Mets vs Dodgers Match Player Stats – Complete Analysis Reveals Who Might Wins (May 2025 Showdown)
I spent hours analyzing the upcoming Mets vs Dodgers match player stats for their May 23rd clash, and what I found suggests we’re in for an absolute classic at Citi Field.
This National League battle features two powerhouse teams with contrasting strengths and some fascinating individual matchups worth watching.
The Essential Game Details: Mark Your Calendar
The New York Mets welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers to Citi Field on Friday, May 23, 2025.
First pitch throws at 7:10 PM EDT.
This opens a crucial three game weekend series between potential playoff contenders.
Catch the action on SNY for Mets coverage or SportsNet LA if you follow the Dodgers.
Apple TV+ might also carry this game nationally for streaming viewers.
Current Season Form: What The Numbers Reveal
As of mid April 2025, both clubs have positioned themselves as serious contenders.
The Mets boast a 10-5 record that has them leading the NL East.
Their +20 run differential (61 runs scored, 41 allowed) validates their strong start.
The Dodgers hold an 11-6 record, placing second in a tough NL West division.
What jumps out to me is their modest +4 run differential, suggesting possible luck in close games.
Their Pythagorean record of 8-8 indicates we might see some regression by the time this matchup arrives.
The Pitching Matchup: Japanese Stars Collide
The projected starters create an incredible storyline for baseball fans.
Kodai Senga (Mets RHP)
- Current 2025 stats: 2-1 record with sparkling 1.80 ERA
- Control specialist: 1.00 WHIP across 17.0 innings
- Strikeout ability: 8.47 K/9 with improved 2.65 BB/9
- Signature weapon: The famous “ghost fork” that baffles hitters
- Left handed hitter specialist: Allowed just .555 OPS to lefties in 2023
- Mixed history vs Dodgers: Dominated in regular season (6.0 IP, 1 ER, 9 K) but struggled in 2024 NLCS (3.0 IP, 6 ER)
Roki Sasaki (Dodgers RHP)
- 2025 performance: 0-1 record with 3.29 ERA masking concerns
- Command issues: Troubling 1.76 WHIP and 8.56 BB/9
- Extraordinary talent: Fastball reaches 102 mph with elite splitter
- MLB adjustment: 23 year old phenom transitioning from NPB domination
- Recent improvement: Last two starts showed promise (9.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K)
- No previous encounters with Mets lineup
This pitching duel represents a fascinating contrast between established MLB success (Senga) and raw generational talent still adapting (Sasaki).
The Offensive Stars: Who’s Hot Entering This Series
Mets Batting Leaders
Pete Alonso (1B): The power anchor is crushing baseballs
- Red hot .321/.431/.660 slash line
- 1.091 OPS with 4 homers and team leading 18 RBI
- Perfect middle order presence against Sasaki’s occasional wildness
Juan Soto (RF): The prized acquisition showing elite batting eye
- Patient approach with 12 walks contributing to .409 OBP
- Strategic nightmare for Sasaki given the rookie’s control issues
- ZiPS projects him for 33 HR and 100 RBI over full season
Brandon Nimmo (LF): Surprising early power surge
- Four homers already with .491 slugging percentage
- Career .380 OBP hitter likely to improve current .286 mark
- Another disciplined batter to challenge Sasaki’s command
Luis Torrens (C): Unexpected offensive contributor
- Filling admirably for injured Francisco Alvarez
- Impressive .333/.375/.567 line with .942 OPS
- Question remains if Alvarez returns for this series
Dodgers Batting Stars
Will Smith (C): The offensive force behind the plate
- Elite .341/.481/.488 slash line from premium defensive position
- Outstanding plate discipline with more walks than strikeouts
- Dangerous right handed bat against Senga
Teoscar Hernández (RF): Power surge continuing in LA
- Team leading 5 homers with 16 RBI through mid April
- .281/.309/.563 line with .871 OPS
- Key right handed threat against Senga
Shohei Ohtani (DH): The superstar drawing all eyes
- Typically excellent .273/.377/.500 line with .877 OPS
- 4 homers and 4 steals showing dual threat capability
- Fascinating matchup against Senga who dominates lefties
Tommy Edman (2B/CF): The versatility weapon
- Surprising 6 homer power surge early
- Defensive flexibility across multiple positions
- Switch hitting ability adds lineup construction options
Head to Head Team Stats: Strength vs Strength
This matchup presents a classic baseball contrast between offensive firepower and pitching dominance.
| Category | Mets | Dodgers | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 61 | 74 | Dodgers |
| Home Runs | 12 | 29 | Dodgers |
| Team OPS | .668 | .727 | Dodgers |
| ERA | 2.30 | 3.84 | Mets |
| WHIP | 1.195 | 1.307 | Mets |
| HR Allowed | 7 | 16 | Mets |
| Walks Issued | 54 | 74 | Mets |
The numbers tell a clear story: Los Angeles brings significantly more offensive punch while New York counters with superior run prevention.
Critical Matchup Factors That Will Decide The Outcome
- The Lefty Specialist vs Dodger Lefties
Senga’s remarkable success against left handed batters directly challenges the Dodgers’ core offensive weapons in Ohtani, Freeman, and Muncy.
Freeman and Muncy have started slowly in 2025, potentially making them vulnerable.
This strategic chess match could determine if LA’s offense reaches its potential.
- Sasaki’s Command Growth
The young phenom’s early season control troubles (8.56 BB/9) present a clear opportunity for patient Mets hitters.
His recent starts show improvement, but facing disciplined batters like Soto (12 walks already) and Nimmo presents a new challenge.
Working deep counts could force early bullpen usage for LA.
- The Park Factor
Citi Field plays slightly pitcher friendly, potentially neutralizing some Dodger power.
The Mets have allowed just 7 home runs total through mid April.
This environmental advantage subtly favors New York’s pitching centric approach.
- Bullpen Depth Test
With Senga’s injury history and Sasaki’s ongoing MLB transition, neither starter might work deep.
The Mets feature Edwin Diaz closing with strong setup options.
The Dodgers counter with Tanner Scott leading a veteran group including Blake Treinen and Kirby Yates.
Late inning matchups could prove decisive.
Flashback: The 2024 NLCS Drama
I’ll never forget Game 1 of the 2024 NLCS between these teams. Senga took the mound with high expectations after dominating the Dodgers in the regular season, but everything unraveled quickly.
The Dodgers lineup seemed to have his number, jumping on his signature ghost fork and driving him from the game after just 3 innings. He surrendered 6 earned runs in a performance that shocked Mets fans everywhere.
That playoff history adds a fascinating psychological element to this 2025 rematch. Can Senga exorcise those October demons, or will the Dodgers maintain their postseason mental edge?
Baseball Reference’s detailed matchup history shows just how dramatically different Senga’s regular season success was compared to his playoff struggles against LA.
Historical Context Worth Noting
The 2024 NLCS between these teams adds fascinating backstory to this matchup.
Senga struggled badly against the Dodgers in that playoff series (18.00 ERA across 2 appearances).
This psychological factor adds intrigue to an already compelling pitching matchup.
Both franchises rank among baseball’s biggest spenders in 2025 (Mets $332M, Dodgers $338M), creating expectations of October baseball.
If you’re interested in how the Dodgers have performed against other AL East opponents, check out our analysis of the Dodgers vs Yankees match player stats from earlier this season.
My Game Prediction Based On The Stats
The early season numbers suggest regression coming for both teams by late May.
The Mets’ incredible 2.30 ERA seems unsustainable over a full season.
Similarly, the Dodgers’ heavy reliance on home runs could normalize if batting averages improve.
Senga’s effectiveness against lefties gives the Mets a strategic edge if he maintains his early form.
Sasaki represents the ultimate wild card given his immense talent but ongoing adjustment.
Looking at all factors, I’m calling this one: Mets 4, Dodgers 3 in a nail-biter that sees Diaz lock down a save after Alonso delivers a clutch 7th inning hit.
For more insights on MLB pitching matchups, our recent Cleveland Guardians vs Yankees match player stats analysis provides interesting comparison points.
FAQs About The Mets vs Dodgers Matchup
When will Francisco Alvarez return to the Mets lineup?
Projections from team sources indicate Alvarez should complete his injury rehab by late May, potentially making him available for this series against the Dodgers.
What happened when Kodai Senga faced the Dodgers in previous games?
Senga shows a fascinating split against LA. In regular season action, he excelled with a quality start (6.0 IP, 1 ER, 9 K). However, the 2024 NLCS told a different story as he surrendered 6 earned runs in just 3 innings of work.
How has Roki Sasaki performed in his first MLB season?
His MLB transition reveals both his generational talent and adjustment challenges. While his ERA looks respectable at 3.29, his underlying metrics (5.04 FIP, 1.76 WHIP) show significant room for improvement as he adapts to MLB hitters.
What are the payroll investments for these teams in 2025?
Both franchises rank among baseball’s biggest spenders with nearly identical payrolls. The Mets carry approximately $332 million in player salaries while the Dodgers sit at $338 million according to FanGraphs RosterResource.
Where can I watch the Mets vs Dodgers game on May 23rd?
You have several options: regional broadcasts on SNY (Mets coverage) and SportsNet LA (Dodgers broadcast), with potential national streaming availability through Apple TV+.
This May showdown between baseball powerhouses offers everything fans love about the sport. The mets vs dodgers match player stats reveal perfectly balanced yet contrasting strengths, setting up what could be one of 2025’s most compelling regular season games.
