3 reasons Atlanta Braves are a scarier playoff matchup than the Mets

3. Braves have a way better defense than the Mets

Surely, you’ve heard the saying by now — defense wins championships. While it often applies to other sports, it’s still true in MLB. Having a superior defense that can steal outs in the infield or outfield can win you ball games. Especially between two evenly matched teams.

According to DRS or defensive runs saved above average, the Mets are lackluster. Going off their regular lineup of fielders/players, the Mets have combined for negative 12 runs saved. They have made 36 errors. That’s not ideal for their pitchers or when it comes time to make a game-saving play. Their defensive WAR from these same players is equal to -0.2 WAR.

Meanwhile, if we use these same metrics to look at the Braves’ regular defenders, you’ll see a very different story. The Braves regular defenders have been worth a vastly above-average 9 defensive runs saved. This is how you win baseball games by winning in the margins. Making the routine plays easy while making enough hard plays.  Their combined defensive WAR is worth 1.6. That’s a lot more than -0.2. In fact, when combined with the fact the two teams are 1.5 games between each other in the standings, that 1.6 games of WAR could come into play in a big way.