Mets have a clear goal as they enter daunting 23-game stretch

Article excerpt

The Mets face a critical 23-game stretch beginning Friday night with their season hanging in the balance. Having underperformed expectations so far, the team now confronts a gauntlet of games that could either salvage their disappointing campaign or deepen their plight. The stretch represents a crucial test: New York must prove it can compete at the level its roster suggests, or risk falling further out of contention. The upcoming month will largely determine whether the Mets' year becomes a cautionary tale or a redemption arc.