It’s not every day you see a playoff pursuit like the New York Mets’. When the season began they weren’t on anyone’s hot list. After all, the team was coming off a disappointing 2023 season and hadn’t really done much business in the offseason. But then there were hints of them being capable of greatness, especially after they signed JD Martinez. However, the first half of the Queens side’s season proved to be anything but great. So how did the the Mets turn that around? 

In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, veteran JD Martinez revealed the secret to the Mets’ success. The superstar joined to discuss the importance of vaccination and his struggles with asthma. During his inspirational interview, the conversation shifted to the Mets’ “Amazin” season. With just a week to go, the Mets are just a few wins away from getting that elusive wild card birth. Just how did they do it? Turns out, it was that slow start that turned things around for the Mets.

“I feel the big turnaround came when we just decided not to have any pressure,” Martinez said in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports. “If we win, we win, we lose, we lose. No one really expects us to win anyways. We’re playing so bad right now that no one even expects us to be here” The New York Mets had started the season with an unfortunate 0-5 record. In fact, entering into the All-Star break the team was 49-46 and barely keeping up in the playoff race. However, since then, we’ve seen a different version of the Mets.

“We can look at this season as a total failure that we’re losing this or that. Or we can look at the season like we’re getting to play baseball, have fun, and enjoy our time together,” Martinez added. The 37-year-old further explained how it was this change in attitude that ultimately eliminated the pressure that had gripped the Mets. And as of now, they seem to be in prime position to capture that last National League Wild Card spot.

New York Mets and JD Martinez’s postseason dreams hinge on their upcoming series 

There are shades of 2022 in the New York Mets’ series against the Atlanta Braves. While that year it was the Mets’ divisional title that was at stake, this time it’s their playoff spot. However, the Metsies would hope to forget what happened in 2022 (the Braves swept them and with that won the NL East divisional title). As of now, the Braves are just 2 games behind the Mets but with just a week to go, this series has become a must-watch for baseball fans.

Since the start of September, the Mets’ attitude has been one of resilience. From manager Carlos Mendoza to Pete Alonso, everyone has claimed that each game in September is like a playoff game. That has shown in their performances, which have remained consistent despite losing their MVP candidate Francisco Lindor for an extended period. Could all of this add up to a playoff position for the Mets? Maybe it can, as JD Martinez said, “Everyone expect us to lose so let’s just have fun.” And that has been the secret recipe of New York Mets’ amazing season.

So, with every eye on the series that begins this Tuesday, the Mets have a statement to make. Could they stage a comeback after the disastrous start? Let us know what you think in the comments.