MLB Legends Warn Mets and Phillies on NLDS Play: Improvements Needed to Stay Competitive
The National League Division Series (NLDS) is heating up, and MLB legends Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and David “Big Papi” Ortiz have sent a clear warning to the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. While the Mets secured a victory in Game 1 with a late-game comeback, these iconic figures believe both teams need to make crucial adjustments if they want to advance.
Mets’ Late-Game Strategy Won’t Last, Jeter Warns
The Mets stunned the Phillies on October 5, winning 6-2 after scoring five runs in the eighth inning. However, Derek Jeter, the legendary Yankees shortstop, has cautioned the Mets against relying on these late-inning heroics. While the team’s ability to rally late in games is impressive, Jeter stressed that this strategy isn’t sustainable over a long series. “I made the mistake of not believing they could continue against this Phillies bullpen,” Jeter admitted, “but it’s a recipe for disaster if you think you can score in the eighth or ninth inning every game and come back to win.”
Jeter’s advice for the Mets going into Game 2? Score early. The former Yankees captain believes that relying too heavily on dramatic comebacks will eventually catch up to the team. He expects the Mets to come out aggressively, taking control of the game from the start rather than relying on last-minute miracles.
Rodriguez: Phillies Must Adjust at the Plate
Alex Rodriguez, drawing on his extensive postseason experience, had a different message for the Phillies. The former Yankees slugger pointed out that the Mets capitalized on secondary pitches, like off-speed deliveries, to rally in the eighth inning. “Every big home run, every big hit was from a secondary pitch,” Rodriguez noted, urging the Phillies to tighten their pitching strategy.
Rodriguez also reassured Phillies fans, emphasizing that Game 1 wasn’t the end of the world. “The Phillies are in great shape,” Rodriguez said, highlighting the team’s deep pitching lineup. With Aaron Nola expected to start Game 3 and Zack Wheeler ready for a potential Game 5, Rodriguez believes the Phillies can bounce back. His advice? “Don’t chill, win the ball game.”
Ortiz Encourages Mets to Capitalize on Momentum
David Ortiz, or Big Papi, offered a more motivational take, urging the Mets to keep up their aggressive approach. Ortiz recognized how tough it was for the Mets to overcome Phillies ace Zack Wheeler in Game 1, but he encouraged them to seize the opportunity in Game 2. “We didn’t execute really well against Wheeler, but we won the game,” Ortiz stated, adding, “there’s no two Wheelers in the rotation.” Ortiz believes that the Mets have already faced the toughest challenge in the Phillies’ lineup and should use this momentum to their advantage before returning to New York.
Ortiz’s message was clear: attack with everything you’ve got. The Mets have a golden opportunity to go up 2-0 in the series, and Big Papi believes they need to seize it.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time for Both Teams to Step Up
The consensus from Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and David Ortiz is that both the Mets and Phillies need to make adjustments if they want to continue their playoff journey. The Mets can’t rely on late-game comebacks, and the Phillies need to sharpen their approach at the plate. With Game 2 on the horizon, both teams will have to implement these insights to avoid an early exit from the NLDS.
In a series as unpredictable as this, every inning counts. If either team hopes to make it to the next round, they’ll need to play smarter, not just harder. The advice from these MLB legends could be the key to victory.
