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Padres' series vs Mets has various NL Wild Card ripple effects fans can't ignore

With the postseason picture tightening, San Diego’s series against New York carries outsized playoff stakes.
ByWill Lockwood|
Sep 16, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) hits a two run home run during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) hits a two run home run during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

A pivotal series is underway at the start of the second-to-last week of regular season play, as the Padres travel to the Big Apple to take on the New York Mets for three games. What fans need to realize is that this matchup, in particular, could completely reshape the seeding in the NL Wild Card.

The Padres enter the series holding the second Wild Card spot, sitting four games ahead of the Mets and five games back of the Cubs. While it won’t really help or hurt their seeding in any way, it serves as a legitimate chance to finally gain ground on the Dodgers in the NL West pennant race in which they sit just two games back in.

Why Padres’ showdown with Mets could shift the NL Wild Card race

While a sweep would pay huge dividends, taking two of three would also suffice, as it would almost certainly help them gain ground on the Dodgers, who play the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies. San Diego lost the first game on Tuesday night to begin the series, but winning the series is still in play.

With three teams sitting right behind New York for the final playoff spot, it is a guarantee that there will be some scoreboard watching across the league. But what is really at stake?

The Diamondbacks, to everyone’s surprise, sit two games back of the final Wild Card spot, followed by the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants. All three should be backing the Padres in this series, as they look to put the Mets’ playoff hopes to bed.

Simultaneously, the Giants and Diamondbacks are in the midst of a three-game series. This scheduling will benefit the Mets, as, in all likelihood, whoever loses the series will be knocked out of playoff contention. It is going to be a very interesting final two weeks of play in the National League, as there is a high chance that the last Wild Card spot could be occupied by a team that currently sits on the outside looking in.

Remaining Schedules:

Padres: @ Mets - @ White Sox - vs. Brewers - vs. Diamondbacks

Mets: vs. Padres - vs. Nationals - @ Cubs - @ Marlins

Diamondbacks: vs. Giants - vs. Phillies - vs. Dodgers - @ Padres

Reds: @ Cardinals - vs. Cubs - vs. Pirates - @ Brewers

Giants: @ Diamondbacks - @ Dodgers - vs Cardinals - vs Rockies

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