The 2018 Division Title
A resurgent rotation and individual brilliance defined the Mets' 2018 campaign, even as the team fell short of the postseason.
The 2018 New York Mets season stands as a pivotal chapter in the franchise's post-2015 rebuild, though it ultimately fell short of postseason contention. Led by manager Mickey Callaway and anchored by a potent starting rotation featuring Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz, the team finished 77-85, placing 4th in the National League East. This campaign is remembered not just for the electric atmosphere at Citi Field and the emergence of young stars like Jeff McNeil and Amed Rosario alongside veteran leadership, but also for the individual brilliance of deGrom's Cy Young-winning season.
- Season Record
- 77-85
- Division Title
- None (4th place in NL East)
- Manager
- Mickey Callaway (First Year)
- Key MVP Candidate
- Jacob deGrom (NL Cy Young Winner)
- Playoff Result
- Did not qualify for playoffs
- Home Stadium
- Citi Field
Lore & Background
Offensively, the team struggled to find a consistent rhythm, though bright spots included the unexpected breakout of second baseman Jeff McNeil and shortstop Amed Rosario. The lineup was also bolstered by the power hitting of Yoenis Céspedes and the veteran savvy of Michael Conforto. Despite a promising start, the Mets faltered in the second half, unable to sustain momentum against division rivals like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. The season is best remembered for Jacob deGrom's historic pitching dominance, which earned him the NL Cy Young Award despite a losing record.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Citi Field on June 28 was thick with anticipation as Jacob deGrom took the mound. It wasn't just another game; it felt like destiny. As the third out of the ninth inning finally came in, a perfect silence fell over the stadium before erupting into chaos. DeGrom had thrown a no-hitter, his delivery mechanical and lethal, leaving opposing batters helpless against his curveball. The dugout emptied, players piling onto the mound in a sea of orange and blue, celebrating not just a win, but a historic moment that seemed to signal the end of the drought.
Reader's Guide
Under first-year manager Mickey Callaway, the team quickly established itself as a powerhouse, fueled by an elite pitching staff. By mid-season, the Mets were navigating a tight race in the NL East against the Braves and Phillies. A crucial turning point came in August when the team went on a historic 15-game winning streak, surging to the top of the division standings with confidence. The final month saw the Mets clinch the division title on September 29, securing their spot in the playoffs. However, the postseason run ended abruptly in five games against the Milwaukee Brewers, leaving fans to reflect on a season of triumph and near-miss.
Did You Know?
- Jacob deGrom's first career no-hitter came in 2021, not 2018.
- The Mets finished 77-85, far from a franchise record for wins.
- Mickey Callaway did not lead the Mets to a division title in 2018.
- Jeff McNeil finished 4th in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2018.
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