Are the Mets underrated NL East contenders or are the Dodgers overhyped despite their star power? We dissect the shocking June showdown that exposed pitching flaws, bullpen cracks, and why the NL pennant race just got unpredictable. Dive into the truth behind the hype.
The crack of Francisco Lindor’s bat echoed through Dodger Stadium on June 2nd, 2025—a 417-foot leadoff homer that silenced 52,000 fans and ignited a question simmering across baseball: Are the New York Mets the most underrated force in the NL East, or are the Los Angeles Dodgers a paper tiger crumbling under World Series expectations?
Just eight days earlier, the Mets took two of three from the Dodgers at Citi Field. Now, in a 4-3, 10-inning thriller, they did it again—exposing L.A.’s shaky bullpen and rotation vulnerabilities with Paul Blackburn, a fill-in starter, outpitching $300 million worth of Dodgers firepower . For Mets fans, it felt like validation. For Dodgers loyalists, it echoed a troubling pattern: elite talent underperforming when spotlight shines brightest.
The Dodgers: A Superteam’s Cracks in the Foundation
The narrative was irresistible: reigning champs, Shohei Ohtani’s 23 homers (MLB co-leader), Freddie Freeman’s .361 batting average, and a roster dubbed “total global domination” . Yet beneath the glitter, flaws simmer.
Dodgers’ pitching has become a liability. Dustin May’s sinker lost its bite, landing him in the 29th percentile for opponent expected batting average. His June 2nd start lasted just 4.1 innings before the Mets chased him—validating predictions of an early exit . The bullpen fared worse: Edwin Díaz’s blown save in the ninth (capped by Ohtani’s sacrifice fly) and Tanner Scott’s 10th-inning meltdown handed New York the win .
Star reliance masks depth issues. Beyond Ohtani and Freeman, the lineup falters. Former Met Michael Conforto sports a dismal .602 OPS, while Max Muncy’s decline forces manager Dave Roberts into lineup gymnastics . As one scout noted, “Take away Ohtani’s homers, and this team looks mortal.”
The Mets: Underestimated, Underrated, and Surging
While pundits dismissed them as “Wild Card hopefuls” with “pitching liabilities” , the Mets quietly evolved into NL East contenders. Their June 2nd win wasn’t luck—it was blueprint execution.
Resilience defines this squad. When Díaz faltered, Francisco Alvarez—hitting .219 and slumping—crushed a go-ahead double. When fill-in starter Paul Blackburn (0.00 ERA in his debut) tired, a patchwork bullpen stranded bases-loaded threats . This mirrors their season: down two starters? No problem. They’ve won 8 of their last 10, climbing on pitching depth and timely hits .
The Soto-Alonso effect. Juan Soto’s .456 OBP and Pete Alonso’s MLB-leading 46 RBIs anchor a lineup ranking top-6 in OPS . But it’s their supporting cast—like Brandon Nimmo’s clutch RBI double—that transforms them from top-heavy to relentless .
The Hype Gap: Media Narratives vs. Reality
Dodgers’ “superteam” label feels increasingly hollow. Despite Tier 1 status and 23% World Series odds , they’re just 19-18 against teams above .500. Their bullpen’s 4.13 ERA ranks 21st in MLB—hardly championship caliber .
The Mets’ underdog status ignores their evolution. Keith Law placed them in “World Series or bust” Tier 2, yet analysts harp on Kodai Senga’s injuries while ignoring Sean Manaea’s resurgence and Jose Butto’s lockdown relief . The data tells the real story: third in MLB in position player value, ahead of Philadelphia and just behind Atlanta .
The Pennant Race: What This Means for October
For the Dodgers, bullpen issues loom large. Relying on Ohtani to homer twice to offset pitching meltdowns (as against the Yankees) isn’t sustainable . Their path requires Blake Snell’s health and Tanner Scott rediscovering his 2024 form.
For the Mets, the question shifts from “Are they contenders?” to “How far can pitching depth carry them?” With Blackburn excelling and Alvarez emerging, they’re built for grinding wins. As Lindor declared post-game: “People sleep on us. Let them.”
Conclusion: Underrated Mets or Overhyped Dodgers?
The truth lies in the gap between perception and performance. Yes, the Dodgers boast generational talent. But baseball isn’t won on paper—it’s won in the 10th inning, when a $20 million closer faces a .219 hitter and blinks. The Mets, once dismissed as flawed, now embody the resilience that defines contenders.
Final verdict: The Dodgers aren’t overhyped—they’re mishyped. Their flaws are real, but fixable. The Mets, however, are baseball’s stealth juggernaut: underrated, underestimated, and now undeniable in the NL East race. As the summer heats up, remember this: stars win headlines, but depth wins pennants.
*”After Lindor hit that homer, the biggest thing was: How do I get them back in the dugout? Keep momentum ours.” —Paul Blackburn, Mets SP *
