​The Mets will kick off a three-game series against the Red Sox on Friday night at Citi Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:50 p.m. The start time was pushed back from 7:15 p.m. due to Boston’s travel delay earlier this afternoon. The matchup promises an intriguing blend of standout performances and strategic matchups as New York hosts Boston in this early-season interleague series.
Carson Benge has proven exceptionally consistent at the plate, reaching base safely in 20 of his last 21 games. He’s produced multi-hit efforts in each of his most recent four games, highlighting a strong run of form. Over the 21-game span, Benge has posted a .322 batting average with a .385 on-base percentage and a .517 slugging percentage. He has accumulated four home runs, three doubles, and one triple across 96 plate appearances in this stretch, underscoring his ability to impact the game in multiple ways and providing a steady offensive spark for the club.
A.J. Ewing has been featuring prominently in the Mets’ lineup, delivering a .310 batting average, a .389 on-base percentage, and a .583 slugging percentage, resulting in a 0.973 OPS over his last 24 games. In that span, he has hit six home runs, five doubles, scored 14 runs, and driven in 17. Ewing’s power and patience have been key components of the team’s recent offensive push, giving the lineup a reliable power threat from the middle or upper portion of the order.
On the national stage, Juan Soto continues to lead the National League in several critical hitting categories. He’s atop the league in on-base percentage at .414, leads in slugging percentage at .579, and has an impressive 175 OPS+. Soto’s elite on-base and slugging ability consistently makes him one of the most dangerous hitters in the sport, capable of changing the course of a game with his patience, power, and contact skills.
Luke Weaver has been particularly stingy since the last day of April, not allowing an earned run in 26.0 innings across 24 appearances. In that stretch, he has surrendered only 11 hits while issuing seven walks and striking out three, marking a period of effectiveness and efficiency on the mound for the Mets’ pitching staff. The team will look to Weaver’s steady presence and the bullpen’s depth as they navigate the Red Sox lineup, which includes a mix of established veterans and rising talents.
For the Mets, the roster features a blend of durable veterans and emerging players. Francisco Lindor provides the keystone in the infield and a steady bat at shortstop, while Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty offer strong, youthful upside in the heart of the order. On the outfield, players such as Wilyer Abreu and Tommy or Ronny can contribute speed and power, with Duran or Yoshida adding additional dimensions to the lineup as the season progresses. The infield and catcher combination continues to evolve, with contributors who can provide productive at-bats and solid defense behind the plate.
The Mets’ pitching staff remains a focal point as they host the Red Sox. Sonny Gray, a veteran presence in the rotation, anchors the starting staff, while Nolan McLean provides a blend of youthful upside and developing command. The bullpen, featuring a mix of veteran arms and promising teammates, will be tasked with holding down late-inning leads and preserving the rotation’s hard work.
To watch Mets games online via Apple TV+ and MLB’s Friday Night Baseball, fans will need a subscription to Apple TV+. This service enables viewing of Mets games on a computer, tablet, or through the Apple TV app, offering convenient access to live action, replays, and other baseball programming as part of the weekly Friday schedule. The integration with Apple TV+ provides fans with an expanded platform to stream Mets games beyond traditional television outlets, supporting flexible viewing options.
In preparing for this series against the Red Sox, the Mets will lean on the combination of offensive firepower and solid pitching that has characterized the club’s recent performances. With players like Benge and Ewing contributing multi-hit games and consistent on-base presence, the lineup has the potential to pressure the Red Sox’s pitching staff from the top of the order through the heart of the lineup. Meanwhile, the pitching staff — including Weaver’s recent run of scoreless innings — will aim to keep the opponent’s offense in check, relying on timely strikes, ground-ball contact, and effective bullpen work to secure wins in a competitive three-game set at Citi Field. This series will test the Mets’ balance between hitting for power and getting timely runs while evaluating the club’s growing depth during a pivotal stretch of the season.