Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Phillies play a three-game series at Citi Field beginning on Monday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.
Preview
New York's offense is heating up
The Mets' bats didn't completely go off during their four-game sweep of the Cardinals, but things are starting to get more consistent and well-rounded.
After a beginning of the season where the offense was carried primarily by Pete Alonso, with some key contributions from Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, everyone is starting to perform — which culminated during Sunday's 7-4 victory.
Luisangel Acuña has 11 hits in his last 28 at-bats (upping his OPS to .760), Tyrone Taylor is on a four-game hitting streak, Brandon Nimmo has hit safely in his last three games, and Brett Baty had a pair of doubles during the series against St. Louis while reaching base safely in all four games.
New York's offense coming around, paired with truly elite pitching (the staff's 61 runs allowed are the fewest in baseball) has created a recipe for success that has the Mets at 15-7 and 2.0 games up on Philadelphia entering play on Monday.
The Juan Soto breakout seems to be happening
Soto has reached base in seven of his last 12 plate appearances, including notching five hits during the sweep over the Cards.
On Sunday, Soto ripped a game-breaking two-run double to left-center field in the eighth inning, giving him five total RBI in the four games against St. Louis.
Soto's OPS for the season is up to .821, and he said over the weekend that he recently corrected something in his swing — and he certainly looked a lot more comfortable than he had in the handful of games before that.
Soto also received a warm reception from the fans at Citi Field over the weekend, including a standing ovation, during a period where some in the New York media were starting to turn on him despite his Mets tenure still being in its infancy and him still producing despite not being at his best.
Now, it appears Soto is locked in at the plate and ready to fully break out.
How is Mark Vientos?
Vientos left in the middle of Saturday's game after making a leaping catch at third base and feeling something in his groin while chasing a foul ball soon after.
But the level of concern is low.
Speaking after Saturday's game, Vientos said he was confident the groin issue had to do with cramping due to not drinking enough water.
He did not play on Sunday, but was feeling better. And it's possible Vientos will be ready to play by Monday.
Before leaving Saturday's game, Vientos was heating up — smacking home runs on both Thursday and Friday.
Aaron Nola has been struggling
The Mets will face Nola, Christopher Sanchez, and Zack Wheeler during this week's three-game series.
Sanchez and Wheeler have been rolling, but it's a different story for Nola.
In four starts this season, he has a 6.65 ERA and 1.66 WHIP.
Nola's last start was his worst, as he surrendered seven runs (six earned) on nine hits over 5.1 innings against the Giants while walking four and striking out eight.
2024 NLDS rematch — and the energy that comes with it
The last time the Mets and Phillies squared up was in this building last October, when the Mets dispatched of Philadelphia in Game 4 of the NLDS while punching their ticket to the NLCS.
And with the Mets playing an early-season slate to this point that has featured just six NL East games (all against the Marlins), there should be even more juice for this series.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the Braves are off to an 8-13 start and sitting in last place. It should be noted, though, that Atlanta has picked things up recently — with a 6-4 mark over the last 10 games.
The Braves should not be counted out as a serious factor in the division this season, but for now it's the Mets and Phils at the top.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Juan Soto
Soto looks truly comfortable for the first time this season.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
David Peterson
Peterson struck out nine during his start against St. Louis this past Friday.
Which Phillies player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
Kyle Schwarber
Schwarber has cracked seven homers already this season, and enters this series with an OPS of 1.001.
