The Mets are hanging by a thread in October’s doorway. As they prepare to lock up their 84th win against the Marlins in the final game of this season, a decision by Carlos Mendoza has ignited the entire fanbase. “It’s all hands on deck for tomorrow,” the skipper said after their win Saturday against the Marlins, but his pitching choice suggests otherwise. Every decision carries championship weight, yet this one feels like surrender.

The current scenario doesn’t look good for the Mets’ chances of making the playoffs. If they lose and the Reds win, they will be out of the running for the playoffs. With Game 162 approaching, every strategic choice matters. There is no room for error anymore, which is why Mendoza’s choice of going with Sean Manaea as a starting pitcher has raised eyebrows.

When the news broke on social media, as posted by SNY Mets with a caption, “Sean Manaea will start game 162 for the Mets tomorrow in Miami.” It surprised everyone, and for the Mets fans, that wasn’t a good one. Reason? Well, his troubling numbers. The veteran southpaw has managed just two wins against four losses this year, while opposing hitters have tagged him for a bloated 5.80 ERA and have 72 Ks in 59 innings.

Manaea’s recent performances have been particularly concerning. In his previous seven starts, he has a 1–3 record with a 7.00 ERA. He has given up 32 hits, 21 earned runs, walked three batters, and struck out 35 batters in 27 innings, giving him a 1.30 WHIP. He is the same pitcher who had a 3.47 ERA with a 12–6 record in 32 starts in 2024. The Tribal Chief struck out 184 batters in 181.2 innings and had a 1.08 WHIP. However, this season it’s completely opposite.

And when asked the manager about the win, he told reporters, “You feel good” after the Saturday win. Then he added about the postseason situation of the team, “It’s not ideal, right? But we put ourselves in this position. But you’re going to 162 with a chance to clinch a playoff spot.” His candid admission that the situation is far from perfect only intensified questions about why he’s risking the season on an underperforming starter.

Adding to the complexity, Mendoza confirmed that reliever Nolan McLean would be unavailable for Sunday’s elimination game, while Brandon Sproat remains unlikely to pitch after starting Friday.

Fans are now very aware of every aspect that it’s the last chance for the Mets, and they aren’t holding back anymore.

Fans have given up hope after Mendoza’s decision

Looking at the Mets’ history, it’s not the first time that they have been roaring in the first half, but then struggle in the second half. Emphasizing exactly what one fan mentioned, “LMAOOO OH BROTHER 2007 WILL REPEAT ITSELF.” The summer of 2007 was a painful memory for fans due to one of the team’s worst collapses. They were in first place by seven games with 17 games left, but lost 12 of the final 17, missing the playoffs. And this season, their September record stands at 9–14, their worst monthly record of the season. If they missed their chance, this season will be over.

Then comes a comment capturing the final result. “I can see that Manaea will be hit hard, but Mendoza will not change him while preserving other pitchers who may pitch in a potential playoff game, which never happens.”  Mendoza choosing over Clay Holmes (3.53 ERA, 12–8 record) and David Peterson (4.22 ERA, 9–6 record) in a must-win game has raised questions. His strategy behind the decision might be to keep them fresh for the postseason, but it’s possible only after Sunday’s win.

A biting jab on the September collapse that made the playoff chances thin. “Not only have we been f—– for the last few games, but Mendoza made SURE we are f—– now in game 162.” When the Mets entered September, their playoff chances were 94.5% according to FanGraphs. However, with an 8-game skid and inconsistencies, their playoff chance now stands at 34%. Shocking!

Mets fans have surrendered. “lol, see everyone next year.” They read this decision as a loss, and considering how the pitchers have performed this year, one can’t blame them. Remember how he blew the 5-run lead against the Brewers on Aug 10th? In that game, he allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5 over 4 innings. As a result, the Mets lost 7-6. If Manaea’s outing didn’t go as planned, then they certainly have no chance.

Then comes the sarcasm. “Do or die game and going with the guy who has a 5.80 ERA. Sounds about right…” The fan suggests that this kind of choice is common: putting money on losers when the stakes are highest. It subtly references the poor choices made at critical junctures.

Mendoza’s choice to send a 5.80 ERA arm on the mound in a do-or-die situation has made fans even more anxious. Only the Sunday game result will tell if this will be the last game for the Mets or not. What’s your take on this decision?