Braves’ Doubleheader Sweep Proves Mets Are Still a Ways Off Atlanta’s Juggernaut

The Mets’ nightmare stretch following the Trade Deadline continued this past weekend, with a doubleheader performance against the Atlanta Braves that saw them outscored 27-3 (Photo by Adam Hunger, AP)

Following the Mets’ major selloff at the 2023 Trade Deadline, the Mets have struggled tremendously. Since August 1’s Deadline, the Mets boast a 2-10 record, with bost victories against the Chicago Cubs.

While the Mets may have needed to sell due to their barren farm system and flawed roster, it was immediate notice that, despite Steven Cohen’s best efforts, the organization’s philosophy needed significant overhauling. That notice continued on Saturday, as the Mets were easy pickings for the NL East’s top team in the Atlanta Braves.

In the opening three contests of the series, the Mets were outscored 34-3, the worst run differential in a three game stretch in the team’s history. In fact, the futility reached new levels in Friday’s opener, as the Mets were the first team in MLB history to draw nine walks and knock seven hits and not even score a single run. The only runs they scored on Saturday’s doubleheader were off a three run homer by Daniel Vogelbach.

The Mets’ bats were also ineffective in the doubleheader, mustering a three run home run to account for the only offense on the doubleheader (Photo by Wendell Cruz, USA Today)

Not only have the bats been ice cold, the pitching has also been battered. Jose Quintana did his best with a quality start in Saturday’s nightcap, but the opening two games furthered their problems. Tylor Megill surrendered six runs, five earned, in the opener, while the daytime game Saturday saw the Mets yield 21 runs, including eight off of position player Danny Mendick.

While the Mets may have done the right thing and sold off, the hope is that the team can go out there and at least keep thing competitive, despite the shortcomings on their roster. However, since the Deadline, they’ve done everything but that, leading to concerns about their status as contenders next season. Reports have emerged that the Mets may look at 2024 as a transitional year, and performances like this are proof that it may be the case.

Of course the intention for the Mets is to wipe the slate clean, but the goal is to at least play competitive games to finish strong. However, the Mets haven’t come anywhere close to doing that, which could send the wrong message. As a result, while the sweep was inevitable, the Mets need to ensure it doesn’t happen for the rest of the season, leading to a compelling case to invest in the roster for 2024.