitting a three-run homer and Edgardo Alfonzo hitting two solo shots in the winner-take-all Game 5. Even Mo Vaughn got in on the action, crushing a homer onto the Shea Bridge off Nolan McLean. And Al Leiter was gutsy as ever, striking out nine in five innings of one-run ball in Game 1 and tossing a complete game in Game 5 (even more impressive when considering the 2025 home-field stamina settings). But when all is said and done, as with their real-life season, the 2025 Mets beat themselves more than anything else. The big bats did their best, with Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Alvarez, and Mark Vientos all homering (the Polar Bear also had a three-hit performance Game 2), but aside from a Brett Baty walk-off single in Game 3, they had no knack for stacking hits together or coming through in the clutch. This tournament was yet another blown opportunity for the talent-rich 2025 squad.

1973(2)vs 1993 (15)
G1: 5-4, ’73
G2: 8-6, ’93 (f/16)
G3: 4-2, ’73
G4: 6-3, ’73
Series MVP: Willie Mays

Despite 1973’s series win, the undisputed best game of this series was Game 2 — a 16-inning affair which had everything from game-saving catches (two of them, actually, from left fielder Dave Gallagher and right fielder Jeromy Burnitz in the bottom of the twelfth inning) to RBI from starting pitchers (one from Dwight Gooden, one from Jim McAndrew). The game lasted so long that Jon Matlack, ’73’s starting pitcher slated for the subsequent game, came on in relief, ultimately yielding the Jeff McKnight RBI single and Todd Hundley sac fly that gave 1993 the edge. But ’73 bounced back, with spot starter George Stone delivering a stellar outing in Game 3 and Matlack then heroically tossing a complete game on short rest in Game 4. Willie Mays, who had already put a mark on the series by getting a go-ahead hit late in Game 1, fittingly delivered the decisive blow in Game 5 when he hit an epic grand slam to left-center at Shea, handing “the worst team money could buy” an early exit from the tournament. And of course, Tug McGraw did his part by notching a pair of saves. Ya Gotta Believe!

QUADRANT 2

1969 (1)vs 1963 (16)
G1: 11-2, ’69
G2: 4-2, ’69
G3: 4-3, ’69
Series MVP: Donn Clendenon

The Miracle Mets’ path to a first-round victory was, unsurprisingly, stellar starting pitching. I mean, just take a look at these beautiful final lines:

Tom Seaver: 9.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 6 K
Jerry Koosman: 8.0 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Gary Gentry: 8.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Meanwhile, on the offensive side, Donn Clendenon hit .727. That’s not a misprint. He went 8-for-11 with three home runs and seven RBI. The ’63 team used their only ounce of magic late in Game 3, when Jesse Gonder hit an unlikely three-run, inside-the-park home run to give ’63 their first lead of the series. But Ken Boswell responded with a two-run double into the right-center-field gap in the top of the ninth, seizing the momentum right back. It may have been a less miraculous victory than they’re used to, but the 1969 World Champions can still celebrate a clean series win to advance onto the next round.

1994 (8)vs 2018 (9)
G1: 4-3, ’18 (f/10)
G2: 4-3, ’18
G3: 6-4, ’94
G4: 10-9, ’18
Series MVP: Yoenis Céspedes

The first two games of this series were both pitchers’ duels. Jacob deGrom and Bret Saberhagen were in command during Game 1, with Jeff McNeil finally hitting a go-ahead homer in the top of the tenth to turn the game in 2018’s favor. The ’18 bullpen also came up clutch, getting a combined six innings of scoreless relief from Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo, and Daniel Zamora in Games 1 and 2. 1994’s lone win came in Game 3, headlined by homers from Bobby Bonilla (who is technically a salaried member of 30% of the teams in this tournament) and first baseman David Segui. Game 4 was a classic, with Steven Matz cruising and ’18 leading 6-0 before the local left-hander suddenly fell apart, surrendering a seven-run seventh inning (aided by another Bonilla homer). Todd Frazier tied it with a no-doubt homer into the second deck at Citi Field in the bottom of the frame, but a Jeff Kent base hit misplayed by left fielder Yoenis Céspedes in the top of the ninth caused ’94 to retake the lead. Minutes later, Céspedes got his redemption by delivering a game-tying hit off John Franco, before Austin Jackson — who delivered the game-winning hit during David Wright’s emotional final game that season — fittingly capped off the series with a walk-off RBI single to center. 

2007 (5) vs 2017(12)
G1: 7-6, ’17
G2: 5-3, ’17
G3: 9-7, ’17
Series MVP: Juan Lagares

And just like that, the 2007 team’s devastating stretch of six losses in seven games extends to nine losses in ten games. To add insult to injury, ’07 was close to winning all three contests in this series. In Game 1, Carlos Beltran hit an electrifying game-tying homer in the eighth, but Michael Conforto put 2017 back ahead with a double off the wall in the top of the ninth, and ’08 couldn’t muster a second comeback. In Game 2, ’07 nearly overcame a John Maine disaster (the right-hander walked and hit a batter to drive in two runs), but ’18’s defense stole the show with a vintage Juan Lagares leap, a Travis d’Arnaud caught stealing, and a Yoenis Céspedes diving catch accounting for three of the final six outs. In Game 3, the ’07 team had a 7-3 lead at the seventh-inning stretch off a homer by Beltran and a pair of homers by Carlos Delgado (one of which went to the back of the seven-line section off Jerry Blevins). But José Reyes — the 2018 José Reyes — hit a surprise three-run homer, and Céspedes hit a bases-clearing double down the left-field line. A.J. Ramos induced a Lastings Milledge popup to end it, and seal yet another disappointing finish for the ’07 Mets.

1997 (4)vs 1980 (13)
G1: 8-1, ’97
G2: 8-3, ’97
G3: 15-6, ’97
Series MVP: Edgardo Alfonzo

This was about as lopsided an affair as any in Mets Madness’ opening round. 1997 outscored the 1980 squad 31-10, riding the bats of Bernard Gilkey, John Olerud, and especially Edgardo Alfonzo, who hit a pair of homers and drove in seven runs. They also received strong outings from Rick Reed and Dave Mlicki, leaving little work for the ’97 bullpen. The couple of bright spots which ’80 boasted came courtesy of Lee Mazzilli and right fielder Butch Huskey, each of whom delivered a homer in Game 3 and had respectable results at the plate all series.

1985 (3)vs 1966 (14)
G1: 8-4, ’66
G2: 3-0, ’66
G3: 5-4, ’85 (f/10)
G4: 5-3, ’85
G5: 6-1, ’85
Series MVP: Keith Hernandez

In one of the most shocking starts to any first-round series, the 1966 Mets had 1985 staring down the barrel after just two games. The ’66 squad outscored ’85 11-4, blindsiding Dwight Gooden in Game 1 and getting a gem from right-hander Dennis Ribant (who put up a respectable 3.3 bWAR that season) in Game 2. But the heavily-favored ’85 Mets dug deep and pulled out a pair of tense wins, taking Game 3 on a go-ahead homer by Keith Hernandez in the tenth inning and hanging on to a shrinking lead in Game 4 thanks to a Lenny Dykstra diving catch in center field. Gooden redeemed himself in Game 5, allowing ’85 to hold a narrow 2-1 lead before Hernandez hit another homer to put the game out of reach. The ’66 team put up a valiant fight, but their goals of pulling off an upset and advancing in the tournament ultimately came up short.

1976 (6)vs 1996 (11)
G1: 5-2, ’96
G2: 6-4, ’76
G3: 6-2, ’76
G4: 6-3, ’96
G5: 5-2, ’76
Series MVP: Joe Torre

This MVP award could just as easily have gone to Dave Kingman, who racked up eight RBI and hit the only home run of the series for either side. Had his team been victorious, the award certainly would have gone to Lance Johnson — owner of an oft-overlooked 7.2 bWAR season in ’96 — who was raking with the bat and made a game-saving catch with two on in the ninth inning of Game 4. But it was future Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre who delivered when it mattered most, getting the go-ahead hit for the 1976 Mets in Games 2 and 5. Both teams received stellar starting pitching performances, with Rick Reed outlasting Tom Seaver in Game 1, Jon Matlack throwing a complete game for ’76 in Game 3, and 23-year-old Jason Istringhausen showing his future promise with a dominant Game 4. When their rematch came in Game 5, Seaver outdueled Reed, tossing eight innings of two-run ball and securing a series win for the veteran ’76 squad.

1971 (7)vs 2023 (10)
G1: 8-0, ’71
G2: 5-3, ’71
G3: 6-3, ’23
G4: 9-8, ’23
G5: 7-6, ’71 (f/10)
Series MVP: Bud Harrelson

Ending with arguably the best Game 5 in Mets Madness’ first round, this series saw quite the pendulum swing. Tom Seaver (8.1 IP) and Nolan Ryan (back-to-back strikeouts of Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso) combined for a shutout in Game 1, while Bud Harrelson and Donn Clendenon each hit two-run homers to power a Game 2 victory for 1971. 2023 bounced back, with Game 3 featuring a Lindor grand slam and Justin Verlander complete game, while Game 4 saw them hang on despite a 4-0 and 7-3 leads turning to 9-8. Finally, we arrive at the main attraction: a winner-take-all showdown of three-time Cy Young Award Winners Tom Seaver and Max Scherzer. The score was knotted at 1-1 through six, with a Cleon Jones sac fly and Francisco Alvarez solo shot providing the only runs. In the seventh, the chaos started. Out of nowhere — and I can’t believe I’m writing this —  DJ Stewart hit a go-ahead two-run homer off Seaver. ’71 immediately answered with three runs to retake a 4-3 lead. In the top of the eighth, Brandon Nimmo hit a three-run homer off Danny Frisella, making it 6-4 ’23. In the bottom of the eighth, Jerry Grote hit a ball that Nimmo misplayed in center, leading to two runs scoring and tying the game at 6-6. The score was locked until the bottom of the tenth, when Bud Harrelson stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out against Kodai Senga, who was on in emergency relief. Harrelson tapped a dribbler in front of the mound. Senga pounced in to try and shuffle it to Omar Narváez at home. Jones dashed for the plate. The rest is (simulated) history.

1988(2) vs 1967 (15)
G1: 2-1, ’88
G2: 3-2, ’88
G3: 5-3, ’88
Series MVP: Kevin McReynolds

1967’s starting staff, led by a rookie Tom Seaver, held their own against the mighty 1988 offense; but ’88’s starting pitching was somehow even better, with David Cone, Dwight Gooden, and Bob Ojeda combining for 23.2 innings pitched and only five earned runs allowed. Despite all three games being decided by a margin of two runs or fewer, the only contest which felt truly contested was Game 2. After a Kevin McReynolds two-RBI double and early solo homers from left fielder Tommy Davis and pitcher Don Cardwell, the score remained tied until the bottom of the ninth inning, when Mookie Wilson came to the plate with Dave Magadan at third. Mookie hit a ground ball to Bud Harrelson at short, who made a tremendous diving stop and got to his feet to throw home, but Magadan was already crossing the plate. ’88 will certainly need the big bats of Darryl Strawberry and Howard Johnson to step up if they wish to advance further in the tournament, but for now, ten runs in three games was all the offense they needed for a first-round sweep.

QUADRANT 3

2000 (1)vs 1965 (16)
G1: 5-4, ’65
G2: 7-3, ’00
G3: 9-6, ’00
G4: 5-2, ’65
G5: 12-2, ’00
Series MVP: Mike Piazza

The 1965 Mets proved a more frustrating opponent than the 2000 team anticipated, pushing them to five games. ’65 pulled off a surprising late comeback in Game 1, thanks to a game-tying double from third baseman Charley Smith and a go-ahead single from Ron Swoboda. ’00 appeared to have found their footing with which to stomp ’65 in Games 2 and 3, but 23-year-old Dennis Ribant kept the N.L. Champions’ bats at bay in Game 4 (see “1985 vs 1966” for details on another surprising Ribant gem in the tournament). In Game 5, the ’00 team resoundingly silenced any rumblings of an upset, thwacking ’65 by a score of 12-2 in a blowout punctuated by a 455-foot, three-run homer to left-center field from Mike Piazza in the fourth inning.

2014 (8)vs 2011(9)
G1: 5-3, ’11
G2: 5-4, ’14 (f/12)
G3: 4-2, ’11 (f/11)
G4: 7-3, ’14
G5: 7-6, ’11
Series MVP: Daniel Murphy…?

If you like chaos, this series is dedicated to you. If you like Daniel Murphy, this series is also dedicated to you. In Game 2, 2014’s Murphy ended the game in the twelfth inning with a walk-off single to right field. In Game 3, Murphy ended the game with a two-run walk-off homer in the eleventh inning — only this time, it was 2011’s Daniel Murphy. Over the subsequent two games, ’11’s Murphy drove in two more runs, while ’14’s drove in three. But enough about the Murphies. This series was a sloppy showing from the ’14 squad, who made a total of eight errors and managed to (characteristically) lose both games pitched by Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom. The ’11 team didn’t make it easy on their defense, especially batting champion José Reyes (who hit a whopping .571 across the five games), but between the extra innings loss in Game 3 and the pair of deGrom losses, this certainly feels like a series ’14 should have won.

2016 (5)vs 1974(12)
G1: 5-0, ’16
G2: 13-5, ’74
G3: 6-4, ’16
G4: 10-5, ’74
G5: 7-4, ’74
Series MVP: Ed Kranepool

After getting shutout by Noah Syndergaard in Game 1, the 1974 Mets absolutely teed off in this series, scoring 34 runs over the subsequent four games. They were led offensively by Cleon Jones and Wayne Garrett, both of whom were sizzling hot. The 2016 team was on a slight power surge of their own, hitting 14 homers over the five-game series (including four from Curtis Granderson), but the series’ biggest blast came off the bat of Ed Kranepool. With the ’74 team narrowly winning 1-0 in the seventh inning of a Game 5 pitchers’ duel between Syndergaard and Jon Matlack, Kranepool stunned the Citi Field crowd with a grand slam off the Shea Bridge. As in real life, the 2016 Mets’ plans were foiled by a late homer to right-center field in a winner-take-all game.

1990 (4)vs 1978 (13)
G1: 7-3, ’78
G2: 6-1, ’90
G3: 11-3, ’90
G4: 8-4, ’90
Series MVP: Howard Johnson

The post-Midnight Massacre Mets didn’t quite have the power or the pitching to pull off an upset here, despite scrappy hitting from Steve Henderson, Willie Montañez, and Joel Youngblood. The 1990 starting pitchers were untouchable, with Frank Viola, David Cone, Dwight Gooden, and Sid Fernandez all throwing at least seven innings while allowing no more than one earned run. Viola’s Game 1 gem was spoiled by a bullpen implosion and defensive miscues, but ’90 didn’t make the same mistakes in the subsequent three contests, with Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry slugging enough (combining for three homers in the final two games) to keep so much as a lead well out of 1978’s reach.

1987 (3)vs 2003 (14)
G1: 7-6, ’03 (f/11)
G2: 11-5, ’87
G3: 7-3, ’03
G4: 4-1, ’87
G5: 7-3, ’87
Series MVP: Tim Teufel

How was this series possibly as close as it was? The 2003 Mets won two of the first three games, stunning 1987 in Game 1 with an epic Mo Vaughn game-tying homer in the eighth and a clutch go-ahead single from future MLBPA leader Tony Clark in the eleventh. In Game 3, they rode a strong eight-inning performance from Tom Glavine and a big homer from Cliff Floyd. But the ’87 team found themselves just in time, with David Cone and Jesse Orosco combining to three-hit ’03 in Game 4 and Dwight Gooden doing his job as an ace in Game 5. The big boppers for ’87 were exactly the pair we all predicted: Darryl Strawberry and…wait for it…Tim Teufel, both of whom hit three homers in the five-game set. That’s 8.6% of the homers Teufel hit in his entire six-year career with the Mets.

2019 (6)vs 1992 (11)
G1: 7-0, ’19
G2: 3-2, ’19
G3: 9-7, ’19
Series MVP: J.D. Davis

These three games really summed up all the chaos and charm of the 2019 Mets — except for the part where they ended up winning all the games. In Game 1, that season’s Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom was his usual deGrominant self, tossing six scoreless innings before Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman completed the shutout. In Game 2, the team’s “LFGM” side showed itself, with ’19 getting an exhilarating RBI hit off the bench from, of all people, Jed Lowrie. And in Game 3, their absolutely catastrophic bullpen made its presence felt, nearly blowing a 9-3 lead built by homers from J.D. Davis, Brandon Nimmo, and starter Noah Syndergaard. When Daryl Boston hit his second homer of the game in the bottom of the ninth, it seemed the ’92 team might be able to pull off a comeback of Kurt Suzuki-esc proportions, but Edwin Díaz came through, striking out future Mets manager Willie Randolph to end it.

1975 (7) vs 2021 (10)
G1: 2-1, ’75 (f/10)
G2: 5-0, ’21
G3: 4-3, ’21
G4: 6-5, ’21 (f/14)
Series MVP: Michael Conforto

This series kicked off with the pitchers’ duel to end all pitchers’ duels: prime Tom Seaver versus prime Jacob deGrom. It did not disappoint. DeGrom threw seven innings of one-run ball, while Seaver carried a shutout into the ninth before Michael Conforto suddenly took him deep to tie the game. An inning later, center fielder Del Unser reached on a J.D. Davis error, and future Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre drove him in with a walk-off sac fly. But that was all the 1975 team would get, as 2021 answered by winning a trio of thrillers. In Game 2, Marcus Stroman somehow threw 8.2 scoreless innings while allowing 13 baserunners. In Game 3, a late rally led by RBI from Francisco Lindor, Conforto, and Pete Alonso helped them overcome a mammoth 471-foot, three-run homer from Dave Kingman. And in Game 4, a fourteen-inning extravaganza which saw ’75 come back from down 5-1 against Edwin Díaz and the ’21 bullpen, it was Conforto who once again came through with a walk-off single to right to clinch a series victory.

2006 (2)vs 1981 (15)
G1: 9-7, ’81
G2: 18-6, ’06
G3: 6-5, ’81
G4: 4-3, ’06
G5: 7-5, ’06
Series MVP – José Valentín

For a team that outscored its opponent 41-29, the star-studded 2006 Mets came dangerously close to blowing this one. The 1981 squad made a strong statement right out of the gate, going up 6-0 after two innings of play due to a pair of Dave Kingman homers (he would finish the series with a total of four). The ’06 team made a pair of comeback attempts, tying the game in the fifth on a Lastings Milledge single and trying to tie it again in the ninth with runners on — but a diving grab by Ron Gardenhire ended the bid. ’81 earned another win on a Hubie Brooks walk-off single in Game 3, putting them one game from a stunning upset, but ’06 was able to fend off Kingman’s hot bat and secure a pair of tense wins. It wasn’t quite how they drew it up. Well, except for Game 2, which is exactly how they drew it up: an offensive explosion that featured 18 runs and two-homer days from Carlos Beltrán and José Valentín, who also homered in Game 4. But ’06 advances nonetheless, with a chance to prove themselves the champions we hoped they’d be.

QUADRANT 4

2015(1) vs 1964 (15)
G1: 3-1, ’15
G2: 4-2, ’64
G3: 10-1, ’15
G4: 8-6, ’15
Series MVP: Wilmer Flores

This performance was true to character for the magical 2015 team, and there are a few key reasons why. For one, their young starting staff was phenomenal. Jacob deGrom racked up nine strikeouts in 7.2 innings of one-run ball in Game 1, Matt Harvey dominated despite ultimately being pinned with a loss in Game 2, and rookie Noah Syndergaard struck out ten in a scoreless Game 3 outing. For another, they did most of their scoring via the long ball, with Yoenis Céspedes, Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy, and Curtis Granderson all hitting multiple homers in the four-game series. Most importantly, it felt true to 2015 because Wilmer Flores was at the heart of the action, batting .467 and adding a homer of his own in the Game 3 blowout. The 1964 squad put up a tremendous battle in Game 4, with Ron Hunt ripping a grand slam off Steven Matz and right fielder Joe Christopher hitting a late game-tying homer. But it was David Wright who delivered the final blow, mustering a two-out, go-ahead hit in the top of the ninth inning to eliminate the original Shea Stadium squad.

2001 (8) vs 1995 (9)
G1: 5-1, ’01
G2: 8-3, ’01
G3: 2-1, ’01
Series MVP: Mark Johnson

The 2001 rotation absolutely dominated in this sweep, with Al Leiter, Kevin Appier, and Steve Trachsel all tossing at least 6.2 innings while allowing no more than one earned run. Offensively, the ’01 squad saw strong showings from Robin Ventura, Mike Piazza, Edgardo Alfonzo, and Jay Payton, who delivered a clutch go-ahead home run off a cruising rookie Jason Isringhausen in Game 1. But it was 33-year-old utilityman Mark Johnson who stole the show despite only appearing in (*checks notes*) the final two innings of the series. He entered as a pinch hitter in the eighth, breaking up a 1-1 tie by dunking an RBI center into center field off future Phillies All-Star Paul Byrd. He then moved to right field, where he made a spectacular diving catch to turn a Carl Everett game-tying hit into the final out of the series. Talk about being ready off the bench.

1989 (5)vs 2004 (12)
G1: 1-0, ’89
G2: 5-2, ’04
G3: 7-2, ’04
G4: 8-5, ’89
G5: 3-2, ’04
Series MVP: Mike Cameron

This series was bracketed by a pair of spectacular Dwight Gooden/Tom Glavine pitchers’ duels. Gooden won the first one with no margin of error, tossing a complete-game shutout while 1989’s only run came off a Juan Samuel RBI single. But Glavine got the last laugh, allowing just two runs in Game 5 while the 2004 lineup jumped on Gooden for three runs early. ’04 was led in Game 2 by a two-homer performance from Mike Cameron, and received a fine pitching performance from Kris Benson in Game 3. ’89 pulled off a Game 4 comeback thanks to big hits from Howard Johnson and Kevin Elster, but was unable to do the same in Game 5 despite bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth.

1984 (4)vs 2020 (13)
G1: 5-4, ’84
G2: 14-3, ’84
G3: 7-4, ’20
G4: 5-1, ’20
G5: 4-3, ’84 (f/10)
Series MVP: Keith Hernandez

1984 seemed completely in command at this series’ outset, lighting up Jacob deGrom in Game 1 and exploding for a 14-3 victory in Game 2 thanks to a 10-run seventh inning. But the 2020 squad stormed back, winning both games in their cardboard-cutout-filled stadium. Game 3 was punctuated by a Dom Smith bases-clearing triple to give ’20 the lead in the eighth inning, while Game 4 was all about rookie David Peterson, who tossed 8.1 innings of one-run ball. Game 5 was one of the best in all of Mets Madness’ first round, beginning as a pitchers’ duel between deGrom and Dwight Gooden which kept the score glued at 1-1 through seven. In the bottom of the eighth, Wally Backman slapped a two-run double over the third base bag and down the left field line, seeming to prove the nail in the coffin for a ’20 team struggling to break through when Wilson Ramos suddenly hit a mammoth two-run home run in the top of the ninth to tie it. Seth Lugo somehow sidestepped a jam in the bottom of the ninth, and was on the cusp of evading similar trouble in the tenth with the help of a spectacular Michael Conforto diving catch, but a George Foster dribbler snuck through a scurrying Jeff McNeil on the right side of the infield to finally give ’84 a hard-fought victory.

2022 (3)vs 1977 (14)
G1: 7-6, ’22 (f/11)
G2: 5-4, ’77 (f/13)
G3: 3-0, ’22
G4: 2-0, ’77
G5: 2-1, ’77
Series MVP: Steve Henderson

Much like in real life, the 2022 Mets somewhat collapsed under pressure when seemingly on the cusp of greatness. Games 1 and 2 saw ’22 and 1977 trade a pair of wild extra-inning victories, with Eduardo Escobar delivering a walk-off double to right-center in Game 1 and mid-season “Midnight Massacre” acquisition Steve Henderson notching the go-ahead hit for ’77 in Game 2. The ’22 squad earned a clean victory behind a Mark Canha two-homer performance and scoreless Chris Bassitt outing in Game 3, appearing poised to advance as anticipated; but that’s when their bats went completely silent. Over the final two games of the series, ’22 was held to just one run and six hits, with longtime Met Craig Swan befuddling them in Game 4 and Jerry Koosman narrowly outdueling Jacob deGrom in Game 5. The turning point once again came courtesy of Henderson, who hit a 400-foot homer down the left-field line off deGrom in the sixth inning. Henderson would finish the series with a pair of homers, having driven in five of ’77’s 13 runs scored.

1972 (6)vs 2013(11)
G1: 4-0, ’72
G2: 4-1, ’72
G3: 2-0, ’13
G4: 4-3, ’13 (f/14)
G5: 3-2, ’13
Series MVP: Zack Wheeler

This exhilarating, mind-bogglingly insane series was defined by two things: starting pitching and defense. Every single game was a legitimate pitchers’ duel, with only 23 total runs scored across the five games. In the opening two at Shea, Tom Seaver and Jon Matlack both fired complete games for the 1972 squad (a shutout for Seaver and a one-run performance for Matlack), outlasting Matt Harvey and Jon Niese. In G3, it was 2013’s turn, with rookie Zack Wheeler outdueling Jerry Koosman in a scoreless, eight-inning performance. Game 4 was an extra-inning marathon, which could have ended at multiple points if not for the phenomenal center field play of Juan Lagares and Tommie Agee, both of whom made spectacular catches (Lagares also made a pair of highlight-reel plays in Game 1. It finally ended in the way we’d all expect: with an Anthony Recker lead-off, walk-off home run in the bottom of the fourteenth which barely scraped over the left-field fence at Citi Field. In Game 5, Seaver and Harvey matched up once again, but this time the All-Star Game starter was up to the task, allowing two runs in 7.1 innings pitched while the franchise allowed three runs over eight innings pitched. It’s safe to say that the ’13 team advances to the next round with some of the most unexpected, unbridled momentum of the tournament — not just because they pulled off an upset, and not just because they won three straight after going down 2-0, but because of just how energizing those wins were.

1970 (7)vs 2012 (10)
G1: 7-3, ’70
G2: 2-0, ’70
G3: 6-5, ’12 (f/10)
G4: 5-3, ’12
G5: 4-3, ’70
Series MVP(s): Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman

You could say that the 1970 Mets won all three games while playing at Shea Stadium, but it would be more apt to say they won all three games while their two aces (and this round’s only co-MVPs) Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman were on the mound. Seaver twice outdueled 2012’s Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, throwing a complete game while allowing three runs in both Game 1 and Game 5. Kosoman, meanwhile, threw a five-hit, complete-game shutout in Game 2. When those two weren’t on the mound, ’12 was able to compete. They won Game 3 after being down 5-1 in the seventh, with a Josh Thole two-run single and Daniel Murphy two-run double tying the game before Scott Hairston dunked a two-out, walk-off single into right field in the tenth. David Wright hit a homer in Game 4 while rookie Matt Harvey and 22-year-old Jenrry Mejía shut down the ’70 offense. Wright seemed to have provided a series-defining moment when he hit a three-run, go-ahead homer off Seaver in a battle of franchise icons late in Game 5, but Bobby Parnell suffered a nightmarish meltdown in the bottom of the ninth, walking two batters and perhaps getting flustered by a Bud Harrelson bunt single. When Ken Boswell hit a two-run walk-off single to right field, the phenomenal five-game series came to an end. It’s also worth noting: Art Shamsky was inexplicably on fire, driving in nine of the ’70 team’s 21 runs while throwing out a runner at the plate.

1999(2)vs 1979 (15)
G1: 11-7, ’99
G2: 12-11, ’79
G3: 16-1, ’99
G4: 12-5, ’99
Series MVP: Robin Ventura

You want offense? Boy, do I have the series for you. Let’s just take a minute to marvel at these numbers: the 1999 Mets scored 50 runs and got 61 hits over the course of four games. They spread it out remarkably evenly, too, scoring at least 11 runs in all four affairs, while getting contributions out of everyone from Mike Piazza (3 homers, 7 RBI) to Edgardo Alfonzo (.333 average) to Darryl Hamilton (an insane .533 average) to Robin Ventura, who hit 4 homers, racked up 10 RBI, and recorded a 1.200 OPS. How, you ask, did ’99 manage to lose a game under these circumstances? Believe it or not, the 1979 lineup gave them a run for their money in the early going, managing to outlast them in a see-saw Game 2. ’99 came back from being down 6-1 to take an 11-6 lead, but ’79 surged back to score six unanswered runs aided by a two-homer performance from third baseman Richie Hebner and capped by a go-ahead homer from John Stearns. ’99 looked in position to walk it off with runners at the corners and one out in the ninth, but Skip Lockwood struck out John Olerud looking and then induced a pop out from Mike Piazza to end the slugfest. Still, all’s well that ends well for the ’99 squad, which absolutely put the rest of the tournament on notice with its incredible offensive outpouring.