New York Mets confusing place atop the NL East
It is not a surprise that the New York Mets are currently atop the NL East. They spent the offseason revamping their roster, improving their pitching depth, and adding a superstar shortstop in Francisco Lindor. These moves were expected to result in a return to glory for the Mets, one that could even lead to an elusive World Series title.
The surprise is how the Mets are currently in the position they are in. With a 21-19 record, they actually rank fourth in the division in victories, as the Phillies, Braves, and Marlins have all won more games this year. Those 21 wins are just one more than the last place Nationals had accumulated on the year.
New York Mets confusing place atop the NL East
That number does not get any better when looking outside of the division. The Mets 21 wins are tenth in the National League, and are 20th in all of baseball. They rank behind teams such as the Royals and Rangers, two franchises that were not expected to contend at all this year.
More Mets. All quiet with key free agents. light
The numbers are equally rough when looking at run differential. The Mets are fourth in their division at -13 on the season, only leading the Phillies in that department. They rank ninth in the National League, and are 17th in baseball. Based on the numbers, the Mets do not have any business being where they are.
But it all goes back to the beginning of the year. The Mets had their opening weekend postponed due to a COVID outbreak on the Nationals, resulting in their having played fewer games. As the only team in the division with a winning record, they would end up with the title.
Everything will eventually even itself out. The Mets and Nationals will make up those lost games, giving them the same amount of contests as the rest of the division. As there is just a 2.5 game difference between the penthouse and the basement of the NL East, those games could make a major difference.
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The New York Mets may not rank highly in terms of wins and run differential, but they lead the NL East. Ah, the glory of the make up game!