This blog dives into the high-stakes moment for the New York Mets as they enter the last game of the regular season, clinging to their playoff hopes. With an 83-78 record, the Mets have to win against the Miami Marlins—and cross their fingers that the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Cincinnati Reds—to snag the final National League wild-card spot.
Key player performances and some lineup shakeups could tip the scales. Sunday’s matchup? It’s got all the makings of a nail-biter in Queens—drama, tension, and the looming threat of either wild celebration or crushing disappointment.
Mets’ Playoff Scenario: Win and Wait
The math here is brutal. Even if the Mets win, that’s not quite enough.
They’re still trailing the Reds, who own the tiebreaker. So New York needs the Brewers to do them a favor—otherwise, Game 162 will be the end of the line.
The Opponent: Miami Marlins
The Marlins show up already knocked out of playoff contention. Still, they’re sending out one of their best arms—right-hander Edward Cabrera.
Cabrera’s had a career year, posting a 3.66 ERA and racking up 143 strikeouts. He’ll want to finish strong. Sure, Miami’s got no postseason pressure, but let’s be honest—spoiling someone else’s dreams can be its own motivation.
Pitching Matchup: Cabrera vs. Manaea
For the Mets, lefty Sean Manaea gets the ball. It’s been a rocky year for him, and September has been especially tough.
Manaea’s struggled to a 7.64 ERA during the most important stretch. Injuries haven’t helped, and his recent outings have raised plenty of eyebrows as the season hangs in the balance.
Key Absence: Brett Baty’s Injury
The Mets have another headache: third baseman Brett Baty is out with an oblique injury. That’s forced Ronny Mauricio, a promising young infielder, into the starting lineup for the final push.
Sure, Mauricio brings energy and some upside, but losing Baty’s steady glove at third in a must-win game? That stings.
Offensive Firepower: Lindor, Soto, and Alonso
Even with the setbacks, New York’s lineup packs a punch. Francisco Lindor has shown off a rare mix of speed and power this year, with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases.
He’s been clutch, and his consistency under pressure is something the Mets desperately need right now.
Juan Soto’s Career Year
Juan Soto? He’s been unreal. The outfielder has blasted 43 home runs and swiped 38 bases, both career highs.
Plus, his league-leading 124 walks are just ridiculous. That combo of patience, pop, and speed makes him a nightmare for pitchers.
Pete Alonso’s Dominance Over Miami
Pete Alonso has absolutely torched Marlins pitching in 2024. He’s batting a wild .400 against Miami, with five home runs and 19 RBIs in just 12 games.
On Saturday, Alonso kept it rolling, leading the Mets to a 5-0 win with a double and a homer. Having him in Sunday’s lineup is huge.
The Final Day Drama
Game 162 brings the kind of tension you can almost feel in your bones. For the Mets, it’s not just about what they do on the field—they’ll be scoreboard-watching in Milwaukee, too.
If they beat Miami and the Brewers take care of the Reds, the Mets are in. If not, well, that’s it for a season that’s been a wild ride from start to finish.
What Mets Fans Should Expect
The atmosphere at Citi Field will be electric. Every pitch carries implications that go far beyond just the score.
Hope, anxiety, and anticipation will all mix together in the stands. Mets fans know that the final day of baseball always feels different—tense, a little magical, and honestly, exhausting.
For anyone following Sunday’s action, here’s the simple checklist:
- Mets must defeat the Marlins
- Brewers must beat the Reds
- Watch for contributions from Lindor, Soto, and Alonso
- Hope for a strong outing from Sean Manaea
Everyone will be watching New York and Milwaukee. The Mets are fighting to keep their postseason dreams alive, and it doesn’t get much more dramatic than this.
Here is the source article for this story: For Mets, season comes down to Game 162 vs. Marlins — and some help
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s