3 reasons why Rangers can't overlook the lowly Mets as playoff hopes hang in the balance

The Texas Rangers are welcoming the New York Mets to town, and with sole possession of first place in the AL West, the club finally controls its own destiny. The Mets are a major disappointment despite a payroll that is pushing $400 million.

On the one hand, that makes them a dream opponent. Finishing off with a cupcake like the Mets and then the free-falling Minnesota Twins, Texas would seem well positioned to come away with the division crown. At the same time, the Rangers have had a history of playing down to their opponent's level this year.

Texas can't take anything for granted. The lead over the Astros is just one game, and Houston holds the tiebreaker, so even one misstep could be disastrous. There's also a bit more than meets the eye with New York that might make the ease of this series a bit deceiving.

Three factors the Rangers need to be wary of during this critical series with the Mets

The Mets offense has surged in the second half

The Mets made some odd decisions over the offseason, like letting one of the game's premier sluggers, Pete Alonso, walk. However, they still had a perennial MVP candidate in Juan Soto to anchor the lineup and brought in a more well-rounded hitter in two-time All-Star Bo Bichette. Injuries played a role; Bichette was uncharacteristically terrible in the first half, and New York's offense was an unmitigated disaster.

However, the Mets have been one of the best offensive teams in the second half. Bichette, who has a major opt-out decision looming, has heated up in the second half. They've hit the third-most homers (82) after the All-Star Break, and have posted a seventh-ranked .735 OPS in the second half.

The Rangers pitching staff is in a weird spot right now. Only MacKenzie Gore has been named as a starter during the series. The bullpen had been a weak point, but recently some starters-turned-relievers have papered over the soft underbelly in the middle innings. Can that continue? This could become a problem.

Nolan McLean is no joke

New York rookie right-hander Nolan McLean has turned into a favorite to win the NL Rookie of the Year trophy, and the buzz is not unwarranted. He's unfortunately slated to start the second game of the series on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has tossed 172 2/3 innings and posted a 3.18 ERA and 26.2% strikeout rate this season. Pretty impressive stuff. Even worse, he's been even better down the stretch, recording a 2.62 ERA in the second half. The Rangers' offense runs hot and cold, and McLean could not only steal a game from them but also disrupt the rhythm and send them reeling down the stretch.

The Mets have veteran pride

While the Mets dealt away a good number of their veterans at the trade deadline, this is still a very experienced roster. We mentioned Soto and Bichette, but there's also Francisco Lindor, old friend Marcus Semien, and Sean Manaea, among others, who are older players with a history of success and have become accustomed to playing in environments with high expectations.

That's a different story than playing a young team that has long been out of the race and is easily demoralized. These guys are seasoned professionals who might relish the role of playing spoiler while taking their frustration out on whoever is in their path. Take them for granted, and you might end up regretting it. Hopefully the Rangers aren't counting their chickens before they've hatched.

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