What's Happening?
The Detroit Tigers and New York Mets are on the brink of joining the list of the biggest collapses in Major League Baseball history. The Tigers, who once held a commanding 14-game lead in the AL Central, have seen their advantage evaporate due to a 5-14 record in September. This has allowed the Cleveland Guardians to catch up, erasing what was once a 15.5-game deficit. Meanwhile, the Mets, who had the best record in baseball as of June 12, have struggled significantly, going 36-52 since then. Their 4.5-game lead in the NL wild-card standings as of August 27 has vanished, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.
Why It's Important?
The potential collapses of the Tigers and Mets could have significant implications for both teams and their fan bases. For the Tigers, missing the playoffs after leading the division for most of the season would be a major disappointment and could lead to changes in management or player personnel. Similarly, the Mets' failure to secure a playoff spot after a strong start could result in scrutiny of their roster and coaching staff. These developments highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball and the importance of maintaining performance throughout the season.