NL East crown: Phillies vs. New York Mets

Then and now:     

In ’18, the Phillies were 53-42 at the All-Star break, and fans enjoyed their first taste of winning since 2011’s franchise record of 102 triumphs. But the young squad deteriorated to a second-half mark of 27-40 due partially to the leadoff man playing with a broken foot and their veteran starter pitching through a knee injury.

After a 12-2 start, the Metropolitans fell to 26 games under .500 until their final 28 contests. But, coincidentally, their 18-10 finish allowed them to gain 10 games on the red pinstripes who went 8-20 during that time. So, New York tallied 77 wins to the Phils’ 80.

In head-to-head competition, the hometown nine were 5-5 at the Bank but 3-6 at Citi Field for an 8-11 total. However, Philadelphia won five of 11 contests against New York during their 17-34 finish. Five of 17?

Regarding the contract dumps of the Seattle Mariners, the Fightins added $32 million by moving their first baseman’s $35 million for the $67 million of Jean Segura and Juan Nicasio. And the Mets swapped two players’ $34 million for Robinson Cano‘s $120 million remaining through his age-40 season to secure closer Edwin Diaz.

Concerning their signings, New York picked up receiver Wilson Ramos, infielder Jed Lowrie and lefty reliever Justin Wilson. Ramos’ bat is a solid fit and provides protection for the cleanup hitter, plus another difference-maker is rookie first sacker Pete Alonso, who is off to a fast start: .325, eight homers and 21 RBIs through April 22.

As for the red pinstripes, four of their first five batters are now Andrew McCutchen (1), Segura (2), Bryce Harper (3) and J.T. Realmuto (5). And their previous one, three and four hitters are now at the bottom of the order. In the pen, the organization inked David Robertson for late-game threats.