Why this final-week Mets-Braves showdown won’t be like 2022

Two years ago, the Mets entered Atlanta leading the Braves by one game in the final week of September, and they departed three losses later, bound for the wild-card round after blowing a 10.5-game NL East lead.

This time, they hold a two-game edge, needing two wins in a three-game series starting Tuesday to clinch an unlikely playoff spot. Just one win would still have them in solid shape entering the final series in Milwaukee.

So much is different between the two rivals. The rosters are vastly different and the stakes are higher — because it seems likely one of these teams will miss the playoffs.

Let’s take a look at how the two teams have changed entering this pivotal showdown: