The Mets aren’t playing for October anymore, but at least the past month of baseball hasn’t been a complete wash.

Before Friday’s series opener against Houston, New York had gone 13-8 since the trade deadline, getting a longer look at several younger players while waiting for Juan Soto to work his way back from a calf strain.

Unfortunately, Friday night was a reminder of what this lineup can look like at times with him sidelined, as the Mets logged just five hits in a 3-1 loss.

However, Saturday’s pitching matchup could prove advantageous for New York, as it will give the ball to Nolan McLean (9-8, 3.21 ERA) while Houston will deploy Cristian Javier (1-4, 6.47 ERA).

Over his last 16 appearances, McLean has actually posted a 2.37 ERA, consistently giving the Mets a strong chance to win when he’s on the mound.

As a result, New York enters Saturday’s matchup as a favorite on Polymarket.

But does the Dimers model feel the same way?

Find out in our Mets vs. Astros preview below, including predictions and best trades for Saturday’s game.

Mets vs. Astros Betting Preview:Game Information

Check out the basics for Saturday afternoon’s game at Citi Field:

Matchup: Houston Astros vs. New York MetsDate: Saturday, August 29, 2026First Pitch: 4:10 p.m. ETVenue: Citi FieldAstros Starter: Cristian Javier — 1-4, 6.47 ERAMets Starter: Nolan McLean — 9-8, 3.21 ERA

Houston enters the weekend fighting for the AL West, while the Mets have undoubtedly shifted toward evaluating what they have for 2027 and ending the season on a high note.

The Astros are also fresh off winning their series against the Yankees before heading to Queens.

Polymarket Prices: Mets vs. AstrosMarketTeam“Yes” PriceImplied ProbabilityMoneylineNew York Mets55¢55%MoneylineHouston Astros46¢46%

While their records would spell out a different story, the 55¢ Mets “Yes” price actually makes sense when you look at Saturday’s starters.

McLean has been New York’s steadiest option lately, while Javier enters with a rough 6.47 ERA.

Even so, this isn’t being priced like a major mismatch in favor of New York.

Dimers Predictions: Mets vs. Astros

For Saturday’s Mets-Astros showdown, Dimers anticipates a close game but gives the edge to New York on its home field.

TeamDimers ProbabilityPolymarket PriceNew York Mets56.8%55¢Houston Astros43.2%46¢Best Trade: Mets vs. Astros

For Polymarket specifically, Mets to win at 55¢ is the cleanest option, as Dimers gives New York (56.8%) an even higher chance.

The bottom line is that the pitching matchup heavily favors the Mets, who will be playing on their home field.

If McLean gives the Mets another solid outing, they should have opportunities against Javier.

Prediction Markets for Mets vs. Astros:

Local Mets and Astros fans in both New York and Texas can now use prediction markets to trade on the MLB as an alternative to typical betting. Here are our top options, and available promo codes for new users:

PlatformMLB Eligible?August ’26 Sign-Up BonusVerified Promo CodesPolymarketYes$20CUSE
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MASS
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OREGON
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SILIVE
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CLEVEKalshiYes$25SYRACUSE
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OREGONLIVE1
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MASSLIVE1
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SILIVE
, CLEVELANDNovigYes$50SYRACUSE
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OREGON
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MASSLIVE
, CLEVELANDMLB Saturday: Mets vs. Astros

We emphasize that all of the MLB best trades and MLB predictions in this preview are based on 10,000 data-driven simulations of the Mets vs. Astros, and they are correct at the time of publishing.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

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