It's no secret: the Mets don't like the Braves. The Braves don't like the Mets. Another chapter in a fierce rivalry will be written this Sunday as the two face off on Bases Covered Live. Here are five things to know before you tune in.
1. While the two teams have history dating back to the New Yorkers’ early days -- the Mets nabbed Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver from the Braves in a special 1965 Draft before going on to beat them in the 1969 NLCS -- the rivalry truly ignited in 1994 when MLB’s divisions were realigned and the Braves were placed in the NL East alongside the Mets. An era of dominance in Atlanta would follow, the Braves winning the division in each of the subsequent 11 seasons, with a World Series title in 1995 to top things off and create the bad blood that is shared by the two sides today.
2. The Mets clinched a Postseason berth in dramatic style last season at the Braves' Truist Park when a postponed double-header saw both teams needing a win to play October baseball. The New Yorkers ultimately triumphed in a topsy-turvy game 1 that saw the lead change hands three times after the seventh inning, before the Braves punched their ticket in game 2 behind a dominant pitching performance in a shutout 3-0 win.
3. The Mets have enjoyed the better 2025 campaign, though they still have plenty to do if they are to make it to the postseason for the third time in four years. Trailing the Philadelphia Phillies at the top of the division, they find themselves in a precarious NL Wild Card battle with the Cubs, Padres and Reds. A series win in Atlanta would go a long way to easing their fans’ nerves.
4. The Braves, meanwhile, have had a disappointing year by their lofty standards. The return of superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. mid-season boosted morale, but was marred when they lost him again to an achilles inflammation. The 2023 NL MVP will be back for this one, however -- be sure to keep an eye out for him in right field.
5. Though they sit fourth in the NL East, trailing the Phillies, Mets and Marlins, the Braves have in fact had the Mets’ number this year. Heading into this weekend’s series they boast a 7-3 season head-to-head record against the Mets, and would love nothing more than to scupper their rivals’ postseason hopes in what will be the final set between the sides this year.