Mets sprint to the finish with 17 games left, facing a brutal stretch that exposes their offensive inconsistencies and bullpen gaps. The podcast zeroes in on the need for a late-season surge from Alonso and Lindor, while weighing the risk and reward of leaning on young arms in a high-leverage run. Fantasy managers should track matchups against Nola and Suarez, leverage the Mets’ depth in the minors, and pounce on any nuclear stretches from the lineup.

Discussion highlights the potential for a playoff pivot if Senga, Yamamoto, or Imanaga can stabilize the rotation and bullpen, and whether Soto or Schwarber’s presence reshapes the Mets’ planning in free agency or trades. The sense is a volatile but still plausible path to the postseason if the stars align in a tight, 3-game-set world.

Anthony Volpe’s underlying numbers hint at a rebound, but his plate discipline continues to sink him. With playoff races tightening, managers wonder if a hold is worth it or a swap is better.

Jack Flaherty has cratered lately: 26 frames, 24 strikeouts, an ERA north of 4, and rising hard contact with a troubling HR/FB rate. The breakdown leaves fantasy squads chasing safer options.

Palencia’s IL stint pushes Brad Keller into saves duty, while Tanner Scott and Kikuchi draw bench-spot risk. Xavier Edwards, Correa, and Tol get lumped in as caution flags. Keller stands out as the clearest immediate add as the week unfolds.

Atlanta handled the Cubs in the series opener as Shota Imanaga battled early, while the Cubs’ offense stayed dormant. Daniel Palencia’s 15-day IL stint triggers bullpen reshuffling, elevating Porter Hodge, Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge to higher-leverage roles. Kai Horton’s emergence adds a potential playoff thread, and PCA, Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki must spark a late‑season surge to keep October in reach.

Fantasy angles center on PCA’s ceiling, Hoerner’s top‑of‑order stability, Suzuki’s return to form, and Horton’s sustained rookie impact. Monitor Palencia’s timeline and the bullpen, and consider rest for some veterans to squeeze a few more wins in the wild-card race. The Cubs’ path remains uncertain but still very much alive.