Who do the Mets play next? Explaining New York's NLCS opponent in 2024 MLB playoff bracket

For the first time since 2015, the Mets are going to the NLCS. 

New York secured its spot in the National League Championship Series with a Game 4 win over Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The Mets defeated the Phillies, 4-1, thanks to a grand slam by star shortstop Francisco Lindor, knocking off their NL East rivals in four games in the best-of-five series. 

In June, the Mets were one of the worst teams in baseball, falling 11 games under .500 and were at risk of letting the season slip away. However, a strong second half helped New York secure a spot in the postseason, finishing as the No. 5 seed in the NL. 

Pete Alonso propelled the Mets to the NLDS by stunning the Brewers in Game 3 of the wild-card round, setting up the divisional matchup with the Phillies. After splitting the first two games, New York took the next two contests in Queens, moving even closer to a shot at the World Series.

But who is up next for the Mets? The Sporting News explains New York's opponent for the NLCS.

SN's MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule

Who do Mets play next?

With the Mets winning Game 4 on Wednesday night, they eliminated the Phillies and advanced to the NLCS. Then, after beating the Padres in Game 5 of their division series matchup, the Dodgers also advanced to the next round, setting up a matchup between New York and Los Angeles.

New York had to bide its time before finding out its NLCS opponent, as it took a decisive fifth game for the Dodgers to eliminate the Padres. However, the Mets are now set to face baseball's top regular season team with a trip to the World Series on the line. 

The Mets went 2-4 against the Dodgers during the regular season. Los Angeles posted a record of 98-64, winning the NL West for the third year in a row and 11th time in the last 12 years. 

MORE: How Jose Iglesias started New York's 'OMG' rallying cry for 2024 playoffs

When does the NLCS start?

Game 1 of the NLCS between the Mets and Dodgers will take place Sunday, Oct. 13. As the higher seed, Los Angeles will host Games 1 and 2.

Since the Mets needed just four games to knock off the Phillies, New York is getting three days off before the next round begins, allowing Carlos Mendoza the option to rest his bullpen and reset his starting rotation. 

MLB playoff schedule, results 2024

Wild Card Series scores

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Thursday, Oct. 3

MORE: Sporting News predicts the 2024 MLB postseason

Division Series schedule, scores

Saturday, Oct. 5

Sunday, Oct. 6

Monday, Oct. 7

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Wednesday, Oct. 9

Thursday, Oct. 10

Friday, Oct. 11

Saturday, Oct. 12

League Championship Series schedule

Sunday, Oct. 13

Monday, Oct. 14

Tuesday, Oct. 15

Wednesday, Oct. 16

Thursday, Oct. 17

Friday, Oct. 18

* - if necessary

Saturday, Oct. 19

* - if necessary

Sunday, Oct. 20

* - if necessary

Monday, Oct. 21

* - if necessary

Tuesday, Oct. 22

* - if necessary

World Series schedule

The World Series could move up to an earlier start if both LCS finish by Oct. 19. If that happens, the World Series will begin Oct. 22 with a potential Game 7 set for Oct. 30. 

Friday, Oct. 25

Saturday, Oct. 26

Monday, Oct. 28

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Wednesday, Oct. 30

* - if necessary

Friday, Nov. 1

* - if necessary

Saturday, Nov. 2

* - if necessary