NLCS Game 6 takeaways: Dodgers crush Mets to set up World Series date with Yankees

Unsurprisingly, Edman was named the MVP of the NLCS, solidifying himself as one of the best trade deadline acquisitions in recent memory. 

Bullpen game doesn’t backfire on Dodgers

Although it wasn’t flawless, the Dodgers bullpen fared much better than it did in the team’s Game 2 loss to New York and ultimately got the job done on Sunday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has often been criticized for making some questionable moves in October over the years, but the 52-year-old was masterful in Game 6 and deserves his flowers.

Right-hander Michael Kopech, the starter for Los Angeles on Sunday, wasn’t sharp, allowing one run on one hit and two walks in the first inning. Nevertheless, although his team trailed in the second inning, Roberts turned to rookie Ben Casparius rather than a high-leverage arm, a risky decision that panned out, as he didn’t allow a run in 1.1 innings.

Roberts tried to patch together some more innings with his middle relievers, and while Anthony Banda and Ryan Brasier combined to allow two runs in 2.2 innings, they did enough to get the team to their high-leverage arms. 

The Mets continued to put up a fight against RHPs Evan Phillips, Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen, but in the end, Treinen was able to shut the door on their magical postseason run.

Roberts’ bullpen decisions might not make much of a difference in the World Series if the Dodgers average 7.67 runs per game as they did in the NLCS. However, Roberts’ impressive managing against the Mets should give Los Angeles and Dodgers fans plenty of confidence heading into a series where they’ll throw two more bullpen games. 

The Mets didn’t have enough to overcome the Dodgers, but their future is as bright as ever

As cliché as it sounds, the better team won this series. The Mets had their opportunities, but their inability to get a big hit with runners in scoring position, coupled with their pitching staff fading against the best lineup in baseball, was too much to overcome.

Even so, this season was undoubtedly a success for the Mets, who weren’t expected to do much after finishing 75-87 in 2023, and it’s fair to say that their future has never been brighter. 

The Mets still have a talented offensive core that showed remarkable resilience throughout the year. They will return most of those pieces next season, including an MVP candidate in Francisco Lindor and rising star third baseman Mark Vientos and have a few intriguing prospects waiting in the minors. 

New York has arguably never been in a better spot leadership-wise, too. Manager Carlos Mendoza emerged as one of the better skippers in the game during his first season in the role, helping his team rebound from being 11 games under .500 near the end of May to reach the NLCS. 

Additionally, owner Steve Cohen has shown a willingness to invest heavily in his team, and since president of baseball operations David Stearns is running the show, Cohen’s money is in good hands.

With just over $173M coming off the books this offseason, Cohen will surely take more massive swings in free agency to fulfill his goal of helping the Mets return to the World Series.