The Mets, led by Pete Alonso & Juan Soto, host the Reds on July 18, 2025. Just 0.5 games back, can they start the second half with a win to chase the NL East?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The wait is over, Mets fans. After a much-needed All-Star break, meaningful baseball is back at Citi Field tonight as the New York Mets (55-42) open the second half of the season against the Cincinnati Reds. With the team sitting just a half-game out of first place in the NL East, every pitch, every at-bat, and every game matters more than ever. The stretch run starts now.
The Mets enter the second half with a 55-42 record, sitting just half a game behind the Philadelphia Phillies, and boast a dominant 33-14 record at Citi Field.
It's a fantastic time to be a Mets fan. The team enters play on July 18th nipping at the heels of the Philadelphia Phillies for the division lead. Their 55-42 record is impressive, but their 33-14 mark at home is what truly makes them formidable. Projections give the club a 76% chance of making the postseason, and the offense is a big reason why. The one-two punch of Pete Alonso (.280 AVG, 21 HR, 77 RBIs) and Juan Soto (.262 AVG, 23 HR, 56 RBIs) has been electric, providing the power needed to win tight ballgames. As the calendar turns to the dog days of summer, this team looks poised to make a serious run.
The first test out of the break is a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds, and the Mets have their rotation lined up. Lefty Sean Manaea gets the ball tonight in his first start and second appearance for the club. He'll face a Reds team that has struggled mightily against left-handed pitching this season, posting a 12-18 record. Following Manaea will be one of the season's biggest success stories, Clay Holmes. The former reliever has masterfully transitioned into a starter, posting an 8-4 record with a 3.31 ERA. David Peterson (6-4, 3.06 ERA) will round out the series on Sunday, giving the Mets a formidable trio to kick off the second half.
While the big-league club is focused on a championship run, the front office is still working to stock the farm. The 2025 MLB Draft presented a challenge, as the team's blockbuster signing of Juan Soto meant forfeiting their second-round pick. With only two selections in the first 105 picks and the second-smallest bonus pool in baseball ($5.46 million), the scouting department has its work cut out for it. While no draftees have officially signed ahead of the July 28 deadline, fans can take comfort in the development of last year's top picks, Carson Benge and Nate Dohm, who are already making waves in the minors.
The stage is set for a thrilling second half. It all starts tonight at Citi Field. A strong series against the Reds could catapult the Mets into first place and set a dominant tone for the stretch run. The race for the NL East is on, and the Mets are in prime position to seize it. Let's go Mets!
