Also, good morning to any Knicks fans out there!

A good Wednesday for the guys in blue started in Arizona where the Mets took the rubber match against the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 7-1. Despite having some control issues early on, Kodai Senga found the range and went six innings of shutout ball, lowering his ERA to 1.16 on the season. Along with that, Juan Soto had his second multi-homer game of the season, going 2-for-4 with two long balls and three RBIs. Click here for a full game recap!

The Mets have an off day on Thursday and will start a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs on Friday at Citi Field. The projected starters are Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning. 

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

The Mets signed veteran left-handed reliever Colin Poche to a minor-league contract and he will report to Syracuse. Click here for more on the signing. 

Padres’ Jose Iglesias was ‘totally shocked’ he didn’t receive contract offer from Mets in the offseason, per Anthony Rieber of Newsday.

Latest MLB News

The Baltimore Orioles acquired RHP Luis F. Castillo (not the All-Star) from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Evan Phillips is on the IL with right forearm discomfort, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino announced he will be playing for Team Italy in the 2026 WBC, per his X page.

Former Mets relief pitcher Stephen Nogosek signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals, per player agent John Shinn.

Alex Bregman launched his 200th career home run over the Green Monster on Wednesday night.

Breggy Bomb No. 200 💥 pic.twitter.com/E0QPmJ47lE

— MLB (@MLB) May 7, 2025

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters that Kris Bryant is undergoing an ablation procedure on his lower back on Thursday.

The Cincinnati Reds placed on the 10-day injured list IF Noelvi Marte, retroactive to May 5th, with a left oblique strain. 

The Chicago White Sox placed outfielder Andrew Benintendi on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 5th, with a left calf strain.

Latest On MMO

The Mets sign a veteran lefty reliever.

Soto goes deep twice in the Mets’ win.

Mets have three players in Baseball America’s updated top 100. 

On This Date In Mets History

2010: Henry Blanco hits a walk-off home run to beat the Giants.

1961: New York’s National League expansion team announces that they will be known as the “Mets.” 

Born on This Date: Sean Gilmartin (1990), Adrián González (1982), John Maine (1981).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Grab Rubber Match Over Arizona appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The White Sox locked down the record with a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Friday night. Chicago was able to sweep the Los Angeles Angels earlier this week — their first of the season—to delay the inevitable, but ultimately fell to a hot Tigers team that clinched a postseason spot with their victory.

They now have two games left in the season to further cement the record.

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

If you have followed the New York Mets for any period of time, you know some of the names from the original 1962 team. The manager was Casey Stengel. “Marvelous” Mark Throneberry was the first baseman. Frank Thomas was the team’s best power hitter with 34 home runs. Richie Ashburn led the team in batting average with a .306 mark. Choo-Choo Coleman (such a great name) was one of the catchers. On the mound, Roger Craig (future manager of the San Francisco Giants) led the team with 10 wins. Al Jackson netted 20 losses, and Yale graduate Ken MacKenzie once heard from Stengel, “treat them like they was the Harvards.”

The 2024 White Sox have some interesting players, such as Andrew Benintendi (19 home runs), Luis Robert Jr. (14 home runs) and All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet. Former Cleveland legend Grady Sizemore (8-31) took over the managerial duties in August from Pedro Grifol (28-89).

The White Sox started the year off 0-4 before winning their first game against the Atlanta Braves on April 2. The 1962 Mets began their campaign 0-9 before beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-1 on April 23. They never had a winning streak of longer than three games. The White Sox’s longest winning streak this season has been four games. They have drawn just over 1.3 million fans to Guaranteed Rate Field, second-to-last in the American League. The 1962 Mets attracted 922,530 fans to the Polo Grounds, ranking No. 8 out of 10 National League teams.

The stories from 1962 are many and varied. One involves Throneberry hitting a triple and being called out for missing first base. Stengel came out to argue, and supposedly the umpire told Casey to calm down, because Throneberry had missed second base as well. Stengel allegedly said that he knew Throneberry did not miss third base, because he was standing on it.

Other notable tidbits from 1962 include Ed Kranepool making his debut at 17-years-old. Future manager Don Zimmer was on the team also, as was catcher Joe Pignatano, future Mets’ pitching coach and gardening guru (he grew tomatoes in the bullpen).

To the White Sox, many Mets’ fans say “thank you” for getting the Orange and Blue out of the record books for the worst season in history. It took 62 years for the record to be broken, let’s see how long the Pale Hose can keep it now.

The post The 1962 Mets No Longer Hold Season Loss Record appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As the outfield market becomes increasingly sparse, bringing Brandon Nimmo back into the fold is a move the Mets have to make.

With Cody Bellinger and Mitch Haniger signing with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants respectively on Tuesday, New York saw a pair of potential fits come off the board as they remain in somewhat of a holding pattern as it pertains to Nimmo’s market. There is mutual interest between the two parties, as evidenced by comments made by Nimmo’s agent Scott Boras and Mets GM Billy Eppler. The main issue seems to be the number of suitors that Nimmo has, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and more, being reportedly involved to some degree. Additionally, the team has come across as being weary of handing out long-term deals in favor of short-term, high AAV deals like those given out to Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. It would appear that the Mets have a line they won’t cross in contract talks in order to maintain financial flexibility in the future, but that feels like a tough stance to have in this particular situation.

Nimmo is one of the organization’s brightest home-grown stars of the past decade, amassing 17.9 fWAR in just over 600 games for the Mets while slashing .269/.385/.441. While that in and of itself won’t sway Eppler and the rest of the brain trust to pay whatever it takes to bring him back, it does speak to just how valuable Nimmo has been for a prolonged period of time atop the lineup.

Nimmo had what was arguably the best all-around season of his career in 2022, as he recorded 5.4 fWAR while slashing .274/.367/.433 with 134 wRC+ and 6 Outs Above Average. His defense, once a major flaw in his game, has also become one of his greatest strengths. Nimmo’s defensive improvement has helped elevate his status as one of the game’s best center fielders, making his profile and skillset significantly more balanced.

Nimmo’s elite ability to get on base can’t be ignored either, as his .385 on-base percentage is eighth among qualified hitters since 2016. His power resurgence is something to watch too, as his 16 home runs in 2022 was the second-highest total of his career, signaling that perhaps there’s another level he can reach moving forward.

Another reason why letting Nimmo go elsewhere would be consequential for the Mets is the fact that there simply aren’t many viable replacements on the open market. Kevin Kiermaier and Andrew Benintendi are two names that have been linked to the team in recent days, but both come with considerable concerns for different reasons. Kiermaier, while still providing outstanding defense and baserunning, has dealt with a number of serious injuries that have limited his availability throughout his career. Kiermaier also doesn’t provide much offensively, as shown by his 97 wRC+. As for Benintendi, he was an All-Star in 2022 and put up a 122 wRC+ to go with 2.8 fWAR while slashing .304/.373/.399. However, his power stroke completely disappeared with just five homers, and he has been a well-below average defender across his career. He also hasn’t appeared in center field since 2019, so he wouldn’t make much sense as a direct replacement for Nimmo.

Furthermore, the idea of Starling Marte playing center field full time for the Mets just doesn’t seem realistic or beneficial in any fashion. Sure, Marte has been worth 13 OAA at the position during his career, but he hasn’t recorded more than 2 OAA  at the position in a single season since 2018. He’s also 34 and saw his defense decline drastically in 2022 with -2 OAA as a right fielder, and his speed is on the downswing as well. It’s understandable why Eppler and company would contemplate making this move. Marte reverting back to center would open up a corner outfield spot and give the Mets more of an opportunity to improve the club offensively through the likes of someone like Benintendi, Michael Conforto or Masataka Yoshida. However, it just isn’t worth the risk and defensive downgrade.

Re-signing Brandon Nimmo has to be of upmost importance to the Mets as the offseason continues to move ahead. Now that Aaron Judge is off the board, Nimmo’s market could quickly explode, and there is no reason why the Mets shouldn’t be the highest bidder once everything is said and done.

The post Re-Signing Brandon Nimmo Should Be Of Utmost Importance appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets signed reigning Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander to a two-year contract with $86 million, with a vesting option for a third year. With Jacob deGrom gone, Verlander is expected to anchor the Mets’ rotation alongside fellow three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer, just like they did for the Tigers last decade.

“My goal is to win. And I couldn’t be happier to be a Met,” Verlander said on the Flippin’ Bats Podcast.

Coming off a year of rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery, the 39-year-old looked like his old self in 2022. He went 18-4 with a sparkling 1.75 ERA/2.49 FIP (220 ERA+) and a 0.829 WHIP with 185 strikeouts against 29 walks in 175 innings.

Latest Mets News

Mets catcher James McCann is drawing some trade interest at the Winter Meetings. Robert Murray of FanSided reports that the Cardinals could go after McCann if they miss out on Sean Murphy.

The Mets are reportedly pursuing outfielder Andrew Benintendi as an option to patrol center field if Brandon Nimmo departs. Benintendi made his first All-Star Game in 2022, hitting .304/.373/.399 (120 OPS+) in 521 plate appearances while splitting time between the Royals and Yankees. However, he hit just five homers and missed the end of the season with a wrist injury.

Edwin Díaz was named to the All-MLB First Team alongside Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. Max Scherzer and Francisco Lindor were both voted to the All-MLB Second Team.

Latest MLB News

The Phillies signed shortstop Trea Turner to an 11-year contract worth $300 million. The deal also includes a full no-trade clause. Turner turned in another strong season in 2022, making his second All-Star game while hitting .298/343/.466 (121 OPS+) with 21 homers, 39 doubles, 27 steals, 100 RBIs, and 4.9 rWAR in 708 plate appearances.

The Yankees have given general manager Brian Cashman a four-year contract extension, keeping him in the Bronx through 2026. Cashman has held that position for the Bronx Bombers since 1998.

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports that Yasiel Puig is attending the Winter Meetings with his agent, Lisette Carnet. Puig says he had a positive experience playing in Korea this year and is confident his legal issues have been resolved.

The Cubs have met with each of the remaining free-agent shortstops. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports there’s even a scenario where the Cubs could sign two of the three star shortstops available.

The Angels have agreed to a two-year contract with right-handed reliever Carlos Estéves. The longtime Rockies fireballer pitched to a 3.47 ERA/4.08 FIP with a 1.175 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 57 innings in 2022.

The Blue Jays are showing interest in Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Toronto is looking to upgrade in center field and would like to add an athletic switch hitter.

The Angels, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are all showing interest in Japanese ace Kodai Senga. The 29-year-old is considered one of the best arms on the market and doesn’t have a posting fee attached to him.

Padres All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove is in Antarctica, where he set a record by throwing a pitch 86 miles per hour, the fastest ever recorded on the continent. The record is still pending approval from the Guinness Book of World Records. In doing so, Musgrove also raised money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Latest on MMO

Nate Mendelson profiles Kyle Crick as a possible replacement for Adam Ottavino.

Nate Mendelson looks at Bryan Reynolds as a potential trade target.

On This Date in Mets History

1989: The Mets swap closers with the Reds, trading Randy Myers to Cincinnati for John Franco, Kip Gross, and Don Brown. Franco would go on to spend 14 years in Flushing and serve as the team’s captain.

2006: The Mets trade Brian Bannister to the Royals for reliever Ambiorix Burgos. Bannister got off to a promising start in the 2006 season but missed the majority of the year due to injuries.

2011: The Mets have a busy day at the Winter Meetings, first signing reliever Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco to bolster their bullpen. They then trade outfielder Angel Pagán to the Giants for outfielder Andres Torres and another reliever, Ramón Ramírez.

2013: After a four-year run with the Yankees, the Mets sign three-time All-Star outfielder Curtis Granderson to a four-year, $60 million contract. While he missed most of the 2013 season, Granderson produced back-to-back 40-homer seasons for the Bronx Bombers in 2011 and 2012, finishing fourth in MVP voting in 2011.

Birthdays: Amado Samuel (84), Larry Bowa (77), Tim Foli (72), Luis Rosada (67), Terry McDaniel (56), Kevin Appier (55)

The post Morning Briefing: Justin Verlander Reunites With Max Scherzer in Flushing appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Mets free agent centerfielder Brandon Nimmo is in San Diego this week to meet with teams at the winter meetings, according to Tim Healey of Newsday.

Nimmo, 29, is a UFA after spending the last seven seasons with the Mets. Nimmo headlines an incredibly weak free agent group of centerfielders and is drawing interest from around the league after putting together his best season.

Joining Nimmo as a free agent centerfielder is former MVP Cody Bellinger, the long-time Ray Kevin Keirmaier, and the defense-first Kevin Pillar and Jackie Bradley Jr.

In 151 games for the Mets last season, Nimmo hit .274/.367/.433. Maybe the best stat for him was how many game he played in. He’s alternated years of injury with years of every day ability and it happened to land at the right time for the free agent.

The Mets gave Nimmo the qualifying offer he was eligible for but it was now turned down. If a team not named the Mets signs the free agent, draft pick compensation will be heading back to New York.

Nimmo’s market has been reached by a “majority” of teams says agent Scott Boras. Some of his top suitors are the Blue Jays, Giants, and Mariners. The Rockies and Yankees are in the mix as well.

The Mets are doing their due diligence on the free agent market in order to prepare for a future without Nimmo.

The Mets are talking with free agent Andrew Benintendi, a left fielder, says Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Benintendi has his suitors as well, including the Yankees who traded for him last season.

Benintendi is not a natural fit with the Mets. His acquisition would require the Mets to shift around their current outfield of Mark Canha and Starling Marte who each thrived in corner spots last season. Marte would likely move to center where he played his entire career before joining the Mets.

Sherman speculates a move to bring in Benintendi could open up a trade of Canha or they bring in a defense-first outfielder like Kiermaier to man center and reduce wear and tear on Marte throughout the season.

The post Mets Exploring Outfield Options as Nimmo Meets With Other Teams appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Andrew Benintendi

Position: Outfielder
Bats/Throws: L/L
Age: 28 (06/07/1994)

2022 Traditional Stats: 126 G, 521 PA, .304/.373/.399, 5 HR, 51 RBI, 140 H

2022 Advanced Stats:  120 OPS+, 2.8 fWAR, 10.0 BB%, 14.8 K%, 38.5 HardH%, .352 BABIP, .095 ISO

Rundown

Andrew Benintendi completely revamped his approach at the plate in 2022. The outfielder largely abandoned hitting for power, finishing the season with a career-low five home runs, and instead became an on-base machine. Benintendi set career highs in 2022 in OBP, (.373) and batting average (.304), and a career-low in K% (14.8). He also posted his highest OPS+ and fWAR since 2018 and was named to the All-Star team for the first time in his career.

Prior to his excellent 2022 season, it had been a disappointing stretch for the former top-1o draft pick. Benintendi began his career with the Boston Red Sox in 2016, just one year after being drafted. After being called up, the prized prospect played well and found himself starting games in the MLB postseason in his rookie year.  Benintendi continued his momentum in the 2017 season, finishing second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Aaron Judge. He also put together a solid 2018 campaign  for Boston that saw him hit .290 with an OPS+ of 123, becoming an integral part of the eventual World Series champion’s lineup.

However, things began to turn for Benintendi in 2019, when he slashed just .266/.343/.431. Benintendi signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox after the 2019 season, but after an injury-plagued 2020 that saw him play in only 14 games and go 4-for-39, Benintendi was dealt to the Kansas City Royals ahead of the 2021 season.

After bouncing back with respectable-enough numbers in his first season in Kansas City, Benintendi’s outstanding first half of the 2022 season led to him being a hot commodity on the trade market for the rebuilding Royals, who eventually dealt him to the New York Yankees last July.  Unfortunately for Benintendi and the Yankees, he was mostly unable to duplicate his stellar first half in the Bronx. Benintendi slashed .254/.331/.404 in 33 games with New York after posting a .320/.387/.398 slash line in 93 games with Kansas City. After suffering a hand injury in early September, Benintendi missed the rest of the season and did not appear on the Yankees’ ALDS or ALCS postseason rosters.

Contract

Benintendi’s winding career path has led to him entering free agency for the first time in an advantageous position. The 28-year-old is coming off a solid season overall, and you could argue that other than Judge and Brandon Nimmo, Benintendi is the best free agent outfielder available.

Spotrac.com projects Benintendi’s market value to be six years, $104.3 million, which would average out to be around $17.3 million per season. That seems a little high considering Benintendi’s injury history and overall inconsistency, but the lack of reliable options available could lead to Benintendi cashing in.

If Benintendi can land a contract north of $17 million in 2023,  it would put him in solidly in the top-15 highest paid outfielders in the game next year, and would be more than Ronald Acuna Jr. and Byron Buxton are set to make in 2023 according to Spotrac.

Recommendation

Benintendi presents an intriguing option for the Mets should they not re-sign Brandon Nimmo. The 2022 version of Benintendi would have fit perfectly in the Mets’ lineup with his ability to get on base at a high clip and hit for average. Adding Benintendi in 2023 would give the Mets another above-average bat they could plug in the top half of their lineup. As a left-handed hitter with decent speed, a high on-base clip, and experience in the leadoff spot, Benintendi would present a decent facsimile of Nimmo should he move on to another club.

However, the argument could be made that Benintendi is too similar to hitters like Jeff McNeil and Mark Canha to warrant a big contract.  The Mets were hurt offensively last year by their lack of power bats outside of Pete Alonso, and adding a hitter who managed only five long balls last year could be seen as a step in the wrong direction.

Defensively, Benintendi played exclusively in left in 2022. He has 71 career games in center field, but has not played the position at all since 2019. So, signing Benintendi would almost assuredly mean the Mets would need to move Starling Marte over to center on a full-time basis.  Benintendi did win a Gold Glove with the Royals in 2021 and he provides above-average outfield defense. However, his defensive metrics dropped last season when compared to 2021, as Benintendi compiled a mark of two DRS in 2022 compared to seven during his award-winning 2021 season.

Overall, it seems unlikely Benintendi will sign with the Mets, although it can’t be ruled out. If the Mets lose Nimmo and decide to add power elsewhere, Benintendi could be a starting corner outfield option if the price is right. Still, Benintendi returning to the Mets’ crosstown rivals, or joining another AL team like the Astros, White Sox, or Mariners feels more realistic.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Andrew Benintendi appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Max Scherzer exited Saturday night’s game early. He threw just five innings (67 pitches) before coming out of the game. Afterwards, the Mets and their offense were unable to get going. After a woeful to of the ninth inning, New York fell by the final score of 7-1. With the loss, the Mets’ division lead shrinks to two games.

All is not lost, however, as Tim Healey of Newsday reported that the move was more precautionary and that Scherzer expects to make his next start.

Latest Mets News

Michael Mayer of Metsmerized tweeted some Mets’ roster updates from Saturday, September 3rd:

• Right-handed pitcher Trevor May has been placed on the injured list.
• Right-handed pitcher Bryce Montes de Oca has been selected from Triple-A Syracuse. Montes de Oca has touched 102 mph in 2022. He has 72 strikeouts (32 walks) in 47 innings this season.

Taijuan Walker tweeted out Saturday that $6,336 were raised during his Tai’s Tacos event. With that, he elaborated that he and the Mets will be matching the donation that is going to the New York Foundling organization. He thanked Mets fans and talked about the special day it was to him.

After the game, Max Scherzer explained he expects to make his next start. It appears the move to take him out was Scherzer and the Mets exercising a great deal of caution rather than a serious injury, thankfully.

Latest MLB News

According to Stats by Stats, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the San Diego Padres 7-1 on Friday night, which snapped the Dodgers’ streak of 228 consecutive regular-season games without losing by more than five runs. The streak they had was 80 games longer than any other streak in MLB history. The next longest streak was 148 games by the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1979-1980.

On the Tolbert & Copes Podcast’s September 1st episode, San Francisco Giants’ President of Baseball Operations, Farhan Zaidi, joined Tolbert and Copeland and discussed his interest in re-signing Joc Pederson.

Per Matt Gelb of The Athletic Philadelphia, Philadelphia Phillies’ outfielder Nick Castellanos was going to a local hospital for an MRI. He stated Yairo Munoz is also beat up at the Triple-A level with a knee bruise. These issues have left the Phillies thin in the outfield. According Gelb, the Phillies have just three legitimate/natural outfielders who are healthy.

According to MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park, who covers the Minnesota Twins, the Twins optioned Jovani Moran to make room for their Saturday night starting pitcher, Tyler Mahle. They also brought Jermaine Palacios up with the taxi squad as backup to help the rotation.

New York Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone gave an update on Andrew Benintendi, via Marly Rivera of ESPN. Benintendi is headed to the injured list.

Per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Red Sox have called up first baseman Triston Casas. Casas will join the Red Sox on Sunday.

Latest on MMO

Bryan Cameron discussed how Adam Ottavino’s recent successes have helped revitalize the Mets’ bullpen in 2022.

Andrew Steele-Davis recapped the Mets’ Friday night win over the Nationals and added how Eduardo Escobar’s three-RBI night was clutch for the Mets.

Andrew Steele-Davis discussed how Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer have formed a dangerous duo for the Mets.

Andrew Steele-Davis broke down how Jeff McNeil’s strong 2022 season has been pivotal to the Mets’ success.

Brian Wright took a look back at September 3rd, 1985 when Gary Carter hit three home runs in San Diego.

Mathew Brownstein talked with former Mets’ broadcaster, Kevin Burkhardt in an exclusive MMO interview.

Anthony Caraturo recapped how Max Scherzer exiting Saturday night’s game after just five innings pitched against the Nationals.

On This Date in Mets History

1985: Gary Carter made his Mets debut. During that game he hit a walk-off home run in the tenth inning to lead the Mets to victory.

1990: The Mets released backup catcher Barry Lyons.

Birthdays:

• Andres Gimenez (24)
• Chris Beck (32)
• Joe DePastino (49)
• Luis Lopez (52)
• Mike Piazza (54)

The post Morning Briefing: Max Scherzer Expects To Make Next Start appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Yankees have acquired OF Andrew Benintendi for three pitching prospects (Chandler Champlain, T.J. Sikkema, and Beck Way). Aaron Boone believes that the left-handed-hitting Benintendi, an AL All-Star this season, can make a very strong lineup even stronger.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

On Wednesday, the Mets defeated the New York Yankees, 3-2, on a Starling Marte walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to sweep the subway series. Additionally, Max Scherzer pitched seven scoreless innings to help propel the Mets to victory. Dan Quiñones has a more complete recap of last night’s game.

Dylan Tebrake is officially a Met!

God is good! Officially a @Mets pic.twitter.com/Xg3WFSU7sk

— Dylan Tebrake (@dylantebrake) July 27, 2022

True Gravity Baseball announced that they have signed Mets ninth-round pick Chase Estep. Estep had a .302/.416./560 line with 17 doubles, 13 homers, and 16 stolen bases last season while playing for the University of Kentucky.

Jacob Degrom pitched yesterday for the Syracuse Mets. Jacob deGrom pitched four innings (67 pitches, 41 strikes) and allowed four earned runs and two home runs. deGrom retired the last seven batters that he faced. Michael Mayer reports that his fastball reached 98 mph and his slider reached 92 mph.

Trevor May also appeared yesterday for the Syracuse Mets. He pitched one inning (18 pitches, 11 strikes) and allowed an earned run.

Pete Alonso hit his 26th home run of the season last night, and his 132nd as a Met. He is now tied with Michael Conforto for seventh most home runs in franchise history.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the announced attendance of 43,693 at Citi Field last night is the 10th-largest regular season crowd in the ballpark’s history.

Tim Healey of Newsday Sports reports that Max Scherzer used PitchCom for the first time tonight but hates it on principle. “It should be illegal […] Stealing signs is part of the game.”

SNY covered Max Scherzer’s interview question about the stadium atmosphere after last night’s game:

"I love pitching in these situations. Love pitching in this atmosphere. You've gotta want the ball in these types of moments and you've got to go out there and face the best."

– Max Scherzer pic.twitter.com/UqDJ1thWq8

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 28, 2022

Latest MLB News

Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports that Mike Trout is unconcerned with his rare back condition: costovertebral dysfunction at T5. Trout told Jeff Fletcher, “I got to stay on top of the routine I do on a daily basis to prevent it from coming back. I feel good where it’s at right now. Every day it’s improving. I felt really good today.” Fletcher also reports that Mike Trout plans to play again this season.

Latest on MMO

John Sheridan reports that Francisco Álvarez is now the top MLB prospect on MLB Pipeline.

Nate Mendelson writes that the Mets hope deGrom’s next start is in the MLB.

Andrew Steele-Davis has an MMO trade profile on RHP Luis Castillo.

On This Date in Mets History

2011: Sandy Alderson traded away Carlos Beltrán to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Zack Wheeler.

Birthdays: Tylor Megill (27)

The post Morning Briefing: Andrew Benintendi Traded to Yankees appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Position: LF

Bats/Throws: L/L

Age: 06/07/1994

Traditional Stats: 88 G, 104 H, 3 HR, 39 RBI, .319/.389/.402

Advanced Stats: 2.0 WAR, .351 wOBA, 128 wRC+

Rundown

The second half of the 2022 season following the All-Star break has now begun, so all the conversation will now revolve around what the New York Mets plan to do at the trade deadline. Of course, Washington Nationals’ slugger Juan Soto will be the biggest name that will consistently be mentioned between now and August 2nd. However, there are other notable targets worth keeping an eye one.

One such example is Kansas City Royals’ outfielder Andrew Benintendi. He is just coming off his first-ever trip to the All-Star Game after an impressive first half in 2022. The Mets like to play old-school baseball under manager Buck Showalter, and with manufacturing runs crucial in the postseason, Benintendi would be a nice fit in Queens.

As Brad Pitt, during his portrayal as Billy Beane in the masterpiece that is Moneyball preached, it is all about getting on base and Benintendi has certainly made a habit of doing exactly that in 2022. Through 88 games, the left-handed hitter is slashing .319/.389/.402 with a .790 OPS. He doesn’t hit for power, with just three home runs, but he does get on base with 14 doubles and two triples to go along with 38 walks. His current batting average and on-base percentage are career highs.

His underlying metrics are impressive too. His current 128 wRC+ is a career high and his walk percentage is back up in the double figures (10.3%) after dipping to 6.7% in 2021. His strikeout percentage is also at a career-low 13.9% clip, which again, just underlines what a tough out Benintendi is at the plate.

With 104 hits in 326 at-bats, the 28-year-old is able to make consistent contact at the plate and he’s developed into a real tough out for opposing pitchers. That is the kind of player you need in both a pennant race and in the heat of postseason battle. Shortly after his trade to the Royals from the Red Sox, he changed up his approach to ensure he became a tough at-bat every time he stepped up to the plate.

Sure, that meant sacrificing some power, but with the likes of Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and now Daniel Vogelbach in the lineup, you need guys like Benintendi to get on base and manufacture runs. He would give you gritty at bats every single time and his newfound mentality landed him his first trip to the All-Star Game this year. He’s the kind of guy every team needs in the heart of their lineup.

Not only that, but the lefty is a plus-plus fielder. He’s always been elite out in the field and he boasts a superb glove with great instincts. It is worth noting too that Benintendi’s defense has only improved, as illustrated by the Gold Glove he won in 2021 while with the Royals. He had a defensive runs saved (DRS) of seven that season. An extremely strong figure.

It has been a similar story in the field this year for Benintendi. He has been able to make splashy, highlight-reel plays out in left field as well as being able to make the basics of fielding look effortless. Which has, once again, resulted in a positive DRS. A seven-year veteran in the majors, the 28-year-old has proven that he can certainly make a big impact both with the bat and with the glove.

Potential Package

Given that Benintendi is currently playing on an expiring contract, he would be seen as strictly a rental for a contending team. So, therefore, the price to obtain him wouldn’t be too steep. Or maybe it would. Certain reports from the likes of Jon Heyman have indicated that the Royals would want a top prospect in return for the veteran left fielder.

Now, it all depends on what the Royals deem a top prospect and where the line of demarcation is. For instance, there is no way the Mets would give up a Francisco Álvarez or a Brett Baty for a pure rental, and they would probably be very reluctant to give up a player like Mark Vientos or Matt Allan too.

At the end of the day, despite the above report, Benintendi will likely be had for a higher B-level or two type prospect. If he was under team control for past this season? That would be a different story. Though, expect if the Mets were to acquire Benintendi a prospect ranked in the high-single digit, early teens going back the other way.

Raj Mehta/USA Today Sports

Final Thoughts

Benintendi is a throwback to the baseball player of old. He hits for contact, he gets on base a lot, and overall can manufacture runs. Plus, the 28-year-old is a Gold Glove type fielder out in left and he would certainly boost the Mets’ defense. Overall, just an all-around solid player.

In other words, Benintendi is the perfect type of player for an old school manager like Buck Showalter, and he seems to have fitted in well in every clubhouse he’s been in. You know he’s not going to be an easy out at the plate and you know he’s going to be able to pull off game-changing plays out in left field given the high quality of his glove.

Furthermore, there is no doubt this Mets’ offense needs a boost. There were signs of the bats slowing down before the All-Star break, and those signs have only appeared more now the second-half of the season is underway. This offense needs a helping hand and Benintendi could be the player to spark it. Again, he won’t hit for power and he’s not going to mash but what he will do is get on base and allow others to get on base and, therefore, manufacture runs. That’s going to be important in the postseason.

Note, all statistics as of before the All-Star Game. 

The post MMO Trade Profile: Andrew Benintendi, LF appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Francys Romero reports that Yoenis Céspedes will return to baseball in Dominican Winter League, per sources. It will be with the Aguilas Cibaeñas. The last time he played an official game was on August 1, 2020.

The Mets showed that they deserve to be on top of the NL East standings Wednesday by defeating the Braves 7-3 and winning the series. The Mets are 4-3 against the Braves this season, which has helped them keep a 2.5 game lead in the division. In yesterday’s game, Francisco Lindor had a huge three-run home run in the third inning that gave the Mets a commanding 4-0 lead in the game. Chris Bassitt also pitched very well in the contest, giving up one earned run in six innings.

Dan Quiñones has a more complete recap of yesterday’s game. The Mets will play the Chicago Cubs today at 8:05 p.m. EST.

And don’t forget, Jacob deGrom is pitching for Triple-A Syracuse tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET and MLB tv will have the game for free.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

Michael Mayer of Metsmerized reports that Kevin Mitchell will represent the Mets at the MLB draft on Sunday.

Pete Alonso gives his message to Mets fans yesterday in The Players’ Tribune. In the article, Alonso said, “we represent the greatest city in the world. And whether you’re a player or a fan, we all should be proud to be a part of this thing. We should say LFGM like we effing mean it.”

John Heyman and Joel Sherman interviewed Sandy Alderson on about his thoughts on Jacob deGrom, Billy Eppler, team needs, and how the Mets were close to getting Billy Beane as their president of baseball operations.

In a collaboration between the New York Mets and Marvel, the first 25,000 fans in attendance on July 23 will receive a Captain America tribute funko pop.

Latest MLB News

Charlie Montoyo was fired by the Toronto Blue Jays. John Schneider will serve as the interim manager and Casey Candaele will serve as the interim bench coach through the end of the season.

Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers reclaimed Jake Reed off waivers.

The Washington Nationals called up Tyler Clippard after placing Tanner Rainey on the 60-day IL.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that 10 players on the Kansas City Royals’ 26-man roster will not make the trip to Toronto this week because they are unvaccinated, sources tell ESPN. That includes the team’s lone All-Star and a top trade target, outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Other players who are missing the series include: IF/OF Whit Merrifield, C M.J. Melendez, DH Hunter Dozier, SP Brad Keller, SP Brady Singer, CF Michael A. Taylor, OF Kyle Isbel, RP Dylan Coleman and C Cam Gallagher.

Latest on MMO

Nate Mendelson explains how the Mets proved that they are the best team in the NL East.

Patrick Glynn reports that Sandy Alderson acknowledged the Mets’ lack of production from the DH spot.

On This Date in Mets History

1970: Gil Hodges earned the right to manage the National League at the 41st All-Star game. Tom Seaver and Bud Harrelson also represented the Mets that year. Seaver threw three shutout innings, including four strikeouts, as the starter, while Harrelson went two for three to help the NL defeat the AL, 5-4.

2001: Mets manager Bobby Valentine earns his 1000th career win on a combined one-hit shutout from Glendon Rusch and Armando Benitez.

2015: Jacob deGrom strikes out all three batters he faces in the All-Star Game.

Birthdays: Robin Ventura (55), Jack Leathersich (32)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Yoenis Céspedes Isn’t Done Yet appeared first on Metsmerized Online.