Even for non-fans of the San Diego Padres or Los Angeles Dodgers, the western half of the 2024 NLDS had so many things to offer, from a spirited divisional rivalry and brilliant in-game managing strategies to solid pitching and scintillating offensive fireworks. Some fans might even argue that the feud among these two teams is beginning to surpass the decades-long rivalry between the Dodgers and their enemies to the North, the San Francisco Giants.
This Year vs. Last Year
The funny thing about this year’s NLDS victory is that many of the moves that caused fans to call for the firing of manager Dave Roberts in seasons’ past made him a hero this time around. When the skipper decided to orchestrate a bullpen game in a win-or-die Game 4, many Los Angeles fans began to show their disdain. However, this year, things obviously turned out for the best.
Speaking of the obvious, the additions of Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez have made an incredible difference for a team that was swept under the rug by the Arizona Diamondbacks this time last season. It’s truly incredible how these two have changed the dynamics of a lineup that last year had Will Smith hitting third and Max Muncy in the cleanup hole with all three of Jason Heyward, David Peralta and James Outman starting in the outfield.
Although there’s no telling how far the team can go with a powerhouse offense and a limited starting rotation, Los Angeles has already significantly improved upon a dismal 2024 campaign.
Regardless, the only thing standing in the way right now between the Dodgers and their first World Series appearance since 2020. Heading into the postseason, many pundits felt that the Philadelphia Phillies may have been a more challenging opponent for the Dodgers in the NLCS, but the Phillies ended up being this year’s version of the Dodgers from last postseason — dominating the division during the entire regular season and completely running out of gas in the playoffs.
Offense
Similarly, the Mets are playing with the kind of energy that took Arizona to the World series last year. They’re not overly flashy, but they have a gritty club that can deliver offensively from any spot in the batting order.
Says Jorge Castillo, former Los Angeles Times columnist and current MLB analyst for ESPN: “The Mets’ lineup is relentless. They might not match the Dodgers’ star power, but their lineup is as deep as any in baseball. They can beat you 1 through 9. They conduct smart at-bats. They have a knack for huge hits in the clutch. And they pounce on bullpens.”
Castillo continues: “One day it’s Francisco Lindor. The next game it’s Mark Vientos or Pete Alonso or Brandon Nimmo or Jose Iglesias. Or someone else. There aren’t any holes in the lineup, and that could be an NL pennant-winning recipe.”
Of course, take away the names and substitute them with Ohtani, Hernandez, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and you could be describing the Dodgers.
Pitching
Still, the Mets have the advantage in the starting pitching department, at least as far as depth goes. The Dodgers have two — maybe three — potentially potent options in Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler, but the New York rotation goes at least six deep.
According to David Schoenfield of ESPN: “The Mets actually have the most starting pitching depth of any team left in the playoffs, with six reasonable options if you include Kodai Senga, who started Game 1 against the Phillies but isn’t stretched out yet.”
Schoenfield continues: “Sean Manaea pitched a gem in NLDS Game 3 against the Phillies with seven scoreless innings, and the Mets just win when he pitches — they’re 16-4 in his past 20 starts. Jose Quintana allowed just one unearned run in 11 innings in two playoff starts, and Luis Severino, David Peterson and Tylor Megill round out the options.”
Nevertheless, the New York bullpen leaves a lot to be desired after finishing in the bottom half of the National League in team bullpen ERA (4.03), WHIP (1.28) and walks allowed (233).
This year’s NLCS between the Dodgers and Mets promises to be a captivating showdown, showcasing two teams at their peak. With a blend of star power, fierce competition and strategic maneuvering, fans can expect a thrilling series filled with unforgettable moments. As the battle unfolds, the air is already filled with excitement for what’s to come.