New York’s collapse fears loom after a four‑run cushion evaporates in Philadelphia, leaving the Mets riding a six‑game slide with 15 games left in the season. The plan hinges on stabilizing a rotation fearfully light on experience, sharpening the defense, and getting Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso back to peak production while Juan Soto provides a steady steadying presence. With a return series against Texas looming, every at‑bat becomes a playoff audition for a club clinging to a bullpen of options and a now‑must‑win pace.