The Chicago White Sox will welcome the New York Mets for a series opener on Friday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. As the Mets enter this matchup, they find themselves in a heated competition for a playoff spot in the National League, with each game carrying significant weight. In stark contrast, the White Sox are struggling, holding the worst record in Major League Baseball. Last season, the Mets managed to win two out of three games against the White Sox in New York, and they have dominated the recent series, taking seven of the last ten encounters. While this matchup might not capture the attention of the casual fan, those invested in playoff outcomes will certainly be watching closely.
Mets on a Mission: Road Trip Continues
The Mets are in the middle of a pivotal road trip, having already faced the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks in recent weeks. With a 6-4 record in their last ten games, they remain outside the playoff picture in the NL Wild Card race. A series against the struggling White Sox presents an ideal opportunity for the Mets to secure three crucial wins. This series may well be the most straightforward stretch they face this season, and it is essential for building momentum ahead of their return home to face the Boston Red Sox.
According to MLB.com, Tylor Megill will take the mound for the Mets on Friday. The right-handed pitcher returns to action for the first time since the fall of 2023, following a strong finish to last season. He went 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA over his final five appearances. Despite the long layoff, facing one of the league’s weakest offenses should allow him to find his rhythm quickly.
The Mets boast one of the most dynamic lineups in baseball, averaging 1.7 runs more per game than the White Sox. Staying injury-free has been a key factor, and they will have their full roster available for this series. Francisco Lindor is enjoying a standout season, while Pete Alonso remains a formidable force in the batting order. With depth on their side and a favorable matchup, the Mets are poised for success.
White Sox Struggling to Find Their Footing
The White Sox are on track to have one of the most disappointing seasons in MLB history. Just a few years after being playoff contenders in the AL Central, they are now facing a major rebuild. With only 31 wins this season and a woeful 1-9 record in their last ten games, the outlook is grim. Their home record of 18-51 further diminishes any potential home-field advantage.
According to MLB.com, Jonathan Cannon will start for the White Sox. He has faced challenges this season, recording a 2-8 record and a 4.57 ERA. Going up against the strong Mets lineup, he may find it difficult to succeed, particularly given the pressure he faces due to his team’s offensive struggles.
Chicago’s offense has consistently underperformed, averaging just 3.1 runs per game, making it tough to generate scoring opportunities. They have several talented players but have struggled to perform cohesively. With a few key players likely absent, the White Sox’s chances of matching up against New York’s offensive capabilities appear slim.
Best Bets for New York Mets vs. Chicago White Sox
The Mets are favored to win on Friday night, setting the stage for a series sweep that is crucial for their playoff ambitions. Their clear advantage on the mound, coupled with a reliable bullpen, positions them strongly against the White Sox. The disparity in run production between the two teams is significant, making it unlikely for Chicago to keep pace. With the Mets fighting for a playoff spot while the White Sox are merely trying to finish the season, the motivations of these teams could not be more different.
