The National League wildcard round brings two highly anticipated series: the New York Mets against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves taking on the San Diego Padres. This breakdown examines key players, pitching matchups, and team dynamics that will play a pivotal role in determining the outcomes of these series. Hosts Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner offer in-depth analysis, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the teams as they head into these critical matchups.

Mets vs. Brewers: Key Players and Matchups

Luis Severino vs. Freddy Peralta

The Mets will rely on Luis Severino to kick off their series against the Brewers. Severino, saved for this critical game, has been solid but will face a formidable opponent in Freddy Peralta. Peralta is coming off a season that didn’t live up to expectations, but he has shown consistency against the Mets. Munaf highlights that Peralta’s season stats—especially his 3.29 ERA in road games compared to a 4.01 ERA at home—make him a less reliable choice in Milwaukee, despite his strong record against the Mets.

Griffin’s take: The Mets are in a precarious position, having fought hard to reach the playoffs. Francisco Lindor’s back injury continues to be a major concern, though he played a pivotal role in clinching the wildcard with a game-winning two-run homer. Edwin Diaz’s heavy workload over the past few days—66 pitches in two games—could leave the Mets' bullpen vulnerable in game one. Griffin warns that Diaz might not be available, raising questions about who will close out games for the Mets.

Mets’ Bullpen Struggles

Edwin Diaz has been crucial for the Mets, but the combination of his workload and the team’s inconsistent bullpen could spell trouble. As Griffin notes, Diaz threw 40 pitches in game one and 26 pitches the day before, which might leave him sidelined or fatigued. Without a reliable bullpen, the Mets will struggle to hold onto leads late in the game.

Munaf agrees with Griffin’s concerns, pointing out that while Severino has been consistent, the bullpen could be the deciding factor. He adds that Severino’s last few starts were shaky, allowing three earned runs in each of his final three outings, which lasted only four innings. These struggles, combined with the wear and tear on the bullpen, make it difficult to trust the Mets entirely in this series.

Brewers' Strengths and Weaknesses

The Brewers, on the other hand, have had a solid, if not spectacular, season. Peralta’s inconsistency is a concern, but the Brewers dominated their division despite their low payroll. Griffin highlights the stark contrast between the Brewers and the Dodgers, noting that the Dodgers spent around a billion dollars on their top four hitters, while the Brewers’ roster cost significantly less. Despite these budgetary differences, the Brewers remained competitive, and their manager views Peralta as a key figure in their success.

However, the Brewers’ offense has been inconsistent, and they will be without Christian Yelich, who was sidelined earlier in the season with a back injury. This could open the door for the Mets, especially if they can capitalize on Peralta’s weaker home performances.

Braves vs. Padres: Travel Fatigue and Pitching Uncertainty

Padres’ Momentum with Michael King

The Braves enter their series against the Padres in a vulnerable position. Michael King, the Padres' star pitcher post-All-Star break, has been dominant, posting a 2.15 ERA in his final 11 starts. King’s ability to limit earned runs will be a significant factor in the Padres’ success, and both Munaf and Griffin agree that San Diego’s pitching depth and momentum give them an edge.

The Braves, meanwhile, are dealing with travel fatigue after a doubleheader and cross-country travel to San Diego. Griffin points out that the Braves’ bullpen has been overworked, with key relievers pitching multiple innings in the doubleheader. This puts additional pressure on Atlanta’s starting rotation, which is already weakened by injuries.

Max Fried or Ian Anderson?

The biggest question for the Braves is who will take the mound for game one. There have been conflicting reports, with some outlets suggesting Max Fried, while others mention Ian Anderson. Fried’s availability is uncertain due to recent travel and rest issues, while Anderson hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. This lack of clarity leaves the Braves in a precarious situation.

Griffin is skeptical about the Braves' chances, pointing out that Atlanta’s bullpen has been overused and their starting rotation is far from settled. He also mentions that Ronald Acuña Jr.’s absence is a significant blow to their offense, making it harder for the Braves to keep up with the Padres' deeper lineup.

Braves’ Struggles and Padres’ Depth

Without Acuña and facing pitching uncertainty, the Braves will have an uphill battle. The Padres' bullpen is rested, and their lineup is healthier, giving them an advantage in both game one and the overall series. Munaf emphasizes that Michael King’s ability to keep the Braves’ offense in check will be key, and the Padres’ bullpen should be able to handle the late innings without trouble.

Both Munaf and Griffin agree that the Padres are poised to make a deep playoff run. With the Braves depleted and the Padres’ pitching firing on all cylinders, San Diego seems primed to advance to the next round. Griffin goes as far as to predict that the Padres could give the Dodgers trouble in the next series if they maintain their current form.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Griffin leans toward the Mets in their series against the Brewers, despite his concerns about the bullpen and Lindor’s injury. He believes that Severino can keep the team in the game, but the bullpen will need to step up if they are to advance. On the other hand, Munaf sees the Brewers as slight favorites in game one, though he also acknowledges the Mets’ potential to pull off a win in the series, especially if they capitalize on Peralta’s weaker home performances.

As for the Braves and Padres, both Munaf and Griffin favor the Padres to win the series. King’s recent dominance, combined with the Braves' pitching uncertainty and bullpen fatigue, makes San Diego the clear favorite. Munaf predicts that the Padres will likely win game one by multiple runs, setting the tone for the series.

In the end, the wildcard round presents fascinating matchups, with pitching, injuries, and momentum playing critical roles. While the Mets and Braves both face significant challenges, their opponents—the Brewers and Padres—appear well-positioned to advance to the next round of the playoffs.