Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Big Papi warn Mets and Phillies about improving NLDS play

In a thrilling start to the NLDS on October 5, the New York Mets staged a late-game comeback to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2, with five of those runs scored in the eighth inning. While the Mets cruised to victory, MLB legends Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and David “Big Papi” Ortiz issued stark warnings to both teams. Their message was clear: this style of play will not last for the rest of the series and adjustments will be necessary if either team wants to advance to the next round.

Rodriguez, with his extensive postseason experience, urged the Phillies not to dwell on the Game 1 loss but to focus on what went wrongespecially at secondary places. “If you look at the tape, guys, every big home run, every big hit came from a side pitch.” Rodriguez noted and pointed out how the Mets used off-speed pitches to start their rally in the eighth inning.

For the Phillies, who may have felt like the game was within reach for most of the evening, Rodriguez stressed the importance of pushing the Mets' rhythm and not allowing them to get bogged down in their strike zones. He also gave the Phillies a reassuring message, reminding them of their pitching depth: “The Phillies are in great shape, they were a little rusty in Game 1, no question, but all they have to do is win Game 2.” With Aaron Nola scheduled for Game 3 in New York and Zack Wheeler available for a possible Game 5 at home, Rodriguez emphasized that there is no need to panic. His advice? “Don’t relax, win the game.”

Derek Jeter's advice for the Mets

On the other hand, Derek Jeter, Ever the strategist, he cautioned the Mets against becoming too complacent with their dramatic late-inning heroics. “Everyone was talking about the Mets’ eighth-inning magic.” Jeter said, citing the team's uncanny ability to rally in the final stages of games. “I made the mistake of not believing they could keep going against this Phillies bullpen. That’s a great job by them, but it’s a recipe for disaster if you think you can keep scoring in the eighth or ninth inning of every game and come back and win.”

Jeter's advice was simple: score early. The former Yankees stressed that relying on late-game surges isn't sustainable in a series like this. He expects the Mets to be aggressive in Game 2, looking to grab an early lead and avoid another exciting comeback attempt. Jeter's underlying message? Winning through courage is commendable, but relying on it too heavily could eventually catch you up.

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Big Papi's take on the Mets approach

David Ortiz, known for his commanding presence on and off the field, brought his voice into the game. His message was a little different –more of a rallying cry for the Mets to capitalize on the momentum they've gained. “Wheeler was nasty in Game 1,” Ortiz admitted, recognizing the challenge the Mets faced in defeating the Phillies’ ace. “If I were wearing a Mets uniform today, I would be extremely happy and would say my mojo would be sky high.”

However, Ortiz didn't shy away from offering tactical advice. He encouraged the Mets to attack aggressively in Game 2. knowing they've already faced the Phillies' toughest pitcher. “We didn’t play really well against Wheeler, but we won the game and there aren’t two Wheelers in the rotation.” Ortiz said, urging the Mets to take advantage of this opportunity before returning to New York. His last thought? “Go and attack with everything you have so we can return home to the promised land.”