The New York Mets and Washington Nationals are set to open a three-game series on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET. This matchup features two National League East rivals with contrasting starts to the season, making it an intriguing contest.
Team Overview:
New York Mets:
The Mets have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, boasting an 18-7 record and sitting atop the NL East standings. They are riding a seven-game winning streak, including a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies in their previous series. New York’s success has been driven by their elite pitching staff, which leads MLB with a 2.34 ERA. Kodai Senga has been a standout performer, anchoring the rotation with a 3-1 record and a minuscule 0.79 ERA. Offensively, the Mets have been solid, ranking ninth in MLB with a .398 slugging percentage. Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso have been key contributors, providing power and consistency in the lineup.
Washington Nationals:
The Nationals have had a more modest start to the season, sitting at 11-13 and fourth in the NL East. However, they are coming off a series win against the Baltimore Orioles and have shown flashes of competitiveness. Washington’s offense has been led by James Wood, who has been a revelation with his power-hitting ability. The Nationals rank 15th in MLB with a .236 team batting average and 14th in home runs with 27. On the mound, Jake Irvin has been a bright spot, posting a 2-0 record with a 3.68 ERA. The Nationals will look to build on their recent momentum and challenge the division leaders.
Key Players to Watch:
New York Mets:
- Kodai Senga: The right-hander has been dominant this season, with a 0.79 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings pitched. He has not allowed an earned run in his last three starts and will look to continue his stellar form.
- Francisco Lindor: The shortstop has been a key offensive contributor, providing timely hits and solid defense.
- Pete Alonso: The slugger leads the team in home runs and RBIs, making him a constant threat at the plate.
Washington Nationals:
- James Wood: The young outfielder has been a standout performer, tied for second in MLB in home runs this season. His power-hitting ability will be crucial for Washington’s offense.
- Jake Irvin: The rookie pitcher has been impressive in his first few starts, and his ability to keep the Mets’ lineup in check will be key.
- CJ Abrams: The shortstop has shown flashes of brilliance with his speed and defensive skills, adding value to the Nationals’ lineup.
Matchup Analysis:
Pitching:
The Mets hold a clear advantage on the mound, with Senga leading a dominant rotation. Irvin has been solid for the Nationals, but he will face a tough test against New York’s disciplined lineup.
Offense:
While the Mets have been more consistent offensively, the Nationals have the potential to surprise with their power hitters. The key for Washington will be to capitalize on scoring opportunities and avoid leaving runners on base.
Defense:
Both teams have been solid defensively, but the Mets’ ability to limit errors and turn double plays has been a strength. Washington will need to match that level of defensive execution to stay competitive.
Game Odds
New York Mets – 180
Washington Nationals 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 24, 2025
