"First $346,000,000 underdogs" - MLB insider likens Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso-led Mets to 2003 World Series-winning Marlins

Led by Francisco Lindor, the New York Mets are scripting the ultimate underdog story. Having already defeated favorites the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, Shohei Ohtani's Dodgers are next for Lindor and Co. in the ALCS.

Despite having close to $350 million payroll this season, betting odds don't favor the Mets. Along with the Kansas City Royals, the Mets had the lowest odds of winning the 2024 World Series.

MLB insider Jayson Stark sees a striking similarity between the 2003 Florida Marlins and 2024 Mets, despite the former having a payroll of just $49 million at the time. The Marlins scripted one of the biggest underdog stories in 2003 when they defeated Derek Jeter's Yankees 4-2.

Stark spoke about it on the Rich Eisen show on Friday, when guest host Mike Hill asked about it. [13:28]

"It's almost hilarious to think of the Mets as underdogs," Stark said. "They'd be the first $346 million underdogs in history, but they do have that vibe to them. You know, the Marlins' payroll in 2003—the team that upended the Yankees—was slightly less than $346 million. I was around both of these teams through this run, and there is a common theme."

"We do see it this time of year: no matter what happens, no matter what the score is, no matter how late in the game it is, no matter what pitch is coming in the game, they just think they're going to find a way. It's been just an amazing ride."

Francisco Lindor has been the star of the Mets, as evidenced by his clutch grand slam in Game 4 of the NLDS. Pete Alonso has also been instrumental with a homer each in the Wild Card Series and ALDS against the Milwaukee Brewers and Phillies, respectively.

The Mets bullpen and starting pitchers Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Edwin Diaz have also been pivotal.

Jayson Stark baffled by how Francisco Lindor's Mets have won games in the postseason

Francisco Lindor and the Mets reaching the ALCS had already surpassed MLB insider Jayson Stark's expectations.

"It's not just how the Mets have won; it's not just that the Mets have won; it's the way they've won. They've had one win in this whole postseason where they haven't had to come from behind," said Stark [14:18].

"Every other game, even if you go back to that classic regular-season clincher in Atlanta, has involved some kind of late-inning comeback—a historic comeback against some reliever who never, ever gives up a run or a hit against anyone else."

Stark believes the Mets are on a "magic carpet ride," making them dangerous whoever they play.

Will Francisco Lindor and Co. continue their run against Shohei Ohtani's Dodgers?