Despite a brutal month of August, the Mets are still in possession of the National League’s final wildcard spot. Tonight, New York will hope to clinch a series victory over the Braves. Atlanta’s dreams of postseason contention are over, but this group still possesses plenty of talent. Which of these NL East rivals will earn a victory in this one? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s showdown between the Mets and Braves.
The Mets are favorites (-120) over the Mets, with the over/under set at nine runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Mets vs. Braves prediction, preview
Mets hitters have been inconsistent at best this month. Regardless, this team still possesses one of the National League’s better pitching staffs. One of New York’s most valuable arms has been Clay Holmes. The reliever-turned-starter has adjusted nicely to his new role. Over 131.0 innings of work, the righty has posted a 3.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 105 strikeouts. Holmes has surrendered three runs or less in nearly 77.0% of his appearances this season.
On paper, the Braves still have a loaded lineup. Five different All-Stars are currently starting tonight for Atlanta, including Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies. However, the back of the baseball card hasn’t translated to success at the plate. The team is averaging a middling 4.41 runs per game, the league’s 15th-best mark. With that being said, the Braves has scored the third-most total runs in baseball since August 1st.
Right below Atlanta in scoring this month are the Mets (108 runs). That includes a total of 34 runs over four games against the Braves. Leading the charge for New York has been Francisco Lindor, slashing .372/.449/.654 over the club’s last 19 outings. In addition, four other hitters have notched an OPS above .750 during that time (Soto, Alonso, Marte and McNeil).
Now that New York’s offense is starting to wake up, this is a difficult assignment for most arms. It’s difficult to have much confidence in the Braves with Cal Quantrill on the mound. Saturday marks the veteran’s Atlanta debut, having been cut by the Marlins earlier this week. 2025 has been a year to forget for the righty (5.50 ERA, 1.39 WHIP). In two of his last three starts (vs. BOS and HOU), Quantrill has surrendered seven earned runs.
Mets vs. Braves pick, best bet
Best Bet: Mets -1.5 (+129)
New York is starting to play better baseball, having won four of its previous six contests. That alone isn’t enough to back the Amazins, but tonight’s pitching matchup is. A mediocre flyball specialist such as Quantrill (1.4 HR/9) is a poor fit against a power-heavy lineup. Expect the Mets to pile on the runs en route to an easy win.
