Despite both clubs starting 9-19, tied for the worst record in MLB, the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets have since experienced vastly different fortunes.
A few days removed from snapping their 10-game losing streak, the Phillies decided it was the right time to move on from Rob Thomson. After a failed pursuit of Alex Cora, Dave Dombrowski named Don Mattingly interim manager for the remainder of the 2026 season. Ever since the managerial change, the Phillies have won the most games in MLB.
Similar discussions were being held in New York, but the Mets elected to retain Carlos Mendoza and move forward with the manager. Mendoza guided the Mets through their magical 2024 campaign, highlighted by a postseason series win over Rob Thomson's Phillies and an NLCS berth. However, unlike Donnie Baseball, Mendoza has not spearheaded a resurgence in Queens. Rather, the Mets have taken a step further back.
Since April 28, the Mets are just 25-28. The NL East is out of the question and New York sits 9.5 games back in the Wild Card race. The Mets' recent six-game skid, capped by an embarrassing home sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs, proved to be the final straw for Mendoza. Considering the Phillies midseason turnaround, it's hard not to argue the Mets made a pivotal mistake keeping Mendoza.
The Phillies have a prime opportunity to pile on this weekend at Citi Field
Following a series filled with dramatic ninth-inning finishes in the nation's capital, the Phillies are set to begin a weekend series in their house of horrors. They've lost each of their last 10 games at Citi Field dating back to 2024. The Phillies haven't won a three-game series on the Mets' home turf since September 2021. It's shaping up to be the perfect opportunity to exorcise their demons.
After firing Mendoza on Friday, there's no predicting which direction the Mets will head. Managerial changes can light a fire under a struggling roster, but interim Andy Green doesn't have the best track record, finishing 274-366 across four seasons managing the San Diego Padres. New York recently traded struggling starter David Peterson, the longest-tenured Met, to the Cubs, a move that signaled the Mets could be open for business earlier than usual.
With the season in peril, another series loss could be the nail in the coffin. Former Mets starter Zack Wheeler will take the bump against left-hander Zach Thornton in the opener. With Mattingly at the helm, Phillies hitters have posted the ninth-best OPS vs. left-handed pitching. The improvement has coincided with the emergence of Philadelphia's outfield platoons.
It's unknown whether the Mets will throw a few punches under Green or simply roll over. The Phillies will have a chance to land the final blow. Prepare for a chaotic weekend at Citi Field.
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