Mets vs. Phillies: Predictions, Where to Watch for Free (9/8/25)

The New York Mets (76–67) open a decisive four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (83–60) tonight at Citizens Bank Park.

The Mets enter the night seven games back in the NL East. A sweep either way would create a four-game swing: New York could close the gap to three, or fall 11 back with just 15 games remaining. Losing the series would leave them with little chance in the divisional race.

But it’s not just the division at stake. The Mets currently hold the final NL Wild Card spot, with four contenders closing fast. The Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants sit four games back, while the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals trail by 4.5. The latter three teams are also riding momentum, winning seven of their last ten.

In a worst-case scenario, a sweep in Philadelphia could leave the Mets only a half-game clear of Cincinnati and San Francisco in the Wild Card race — and 11 behind the Phillies. (Both the Reds and Giants are idle on Thursday.)

The Mets hand the ball to rookie sensation Nolan McLean, who has been brilliant since debuting in mid-August. He’s 4–0 with a 1.37 ERA and 28 strikeouts across 26.1 innings, including a dominant eight-inning shutout against Philadelphia at Citi Field last month.

Struggling veteran Aaron Nola gets the start for Philadelphia. Nola is 3–8 with a 6.78 ERA and has given up six runs in two of his last four starts since returning from the IL.

With Zack Wheeler out for the season, Philadelphia has little choice but to keep Nola in the rotation. They have enough of a cushion to absorb the losses from Nola’s starts in September, but their rotation’s depth will be challenged in the latter best-of-seven rounds of the playoffs.

The biggest challenge for the Phillies over the next two weeks will be their offensive firepower. They placed Trea Turner and Alec Bohm on the 10-day injured list this afternoon. Turner is hitting .305 this year and has typically been Philadelphia’s leadoff hitter. Bryce Harper has been moved up in the order today, batting first.

Predictions

Given Nola’s struggles and McLean’s early dominance, the Mets have a strong chance to open the series on the right foot. The Phillies will get a second look at McLean, but his stuff has held up against every lineup so far.

Prediction: Mets 6, Phillies 3

Starting Lineups

New York Mets

1. Francisco Lindor – SS

2. Juan Soto – RF

3. Pete Alonso – 1B

4. Brandon Nimmo – LF

5. Mark Vientos – DH

6. Jeff McNeil – 2B

7. Francisco Alvarez – C

8. Brett Baty – 3B

9. Cedric Mullins – CF

Starting Pitcher: Nolan McLean (RHP) — 4–0, 1.37 ERA

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Bryce Harper – 1B

2. Kyle Schwarber – DH

3. J.T. Realmuto – C

4. Max Kepler – LF

5. Harrison Bader – CF

6. Nick Castellanos – RF

7. Bryson Stott – 2B

8. Edmundo Sosa – SS

9. Otto Kemp – 3B

Starting Pitcher: Aaron Nola (RHP) — 3–8, 6.78 ERA

How to Watch Mets vs. Phillies

First pitch for tonight’s game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies is set for 6:45 PM Eastern at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

The game airs live on MLB Network for out-of-market viewers, SNY in New York, and NBC Sports Philadelphia in the Phillies viewing market.

The game also streams live on MLB.TV.

Looking to catch the game for free? The MLB Network is available on streaming on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV, all of which offer free trials.

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Date: Monday, September 8, 2025

First Pitch: 6:45 PM Eastern

Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

TV: NBCSP (Philadelphia), SNY (New York), MLB Network (out-of-market)

Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market)