Just a little over two weeks ago, the Mets’ offense was one of baseball’s biggest setbacks. On paper, with guys like Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso, their lineup looked like it should be one of the best in the league. But the production wasn’t there.

After an offseason spending spree of over $1.4 billion on position players, the New York Mets’ offense has been surprisingly lackluster. From Opening Day through August 11th, the team ranked a disappointing 17th in the Major Leagues in runs scored. Despite the efforts of team officials and hitting coaches, who spent countless hours trying to diagnose the problem, the Mets’ offense remained stuck in a state of mediocrity. After a prolonged slump, the New York Mets’ offense has experienced a sudden and dramatic turnaround.

Despite the team’s inability to pinpoint the cause or reason for the shift, their offensive production has been the best in baseball since August 12th. Following a 6-5 walk-off victory against the Phillies on Tuesday night, the Mets have scored 99 runs in that span—an average of 7.1 runs per game, which is the highest in the majors. The win also extended the Mets’ winning streak against the Phillies at Citi Field, including the postseason, to nine games. But does that make the Mets a formidable team?

They are still a cool 6 wins behind the table toppers, Phillies, and rank third in the NL Wild Card race. Against all this, former Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez, “The Mets are the team to beat right now!”

Well, the Mets’ turnaround definitely looks promising, but today’s 6-5 win doesn’t quite tell the full story. The Mets were in control, up 5-3 heading into the eighth, when the bullpen let things slip.

Helsley came in, gave up a one-out walk to Nick Castellanos, and then Harrison Bader tied it with a two-run shot. Suddenly, it was 5-5, until Brandon Nimmo bailed them out with a walk-off.

So, was it really the kind of dominant performance that makes the Mets the team to beat? Martinez might think so, but plenty of fans aren’t buying it. In fact, they were quick to throw his own Red Sox right back at him as a counterpoint.

Martinez’s Mets announcement proved costly

“Uhm, there’s team in Boston...” one fan reminded Martinez of the same. “You misspelled Red Sox!” another fan is quick to say that Martinez forgot to name the Red Sox!

So, Martinez’s own Red Sox from 1998 to 2004 aren’t exactly struggling. After a shaky start, they’ve turned things around, going 6-4 in their last 10 and sitting just four wins back of the Blue Jays in the AL East. On top of that, they’re leading the AL Wild Card race. Hence, a pretty strong case that they’re in a better spot than the Mets right now. Which makes us wonder: why isn’t Martinez putting his money on Boston instead of hyping up New York?

Sure, the Mets are riding a modest two-game win streak, but that doesn’t erase what came before. If you remember, earlier this month, they were swept by the Brewers in three games at American Family Field. That’s only a part of a brutal seven-game skid. In fact, they are 7-6 in their last 13 games since.

One joked, “Has he only been watching baseball for the last two days?” Another pointed out, “Come on, Pedro. They’re 8-17 since July 28. That’s a full month of futility. One game doesn’t change that.”

apart from everyone reminding Martinez about the Red Sox, one user shared how the Mets could be a team to beat after the meltdown shown by Ryan Helsley: “Someone forgot to tell Ryan Helsley.”

Reportedly, after giving up those two runs in the eighth and blowing the Mets’ 5-3 lead, Helsley’s struggles are starting to pile up. Since coming over from the Cardinals last month, he’s blown four saves and put up a 10.38 ERA in 11 games.

So, with all that going on, maybe the real question is why Martinez is so confident in backing the Mets, and he might be the only one who can explain it.