A remarkable era of parity in Major League Baseball hit a bit of a snag this October when the big-spending New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets finished as three of the top four teams in this year’s postseason.

Yes, the New York Mets have much to feel good about following a rousing run of unexpected success this season.

The World Series is always the goal for the big-spending Los Angeles Dodgers.

Michael Kopech will start Game 6 of the National League Championship Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Instead of pitching his hometown team into the World Series, Jack Flaherty sent the NL Championship Series back to California.

Pete Alonso golfed an early three-run homer and the New York Mets hammered an ineffective Jack Flaherty, extending the National League Championship Series with a 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5.

Sixty years after its debut, The Temptations’ “My Girl” has become a hit at Citi Field since New York Mets star Francisco Lindor began using it as his walk-up song in late May.

The New York Mets insist their greatest rebound of 2024 may be yet to come after they dropped into a 3-1 NL Championship Series deficit with a 10-2 dud against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff homer and scored four times, Mookie Betts also went deep and drove in four runs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the New York Mets 10-2 for a 3-1 lead in their lopsided National League Championship Series.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy has become the first player to reach base in 12 consecutive plate appearances during a single postseason.

Shohei Ohtani homered against Jose Quintana leading off Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, putting the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the New York Mets.

First baseman Freddie Freeman is out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.

The Mets are lighting up Citi Field, even before their batters step up to the plate.

Pitcher Luis Severino twice misplayed grounders, leading to a pair of unearned runs in the second inning that put the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead for good in an 8-0 romp that gave them a 2-1 NL Championship Series lead.

Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer to punctuate the Los Angeles Dodgers' 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

It’s a pop hit like many others, with an ascending chorus, an addictive hook, a warm rhythm.

A snake slithered through the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series.

Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos homered as the New York Mets stopped the Los Angeles Dodgers’ record-tying postseason scoreless streak in a 7-3 victory, tying the NL Championship Series at a game apiece.

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers’ streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings in the playoffs has ended.

Brandon Nimmo is in the New York Mets’ lineup for Game 2 of the National League Championship Series despite dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Jack Flaherty combined on a three-hitter and Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers tied the postseason record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings by routing the New York Mets 9-0 Sunday night in the NL Championship Series opener.

New York Mets starter Kodai Senga lasted just 10 batters and got only four outs in the National League Championship opener, struggling with control as the Los Angeles Dodgers took a 3-0, second-inning lead.

Shohei Ohtani was caught stealing for the first time in nearly three months, ending a streak of 36 consecutive successful stolen base attempts.

Jeff McNeil was added to the New York Mets’ roster for the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers after recovering from a broken right wrist.

“Big Spender” is the theme music for baseball’s final four.

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga will start Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against Jack Flaherty and the Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing his comeback from injuries that have limited him to two starts this year.

Two stops away from a Subway Series.

From their playoff pumpkin to the purple Grimace seat and that catchy pop song by infielder Jose Iglesias, the merry New York Mets are riding a wave of good-luck charms and infectious camaraderie to unexpected October success.

The Philadelphia Phillies' season of World Series championship expectations ended with a thud against the New York Mets in the NL Division Series.

Francisco Lindor hit a grand slam in the sixth inning, his latest clutch swing in a storybook season, and the New York Mets reached the National League Championship Series with a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Six months of success for the Philadelphia Phillies could be wiped out before the leaves start to turn.

Pete Alonso launched another homer off Aaron Nola, and Sean Manaea took a two-hit shutout into the eighth inning as the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2 in Game 3 of their NL Division Series.

Francisco Lindor waited a month to get back in the lineup at Citi Field.

Nick Castellanos ripped a winning two-out single off Tylor Megill that scored Trea Turner and sent the Philadelphia Phillies to a dizzying 7-6 win over the New York Mets and evened the NL Division Series at one game apiece.

Mark Vientos and Brandon Nimmo keyed another late New York comeback, helping the Mets break through for five runs in the eighth inning against a pair of All-Star relievers as they rallied past the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 in Game 1 of their National League Division Series.

New York has mastered the art of the late-inning rally, first in Atlanta, then in a Wild Card Series win in Milwaukee and now in Philadelphia.

Kodai Senga is the surprise Game 1 starter for the New York Mets when they open the NL Division Series on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Milwaukee Brewers have mastered the art of winning consistently in the regular season while playing in the majors’ smallest market.

The Milwaukee Brewers couldn’t have set things up any better for themselves as they headed into the ninth inning of the deciding game in their NL Wild Card Series.

Pete Alonso was having a rather disappointing evening in what could have been his final game for the New York Mets.

Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off All-Star closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning and the New York Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 to win their NL Wild Card Series.

Jackson Chourio tied the game in the eighth with his second homer of the night and Garrett Mitchell delivered a two-run shot later in the inning to give the Milwaukee Brewers a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets that evened their NL Wild Card Series.

Mark Vientos hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning as the indefatigable New York Mets continued their thrilling week by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in an NL Wild Card Series opener.

The Houston Astros left three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander off the roster for their AL Wild Card Series against Detroit but did include injured slugger Yordan Alvarez.

The Arizona Diamondbacks arrived at Chase Field on Monday afternoon for a light workout and heavy anxiety.

The baseball season is going extra innings.

Francisco Lindor homered and drove in two runs, David Peterson pitched seven brilliant innings and the New York Mets moved within one win of a playoff berth with a 5-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Francisco Lindor is back in the New York Mets’ lineup.

The Chicago White Sox avoided a record-breaking 121st loss for the second straight game, beating the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Andrew Benintendi’s 10th-inning single.

The last two games of the pivotal series between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves have been postponed due to the forecast for inclement weather.

The Major League Baseball playoffs are approaching and a Shohei Ohtani vs.

Michael Harris II had three more hits, including a solo home run and an RBI double, and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach shut down the New York Mets again as the Atlanta Braves cruised to a 5-1 win in the opener of a pivotal three-game series.

All summer long, one massive series kept looming on the schedule.

Edwin Díaz got his second career six-out save to preserve the New York Mets' 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor’s earliest return to New York’s lineup from a back injury likely is Tuesday night’s series opener at the Atlanta Braves.

Luisangel Acuña has subbed so nicely for the New York Mets already that his brother’s team is in growing danger of missing the postseason.

Fenway Park has the Ted Williams seat.

Luisangel Acuña had two hits in his major league debut with the New York Mets.

Francisco Alvarez, Brandon Nimmo and Harrison Bader hit three-run homers, Jose Quintana allowed three hits in seven shutout innings and the New York Mets routed the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies 11-3 for their 12th win in 14 games.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis has not allowed a hit through seven innings against the New York Mets.

The National League playoff race is getting very interesting with three weeks remaining in the regular season.

New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz and younger brother Alexis, the Cincinnati Reds’ ace reliever, have pitched in the same game for the first time in their All-Star careers.

The Chicago White Sox added to their indignities by setting a franchise record with their 107th loss when they fell 2-0 to the New York Mets.

Sean Manaea pitched two-hit ball over seven innings, Francisco Lindor belted his 29th home run and the New York Mets beat Chicago 2-0 to hand the White Sox their franchise-record 107th loss.

Pinch-hitter Jesse Winker led off the ninth inning with his first home run for the New York Mets, giving them another rousing 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Francisco Alvarez hit a solo home run with one out in the ninth inning to give the New York Mets a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg says he is cancer-free.

Domingo Germán is getting a second chance in the big leagues, a year after he flamed out with the New York Yankees because of behavioral issues.

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How low can the Chicago White Sox go.

Looking to spark a struggling club, the New York Yankees acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins for three minor leaguers: catcher Agustín Ramírez, infielder Jared Serna and infielder Abrahan Ramírez.

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with a strained left calf.

The Subway Series turned into two teams passing in different directions.

Pete Alonso’s disappointing performance in this year’s Home Run Derby wasn’t a particularly big deal for the future of his big-league career.

Pete Alonso will participate in his fifth straight Home Run Derby, with the New York Mets first baseman trying to win for the third time.

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes is putting together a resume worthy of an All-Star.

Jake Irvin allowed just one hit and issued one walk in eight innings, Jesse Winker hit a pinch-hit home run and the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 1-0 in the traditional 11 a.m. Fourth of July game in the nation’s capital.

The major league season has passed its halfway point so award speculation is going to heat up.

Move over, Baha Men, and step aside, Timmy Trumpet.

An emotional Drew Smith acknowledged his future with the New York Mets is uncertain.

Francisco Alvarez went 3 for 3 with a homer and three RBIs, Tyrone Taylor added a three-run drive and the surging New York Mets routed the Yankees 12-2 for a two-game Subway Series sweep.

New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz was suspended 10 games by Major League Baseball after his ejection from a 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs for having a foreign substance on his hand.

New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz is facing a 10-game suspension after being ejected from the team’s 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Luis Severino tossed six shutout innings, Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo hit back-to-back homers and the New York Mets topped the Chicago Cubs 5-2 after closer Edwin Díaz was ejected in the ninth before throwing a pitch.

New York Mets starter Sean Manaea took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against Texas even after the Rangers scored on the left-hander in the first inning.

Catcher Luis Torrens turned Nick Castellanos’ bases-loaded slow roller in front of the plate into a game-ending double play, and the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 for a split of their two-game London Series.

Bryce Harper celebrated with a soccer slide after his tying home run, Ranger Suárez became the season’s first 10-game winner and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 7-2 in the opener of Major League Baseball’s third London Series.

The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are enjoying London so much they might not want to go home.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper is impressed by the United States pulling off a huge upset at the Twenty20 World Cup.

Darryl Strawberry told New York Mets fans it was a mistake to leave for the Los Angeles Dodgers 34 years ago.

Jorge López has been cut by the struggling New York Mets, a day after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following his ejection at Citi Field.

Jorge López will be cut by the struggling New York Mets after the reliever threw his glove into the stands following his ejection from a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field.

Shohei Ohtani homered and drove in three runs, Will Smith went deep twice and the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the frustrated New York Mets with a 10-3 victory.

That’s three Giant comebacks in a row — all on the road.

Patrick Bailey hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning, Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman saved San Francisco with a defensive gem and the Giants came back from another big deficit to beat the staggering New York Mets 8-7.

Atlanta’s Max Fried and two relievers combined for a no-hitter through 8 2/3 innings before New York’s J.

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Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras broke his left forearm when he was hit by a swing during their game against the New York Mets.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot departed with a lower left leg bruise in the second inning of Sunday’s game against the New York Mets after getting hit by a 107.5 mph line drive hit by Starling Marte.

The average time of a nine-inning game is 2 hours, 36 minutes through the first full month of the major league season, down 1 minute from 2023 in the second year of the pitch clock.