“It’s do or die at this point,” Sean Manaea said. The Mets stand at that crucial juncture with only six games remaining in the regular season; their postseason destiny is not in their hands anymore. With the Cincinnati Reds’ win against the Cubs, they are now in the driving seat for the final wild-card spot. So the strategy for the Mets is simple: win as many games as they can and hope that the Reds stumble during the same time. But, fate continues to be cruel with the Mets as, reportedly, their divisional rivals have now saved their $56M ace that might create a challenge in the postseason dream.

That arm is Sandy Alcantara, who’s been dominating since the All-Star break. The former Cy Young winner, earning $17.3 million in 2025 with another $17.3 million guaranteed for 2026, has been in sublime form since returning from Tommy John surgery. He started the season with a 4-9 record and a 7.22 ERA. However, there’s been a turnaround now; it’s a 4-2 record and a 3.16 ERA in nine starts.

That turnaround has also changed the Marlins’ strategy. Recently, Mets BatFlipp posted on X: “The Marlins, who are basically eliminated from playoff contention, are pushing back Sandy Alcántara a day to pitch him at home vs the Mets in the final series of the year.” This decision looks like a calculated move.

They are making sure Alcantara is well-rested for his start against the Mets in Miami. That move can keep their own playoff hopes alive and impact the Mets’ postseason race. This 30-year-old is crucial to their plans. He had a great game at Coors Field on September 19th, where he helped his team sweep the Rockies with a dominant start: 6 2/3 innings, three runs allowed, and eight strikeouts. Moreover, he has also kept Juan Soto in check this season. Soto has a record of 1-for-5 (.200 AVG) in 2025 against him.

The Mets are fighting for a wild-card spot with an 80-75 record as of late September. Every game and every opponent counts. If Alcántara shows up well-rested and sharp, that may be problematic for the Mets, who need every win they can get.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are basically eliminated but still have a chance. They are below .500 (around 76–80) and well behind in the race for the wild card. Still, this move shows that they think Alcantara would be their best chance to stay in the race or at least make things difficult for the Mets. It’s a risk to forgo one start against the Phillies and use him for the Mets series, hoping for the best in both cases.

The Marlins are saving Sandy Alcantara for a last clash, but Juan Soto isn’t slowing down. His power and speed are growing with each game..

Marlins holding back their ace as Juan Soto blasts ahead

Juan Soto’s bat is making history, and he’s been the lone bright spot in the Mets’ playoff push. Soto signed a record 15-year, $765M contract in December 2024 and has proved the investment was worth it by hitting his career-best 42nd home run on September 19, 2025. The Mets won 12-6 over the Nationals, and that home run changed the game. Soto hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning, which was part of a six-run inning that gave New York the momentum it needed to pull away.

His 42nd home run also moved him above Todd Hundley (1996) and Carlos Beltran (2006) on the Mets’ single-season home run list, as he tied them for third place and eventually passed them. That’s not just a number; it’s proof that he’s doing what he needs to do when it matters.

And when Juan Soto blasted his 40th home run of the season, he made yet another history. He also stole 30 bases, making him the only player in Mets history to hit 40 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. In addition, Soto has now joined a small group of players: he is the ninth player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs with two different teams in two straight seasons.

Sandy Alcantara is being held back for the last regular game, but Soto is doing his part to keep the Mets’ postseason chances alive. His power explosion isn’t simply spectacular; it changes the pressure and gives the Queens a strong advantage.