Reds vs Mets Preview: Abbott Leads Week 61 Clash

The Reds are rolling right now. They've won three straight games and beat the Mets twice already this week—7-2 on both nights. That's dominant pitching and explosive hitting working together. Cincinnati's batters are hunting fastballs early and making the Mets pay. Suárez, Steer, and Stephenson are swinging hard and finding gaps. The Mets' pitchers are struggling to find their control. New York just dropped five games in a row. Abbott gets the ball for Cincinnati, and he's riding high after making his first All-Star team. The Reds smell blood in the water here.

The Mets are a mess right now. They're 22-33 and just lost five straight games. Their rotation is banged up badly. Kodai Senga threw a rehab start but gave up two runs in just over three innings. The team is desperate for consistency on the mound. Huascar Brazoban starts Wednesday, but we don't have much data on him yet. New York's closer Devin Williams has the job, but the bullpen hasn't been crisp. Meanwhile, the Reds keep pounding the ball. Abbott's strikeout stuff could be trouble for a Mets lineup missing key players like Francisco Lindor and Luis Robert Jr.

Here's what you need to know: Andrew Abbott is the Reds' future. The guy debuted just two years ago and he's already an All-Star in 2025. That's special. He's got strikeout stuff that makes hitters uncomfortable. A 1.33 WHIP means he's not giving up a ton of hits and walks combined. The Mets are missing Lindor, Robert Jr., and Francisco Alvarez. That's three crucial bats off the board. Abbott will face a lineup that's already frustrated and tired. The Reds smell an easy win. Cincinnati's young arms are carrying the load while Hunter Greene recovers from elbow surgery. Abbott is proof this pitching staff can compete right now.