NY Mets pay tribute to Jacob deGrom before he returns to Citi Field mound
As Jacob deGrom made his first start back at Citi Field since leaving the Mets, the club played a video tribute on Sept. 12, 2025.
MIAMI — A little more than a year ago, the Mets ventured southeast to Truist Park in Atlanta for one final test.
The Mets’ second-half ascension was riding on a makeup doubleheader squeezed one day between the normal conclusion of the regular season and the opening round of the Major League Baseball playoffs.
One win against their rivals and the Mets were in.
Fast-forward to 2025 and the Mets’ scenario runs parallel in a certain context. They need one more win against the Marlins, but they need some help from the Reds, who own the tiebreaker. A victory on the final day could help vanquish the sting of a second-half collapse that has ruminated for the last three months.
After the Mets rode a dynamic outing from Clay Holmes to a 5-0 victory over the Marlins on Saturday afternoon, one more triumph is required for a shot at the postseason.
“You feel good. Obviously, not ideal. We put ourselves in this position, but you’re going into 162 with a chance to clinch a playoff spot,” Carlos Mendoza said. “Enjoy today and then get ready for tomorrow.”
The momentum is on the Mets’ side, less than 24 hours after a painstaking defeat, but they still need a win and a Reds loss on Sunday to punch their ticket to October.
Mendoza and the Mets only had one name that they were not willing to deploy in the penultimate game of the 2025 season: Nolan McLean.
Every other pitcher in the Mets’ arsenal, including Sean Manaea, David Peterson and potential debutant Dylan Ross, was fair game.
Holmes helped the Mets lighten the load heading into Sunday with six shutout innings — three days after he threw an inning of relief and less than a week after he made a bulk relief appearance.
“I think just kind of going into the game, it took me back to a little bit last year, losing the World Series and how bad I want to be a part of that, especially with this group here,” Holmes said of last season’s experience with the Yankees. “These must-win games kind of bring out some of that. I was happy to go out and leave it all out there tonight.”
With his lengthy start, Holmes helped ensure that the Mets would have a selection of fresh arms for Sunday’s must-win game.
The Mets deployed three of their high-leverage relievers, with Brooks Raley, Tyler Rogers and Edwin Diaz each tossing scoreless frames without much of a chore. Raley and Diaz each threw 13 pitches, Rogers unfurled 11.
Now, Manaea will be the one to try and replicate the feat. But he’ll have backup of the entire pitching staff, minus McLean and Holmes.
“All hands on deck for tomorrow,” Mendoza said.
Pete Alonso said the mission remains the same heading into Game No. 162 as it did on Saturday: “Just get it done.”
The Reds took down the Brewers on Saturday night and need to lose for the Mets to stand a chance, but that quest will be mute without a Mets win.
After the Mets’ slide down the standings, they have one final chance to reclaim their season on Sunday.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way. This is exciting baseball,” Alonso said. “Everyone’s really excited for the challenge tomorrow. We’re excited to get to the yard tomorrow.”