All but one team from the preseason ranking stayed in the top-10, with most of the change being the rankings within the top-10. The Braves, who will be highlighted below, had the most drastic drop due to their poor start, and the Padres had the most meteoric rise.

As the season goes on, risers and fallers won’t see such drastic changes. Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. Unlike the preseason rankings, we’ll also have the two teams that just missed the cut to start the list, and then below will be the rankings. Argue in the comments, highlight my stupidity, and most importantly, be nice to each other!

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Just Missed the Cut

To start my weekly odyssey, I’ll list the teams that barely missed the top-10: The Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox.

To start, the Orioles fell off the list after being ranked seventh on the preseason list. The offense exploded in Toronto to begin the season, but still split the series 2-2. Then the O’s went home and dropped two games to the Red Sox, and began their series in Kansas City by scoring only two runs.

Getting Gunnar Henderson back should help, but it’s been more or less the same offensive struggles they had to end 2024. Plus, their rotation, to simply put it, is bad. Charlie Morton looks washed, and the remainder of Dean Kremer, Cade Povich, and Tomoyuki Sugano are borderline unstartable. Thank god for Zach Eflin. And where is Trevor Rogers?

The second team that barely missed the cut is the Red Sox. Garrett Crochet has been filthy and Kristian Campbell is as advertised. They could easily crack the top-10, and should, once Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Triston Casas start to hit.

Now, on to the top-10.

1. Dodgers

Everyone and their mother knew the Dodgers were elite. Even those who watch inferior sports, like football and basketball. But the start the Dodgers have had has been laughably insane.

They started the season 8-0, the best start to a season ever by a defending World Series champion and third-best in franchise history. It started in Japan with two against the Cubs, then a 6-0 homestand against the Tigers and Braves, including the Hollywood-esque walk-off shot by Shohei Ohtani.

The Dodgers had a chance to extend that streak to 9-0 Friday, but were dominated by Jesús Luzardo and fell short in their ninth inning rally to lose 3-2 to the Phillies on the road.

Still, it’s remarkable what they’ve been able to accomplish. All while Freddie Freeman is hurt, Roki Sasaki and Tanner Scott have struggled, and Max Muncy has been non-existent.

This team is only going to be better. And while Ohtani and Aaron Judge get all the attention, Tommy Edman is sneakily tied for the National League lead in homers with five. He looks like a catalyst. And unsuprinsgly, signed to a team-friendly contract till 2030.

2. Phillies (↑ 1)

Philadelphia’s offseason was all about surrounding the core with underrated talent. And it’s worked beautifully so far.

Max Kepler has homered and put up a .861 OPS through six games, and Luzardo shoved against the Dodgers last night to hand the defending champs their first loss of the season. It might be another special season in Philly.

Like the Dodgers, the Phillies have jumped out to a hot start without their A-tier guys. Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Alec Bohm all have OPSs under .700, with Bohm’s registering at .508 through seven games.

It’s been the pitching that’s held the early season together. And there’s no reason to believe it won’t last the duration of 162. Zack Wheeler and Luzardo have had two strong starts to begin their seasons, and Taijuan Walker looked vintage in his outing against the Rockies Thursday. Aaron Nola had a rough debut against the Nationals, but will assuredly bounce back for the entirety of 2025.

3. Padres (↑ 5)

Maybe I was too harsh on the Padres to begin the season. The Friars woke up Saturday with a 7-1 record, the best run differential (plus 23) in the National League, and a freshly extended, young superstar in Jackson Merrill.

Yet despite all this, they’re still trailing the Dodgers in the NL West. Yeesh. That still doesn’t hold the Friars back from taking a massive leap, however, in the power rankings to three.

The lineup has gotten elite production from its top, with Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Merill doing the heavy lifting. The rotation has also looked strong in the early goings with Dylan Cease and Randy Vásquez (Juan Soto trade) shoving. Heck, even Michael King bounced back from his two-inning debut with an 11-strikeout, five-inning shutout performance over Cleveland.

It’s a strong team. Maybe stronger than I originally thought. But Jason Heyward, Luis Arraez, and Xander Bogaerts have been abysmal through the first week. Heyward in particular. The Friars will likely need to make an outside-the-organization move at some point to keep up in the West.

4. Diamondbacks 

Believe it or not, the Diamondbacks were my sleeper team despite ranking them fourth. I truly believe they can challenge the Dodgers for the NL West. I’m glad they’re proving my bias right.

Sure, they’re 5-3 and fourth in the West right now. But they’ve faired well against strong competition. The Snakes split a four-game series with the Cubs at home, then took two out of three games on the road at Yankee Stadium. Which included a dramatic grand-slam from Eugenio Suárez in Game 2 to steal a game. (Guys, I saw it live; the balls might be juiced again.)

The offense has been as advertised, led by Corbin Carroll‘s hot start and Suarez’s insane .761 slugging percentage and five homers. Geraldo Perdomo has also started blistering hot, posting a .379/.375/.552 slashline with 11 RBIs.

The bullpen, which was a plus entering the year, has also done its job. Outside a couple homers, A.J. Puk has looked sharp alongside Justin Martinez in the closer’s role, and even guys like Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks have contributed bullish innings.

The one weakness, as it was last year, has been the starting pitching. Brandon Pfaadt at age 26 still hasn’t taken the jump since his breakout 2023 postseason, Merrill Kelly was pummeled for nine runs in 3 2/3 by the Yanks, and Corbin Burnes flammed out after 4 1/3 innings in his debut in the Bronx. The rotation simply has to be better for the Diamondbacks to stay among the top in a loaded NL.

Something to monitor early this season is Ketel Marte. The second baseman was slashing .346/.469/.462 through eight games, but tweaked his hamstring running out a ground ball Friday and potentially could hit the injured list.

5. Yankees

After reading the comments, people almost convinced me the Yankees were bad!

Just kidding, guys. We should all know this team is still a powerhouse. And easily the best in the American League through Week One. The lineup has been nuts, headlined by Judge’s six homers through seven games and 1.103 OPS. They hold the best run differential in baseball (plus 26), and everyone in their starting nine except Oswaldo Cabrera has homered.

The rotation, despite missing Gerrit Cole, has held up. Max Fried has a 2.61 ERA through two starts, Carlos Rodón has a 3.97 ERA with his new beard, and Will Warren was solid in five innings versus the D-backs.

All the talk has been about the torpedo bats. And I refuse to talk about them because, frankly, I’m sick of all the talk. The team is just good. Also, because I’m petty, I’m going to keep an active counter of Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s season. I said he could go 30/30. Others disagreed.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2025 stats: .241/.313/.655, four homers, one stolen base.

6. Braves (↓ 4)

Where to start with the Braves. Maybe their 0-7 start? Perhaps Jurickson Profar‘s 80-game suspension for PEDs? Or their lineup starting the season batting 1-for-34 with runners in scoring position?

It doesn’t really matter where you start. Just enjoy while it lasts, Mets fans. Cause the Braves are still scary. And trust me, they’ll regress to the mean.

The lineup only scored 14 runs during their seven-game losing streak, which won’t be a constant over 162. The Braves picked up their first victory Friday against the Marlins, breaking out for 10 runs while getting much-needed homers from Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson.

The pitching staff has also been mediocre, and desperately needs Spencer Strider back. Reynaldo López has no timetable to return from his injury, and Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and AJ Smith-Shawver isn’t exactly a sexy rotation in the NL East.

Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach are a nice duo at the top, with the latter dominating through two scoreless starts against the Padres and Marlins to start 2025. But this team needs Ronald Acuña Jr., Sean Murphy, and Strider back ASAP. No team in major league history has started 0-7 and made the playoffs. Yet, I have a funny feeling this team will be an exception.

7. Cubs (↑ 2)

The Cubs cracked my top-10 to begin the season, and weren’t on some other lists to begin the year. But I saw the greatness, and the roster has rewarded me.

I highlighted the strong lineup and rotation to be anchors for this team, and so far it’s held true. Kyle Tucker has lived up to his superstar status, slashing .308/.449/.744 with four homers and five doubles through 10 games, and Seiya Suzuki has benefited from the deeper lineup by clubbing four homers of his own with a .908 OPS.

Shota Imanaga has made an early Cy Young case, registering a 0.98 ERA in a major league-leading 18 1/3 innings, making up for the slow starts by Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele. The bullpen hasn’t produced as anticipated, with Eli Morgan and Nate Pearson holding double-digit ERAs on the morning of April 5. Ryan Pressly, however, has registered three saves with one blemish being a two-run homer allowed in a 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

The club has the talent to win the NL Central. And after starting the season in Japan by dropping two games to the Dodgers, they’ve split a series on the road with the D-backs, outscored the Atheltics 35-9 in a three-game sweep, and handed the Padres their first loss Friday. Expect this team to begin dominating once top-prospect Matt Shaw clicks in the majors, Ian Happ snaps out of his slow start, and the rotation solidifies.

8. Mets (↓ 2)

I can already see the comments now.

The Mets had a slow start to the season, but one I foresaw. This is me shamefully plugging our excellent podcast by MMO that I guest appeared on with Mathias Altman-Kurosaki. The Mets entered Houston without a series win since the Astros were an NL team, and without a series win overall vs. the Stros since 2014. That stat held up.

Plus, they escaped Miami with a series win thanks to Pete Alonso, and really Alonso alone. Still, they’re 4-3 in the early season, and so far, there hasn’t been any reason to panic. The Amazin’s find themselves at eight.

Francisco Lindor is having his annual April slump, slashing .136/.231/.182 in six games. Soto had a godly series in Houston, but floundered with a 2-for-12 series against the Marlins with zero extra base hits.

Still, those two aren’t even the most of my worries. It’s truly Mark Vientos. I highlighted my skepticism entering the year, but it’s been even worse. He’s batting .074 with a -18 OPS+ through seven games, and his defense cost the Mets multiple runs in Miami. Vientos is the bridge in the Mets lineup, and despite it being early, he could turn a deep, dangerous lineup, into a top-heavy one with his struggles.

Oh, and did I mention second base? The Mets desperately need Jeff McNeil back. Brett Baty is 1-for-14 with a single to start the year, and Luisangel Acuña is batting .143. The at-bat against Josh Hader was cool. But the rest has been forgettable.

Outside Vientos and second base, the rest of the roster looks concrete. The rotation has performed well through one full rotation, with Tylor Megill being the it-factor with his 0.87 ERA early. The bullpen has also been the best in baseball, with only A.J. Minter and Danny Young allowing runs through 25 2/3 combined innings pitched by the ‘pen.

9. Rangers (↑ 4)

I was skeptical of the Rangers to begin the season. I had them outside the top-10 at 13, and thought their pitching would hold them back. I was wrong.

Jack Leiter particularly has turned a corner. Al’s son has a 0.90 ERA through two starts, and more impressively, has only walked one batter in 10 innings. Tyler Mahle and Nathan Eovaldi have also dominated in two starts, registering ERAs that start with ones and ages that begin with threes. There’s also Jacob deGrom, but we all know what he is when on the mound.

The bullpen, which was the most suspect piece of the roster, has also turned out fine performances. Robert Garcia, who was traded by the Nationals for Nathaniel Lowe, has been a great add, striking out five in 4 2/3 innings. The 39-year-old Chris Martin has also been stellar, striking out eight in five scoreless innings.

The lineup, meanwhile, has been the weak spot early on. They were bailed out by their pitching in back-to-back 1-0 wins over the Reds, and are getting no production from Marcus Semien, Jake Burger, and Joc Pederson.

Corey Seager has also struggled, slashing only .200/.304/.200 with zero extra base hits through six games. Luckily, Wyatt Langford and Adolis García have carried the load for the team, and should get some help soon from the previously mentioned names. This team has stuck itself in the top-10 with a strong opening series against the Red Sox. And could stick for a good portion of the season if health prevails. Unfortunately, they’ve already been hit by the bug and placed Leiter on the 15-day IL with a blister.

10. Guardians

I’m sticking with Cleveland at 10. I still believe in Believeland.

Puns aside, don’t let the slow start to the season repel you from the Guardians. They won the opening series on the road verse the Royals, and then were knocked on their behinds by the raging hot Padres. A three-game sweep, to be exact.

But the Guardians bounced back Friday behind José Ramírez‘s three-homer night, defeating the Angels 8-6 and placing themselves atop the gaunt AL Central at 3-4.

The main concern with the Guardians entering the season was their offense. And so far, it’s done what it’s needed to do. Ramírez is playing like the top-five player he is, and the rest of the lineup has produced enough to win ball games.

Steven Kwan and Gabriel Arias have been among those others so far, producing OPSs of .881 and .924. Kyle Manzardo has also broke-out in the first week, slashing .261/.345/.652 with two homers and a triple from the DH spot. He was the driving force in the season opening 7-4 win in Kansas City, and could be another superstar to pair with Ramírez.

Meanwhile, the bullpen that carried Cleveland last season has been okay to begin the year. Emmanuel Clase and Paul Sewald have allowed a combined five runs in 7 1/3 innings, but the rest of the ‘pen have allowed just two runs in 19 2/3 innings.

I still like Cleveland, and believe they have a step over the Tigers and Royals in the AL Central. But the rotation will have to be better, and could really use a healthy Shane Bieber. But that’s a big if.

Rest of the Field

11. Red Sox
12. Orioles
13. Rays
14. Astros
15. Royals
16. Blue Jays
17. Tigers
18. Mariners
19. Giants
20. Twins
21. Cardinals
22. Reds
23. Brewers
24. Angels
25. Nationals
26. Athletics
27. Pirates
28. Marlins
29. White Sox
30. Rockies

The post MLB Power Rankings 2025: Week One Update appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

After a disappointing exit in the first round of the 2023 Home Run Derby to hometown hero Julio Rodríguez, Mets slugger Pete Alonso is back and ready to reclaim his throne. He looks to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only two players to win the Derby thrice.

Pete enters the Derby with a record 195 homers hit during the event. To show how dominant Alonso has been here, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the 2023 winner, has 163 total homers. Albert Pujols, who participated in the event five times during his illustrious career, has 106 Derby homers.

Alonso is currently tied for 14th in homers in baseball with 19. He’ll face off against Gunnar Henderson (28), Bobby Witt Jr. (16), Alec Bohm (11), Marcell Ozuna (26), Teoscar Hernández (19), Adolis García ( 17) and José Ramírez (23).

Former Mets bench coach Dave Jauss will throw to Alonso. Jauss threw to Alonso when he won the 2021 Derby in Cincinnati.

For 2024, MLB has implemented a new format and rules for the Derby. They are as follows:

• No knockout stage until the semifinal round
  • This means that the top four batters will advance to the semifinals.
  • If there is a tie (two players hit the same number of home runs, the tiebreaker will be whichever player hits the furthest home run that round)

• There is a pitch limit!
  • The first two rounds are still three minutes, and the final round is two.
    • For the first two rounds, the round is over when either the three minutes is up, or the batter has seen 40 pitches (whichever comes first)
    • For the final round, the round is over when either two minutes or 27 pitches, whichever comes first, excluding the bonus round.

• Bonus pitches are no longer on a timer.
  • Instead of getting 30 seconds, each player receives bonus pitches until they record three outs.
    • If a player hits a home run 425 feet+ during the bonus period, the period is extended to four outs.

• Ties in the semifinals and finals are still broken with a swing-off once the knockout stage begins.
• Batters still get a single 45-second timeout in each regulation period.

The post MMO Home Run Derby Thread: Alonso Seeks Redemption, 8 PM appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The 2024 MLB Home Run Derby field was officially set Wednesday as the final two spots were filled for the eight-man event. Earlier in the day, MLB announced that Rangers slugger Adolis García would be participating in the derby for the second year in a row. Shortly after, during last night’s Phillies-Dodgers game on ESPN, while mic’d up, Teoscar Hernández told the broadcast booth that he would be the final participant in the Home Run Derby. The two join two-time derby champ and Mets first baseman, Pete Alonso, as well as Gunnar Henderson, Marcell Ozuna, Alec Bohm, Bobby Witt Jr. and Jose Ramírez.

On Wednesday night, the Mets took Game 2 of their six-game homestand in another solid all-around performance, beating the Nationals 6-2. Luis Severino battled through 6 1/3 innings, only allowing 2 ER on 4 H and leaving the game at a 2-1 deficit. However, a four-run sixth inning led by Jose Iglesias put the Mets up 5-2, and it was smooth sailing for the Amazin’s from there on. The Mets are now only 0.5 games back of the Padres for the third Wild Card spot and 1.0 games back of the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot. Click here for the full game breakdown.

It’s an early start for the Mets on Thursday as they’ll go for a sweep of the Nationals with David Peterson (3-0, 3.58 ERA) going against Mackenzie Gore (6-7, 3.83 ERA) at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Latest Mets News

The Mets placed RHP Reed Garrett on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation and activated newly acquired RHP Phil Maton. Along with that, they also optioned RHP Eric Orze to Triple-A Syracuse and called up LHP Danny Young from Syracuse. Click here for more information on the club’s moves.

The Mets are considering having Kodai Senga pitch Sunday at Triple-A Syracuse on standard rest, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The club would rather give Senga five days of rest between starts, but the All-Star break prevents them from doing so now unless his next outing is a sim game.

Infield prospect JT Schwartz was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse after the 24-year-old hit .295/.408/.424 for Double-A Binghamton this season. 

Pitching prospect Jonah Tong continues to deal for High-A Brooklyn: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 80 pitches/53 strikes. His High-A ERA is down to 2.85.

Ryan Clifford had another good night at the plate for Double-A Binghamton, going 3-for-5 with a double, two home runs, and six RBIs. He has a .923 OPS for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

Latest MLB News

Max Scherzer told A.J. Pierzynski of Foul Territory TV that he would not be willing to waive his no-trade clause at this year’s trade deadline. Scherzer in response to potentially waiving the no-trade clause, “Yeah, I’m not gonna do that… We’re gonna play better baseball. It’s gonna be a moot point to even talk about… We’re gonna win here.” 

HBO will be releasing a four-part documentary series on Pete Rose which will chronicle the life and career of one of sports’ most polarizing figures. The docuseries will premiere on July 24 on HBO Max.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was placed on the restricted list after previously being on administrative leave, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Franco will not be paid and will not be able to accrue service time.

After being charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor on Tuesday, Franco is now also being accused of human trafficking according to a press release by Dominican authorities, per Juan Arturo of ESPN. If convicted, the crime has penalties up to 20 years in prison. 

Bobby Miller, who was supposed to be one of the top arms in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation this season, was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Miller missed two months due to a right shoulder injury and has given up 19 earned runs in 17 1/3 IP since returning, ballooning his ERA to 8.07 on the season. 

The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly offered Aaron Judge a 10-yearm $300 million deal before he returned to the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million deal in 2022, per Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays, a notoriously frugal franchise, have only doled out two contracts topping $100 million in their history. 

A robot bartender is going to be serving drinks at Globe Life Field during All-Star Week in Texas. 

A robot bartender is going to be serving drinks during All-Star Week in Texas 👀🤖

(via @stensinthecity) pic.twitter.com/IGp4DM6ZAl

— MLB (@MLB) July 10, 2024

The New York Yankees signed left-handed relief pitcher Tim Mayza to a minor league deal, per Katie Woo and Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Mayza was recently released by the Blue Jays after over six years in Toronto.

Former Mets RHP Matt Festa signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, per Shawn McFarland of Dallas Morning News. The Staten Island native was DFA’d by the Mets on July 3rd after one appearance with the club.

Latest on MMO

Michael Famulari analyzes the Mets new acquisition, Phil Maton.

Mojo Hill details the Mets’ decision to put Reed Garrett on the injured list and the other bullpen moves.

Ricky Keeler highlights how Jose Quintana has hit his stride with Francisco Alvarez behind the dish.

On This Date in Mets History

2021: Francisco Alvarez hits a home run in the Futures Game during All-Star weekend at Coors Field in Colorado.

2018: Brandon Nimmo breaks a scoreless tie against the Phillies in the 11th inning with a three-run walk-off home run. 

2015: Matt Harvey hits his first career home run into the Party City Deck at Citi Field against Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2006: After getting to the finals of the Home Run Derby the night prior, David Wright hits a home run in his first All-Star Game at-bat and joins Lee Mazzilli as the only Mets to ever go yard in the All-Star Game.

Birthdays: Blaine Boyer (43), Mark Little (52), Donne Wall (57), Jack Heidemann (75)

The post Morning Briefing: Home Run Derby Field is Set appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Happy Independence Day to the best nation in the world!

On Wednesday, MLB released the starting lineups for the AL and NL as they prepare for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will be held on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. While no Mets made the starting lineup, plenty of first time All-Stars got the starting nod and familiar faces continue to cement their Midsummer Classic legacies. Here are the starting lineups for each league:

NL: C: William Contreras, MIL, 1B: Bryce Harper, PHI, 2B: Ketel Marte, ARI, SS: Trea Turner, PHI, 3B: Alec Bohm, PHI, OF: Christian Yelich, MIL OF: Jurickson Profar, SDP OF: Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP, DH: Shohei Ohtani, LAD.

AL: C: Adley Rutschman, BAL, 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., TOR, 2B: José Altuve, HOU, SS: Gunnar Henderson, BAL, 3B: José Ramírez, CLE, OF: Aaron Judge, NYY, OF: Juan Soto, NYY, OF: Steven Kwan, CLE, DH: Yordan Álvarez, HOU.

Along with announcing the starters for the 96th annual All-Star Game, MLB also released the uniforms that will be worn on the field.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday evening, the Mets found themselves on the losing side for the first time in their series against the Nationals this week. After taking two extra-inning games to start the four-game set, the Mets were not able to outscore their bullpen woes, blowing a 5-1 lead and falling by a score of 7-5 to the Nationals. For a full game breakdown, click here.

The Mets will try to leave Washington with a series win as they finish up the series. Jose Quintana (4.57 ERA, 3-5) will face Jake Irvin (3.03 ERA, 6-6) of the Nationals at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Latest Mets News

Kodai Senga looked sharp in his first rehab start for the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K, 35 pitches/25 strikes. To learn more about Senga’s first rehab start, click here.

The Mets called up Christian Scott from Triple-A Syracuse and DFA’d RHP Matt Festa prior to Wednesday’s game. Scott started on Wednesday, going 5.2 IP 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, and 2 SO while leaving the game with a 5-4 lead.

Veteran outfielder Trayce Thompson was released from his contract with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online.

Latest MLB News

Minnesota Twins slugger Royce Lewis was placed on the 10-day IL with a right adductor strain.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired starting pitcher Aaron Civale in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, sending INF prospect Gregory Barrios to Tampa Bay in return.

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow to repair an impingement and will be down from throwing for at least six weeks, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. It is still unknown if he will be able to return this season.

The Minnesota Twins called up their top infield prospect, and No. 13 prospect in all of baseball, Brooks Lee, per Declan Goff of SKOR North. Lee started at third base and went 2-for-4 with an RBI in his MLB debut.

Jon Heyman reported on a Bleacher Report livestream that the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers are the “most likely” landing spots for Chicago White Sox star outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Latest on MMO

Jose Iglesias and the Mets offense have propelled them to key late-inning wins.

Sean Manaea helped lighten the heavily taxed bullpen’s load with his impressive outing on Tuesday.

Kodai Senga shined in his first rehab start.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: The Mets score three runs in the bottom of the 8th to take a 7-6 lead over the Pirates and Billy Wagner locks it down in the 9th, recording his 300th career save. 

1985: In a 19-inning marathon, the Mets outlast the Braves, winning by a score of 16-13 behind a Keith Hernandez cycle.

1972: Tom Seaver comes within two outs of a no-hitter against the Padres, before a base hit by Leron Lee broke up the no-hit bid.

Birthdays: Jared Hughes (39), José Oquendo (61)

The post Morning Briefing: MLB All-Star Game Starters Announced appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Buck Showalter. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Things don’t seem to be getting any easier for the New York Mets, as they drop their fifth game in a row and the second game of their series against the Baltimore Orioles, 7-3, on Saturday. Poor pitching and a lack of offense continue to be the storyline for the 2023 Mets after shipping away what feels like half their team at the trade deadline.

Tylor Megill took the mound for the Mets and exited the game having given up five earned runs over 4 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and striking out three.

The lone bright spots for the Mets on Saturday night were were the three runs driven in by  Jeff McNeil, who hit a two-run home run and an RBI double to account for the Mets offense, which mustered only five hits aside from McNeil’s pair.

The Mets have yet to record a win since the trade deadline.

Latest Mets News

Latest MLB News

Outfielder Ramón Laureano has been designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics, according to Robert Murray of Fansided.com.

The White Sox and Cleveland Guardians got into two heated scuffles during their game on Saturday night which was initiated with a brawl after José Ramirez slid into second base before getting into it with Tim Anderson. The benches would clear later in the same inning before more fighting broke out.

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Drop Fifth In A Row appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Playing in their fourth doubleheader in three weeks, the Mets finished off a three-game sweep of the Guardians by taking both games on Sunday.

In the first game, Max Scherzer tossed six shutout innings, and after the bullpen squandered a 3-0 lead, Starling Marte hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning off a Trevor Stephan to give the Mets a 5-4 victory. Marte’s homer was his first long ball since April 6 and his first extra-base hit since April 14. Brandon Nimmo also went deep, smacking one 442 feet for the second-longest homer of his career.

In the nightcap, Justin Verlander gave up a solo homer to José Ramírez in the first inning but settled in to toss eight strong innings, retiring 20 of the last 21 batters he faced. Francisco Lindor tied the game with a solo home run off Shane Bieber in the sixth inning, and Jeff McNeil‘s sacrifice fly in the eighth inning gave the Mets a 2-1 lead. Brooks Raley induced a game-ending double play from Ramírez to notch the save. The Mets have now won five games in a row, all of which were by one run.

Latest Mets News

The Mets have a day off today, as they’re set to begin a six-game road trip against the Cubs and Rockies on Tuesday. Kodai Senga (4-2, 3.77 ERA) is in line to start the series opener at Wrigley Field.

In celebration of MLB’s Armed Forces Weekend and Military Appreciation Month, the Mets honored over 40 front office and gameday staff before the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader that have served in the military.

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The Rays are attracting potential buyers, Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic report. While building a new ballpark in the Tampa area is the franchise’s primary goal still, at least one local potential local buyer has expressed interest. Some prospective owners want to move the team to a new city. The club’s lease at Tropicana Field expires after the 2027 season.

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James Villani recaps the Mets’ win in the first game of their doubleheader. He also recaps Justin Verlander’s strong outing in the nightcap.

On This Date in Mets History

1998: The Mets send outfielder Preston Wilson and pitcher Ed Yarnall, along with a player to be named later to the Marlins for slugging catcher Mike Piazza. The five-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year spent just six days in Miami after he was sent there by the Dodgers.

2016: Noah Syndergaard strikes out 11 and gives up just one unearned run in seven innings as the Mets finish off a three-game sweep of the Brewers with a 3-1 victory. Michael Conforto homers and Jeurys Familia locks down his 15th save of the year.

2019: Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Juan Lagares hits a bases-clearing double to give the Mets a 3-1 lead against the Nationals. Rajai Davis, who took an Uber from Syracuse and arrived in New York in the third inning, pinch-hits and smacks a three-run homer to cap off the rally. Tyler Bashlor records the final three outs as the Mets win 6-1 to claim their third straight victory.

Birthdays: Collin Cowgill (37)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Win Fifth Straight With Doubleheader Sweep appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Justin Verlander. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets (25-23) looked to follow up their thrilling game one victory in the nightcap of the split-admission doubleheader at Citi Field on Sunday night with a three-game series and doubleheader sweep. The Mets emerged over the Cleveland Guardians and got exactly that behind stellar pitching in a 2-1 win. Justin Verlander was terrific and turned in the team’s best pitching effort of the season, while the Mets got timely offense in the eighth inning.

After scoring first for the first time in 14 games in game one, the Mets were quickly behind in game two. José Ramírez launched an extremely deep two-out, solo shot to right field. This would be the only blemish on Verlander’s record. Regardless, New York found themselves in a 1-0 hole early.

That solo home run was the only tally of the game until the sixth inning when New York finally responded with a solo shot of their own. Francisco Lindor took former teammate Shane Bieber deep, 404 feet to left-center field. Just like that, the ballgame was tied up at one after six frames.

Justin Verlander’s extremely impressive day was finally over after eight terrific innings. Verlander delivered the Mets best outing by a starting pitcher this season, going the deepest into a game any starter has gone for New York so far this year. He threw 98 pitches and struck out five only allowing three hits and one run. He did not walk a batter and lowered his season ERA to 3.60.

The Mets helped out their veteran pitcher by making him the pitcher of record on the winning side in the bottom half of the eighth inning. After Francisco Álvarez lined a single over the second baseman’s head, Francisco Lindor‘s check-swing single got a stealing pinching-running Starling Marte to third base. Jeff McNeil then finished it off with a two-strike sacrifice fly to left field. This gave the Mets a 2-1 the lead headed to the final inning.

Brooks Raley came on for the save opportunity, his first with the Mets. After making a terrific play to retire Steven Kwan, he hit Amed Rosario. Fortunately, for the Mets, Ramírez grounded into a game-ending double play. New York got the doubleheader and three-game series sweep via the 2-1 victory.

Pitching dominated the game for New York. Verlander, then Raley, combined to retire 22 of the final 24 Guardian batters and last allowed a hit back in the fifth inning. The pitchers also faced the minimum over the last three innings.

Player of the Game: Justin Verlander

It was the best start by a Mets’ starting pitcher this season. This is the type of stuff New York envisioned when they brought the future Hall-of-Fame pitcher to Flushing in the offseason. Verlander’s terrific final line read: 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO (98 pitches). This performance lowered his season ERA to 3.60.

During the start, Verlander induced 12 swing and misses. He also set down each of the last 10 batters he faced and 20 of the last 21. It was really magical stuff from one of the Mets’ co-aces after Max Scherzer dominated earlier in the day.

On Deck

The Mets will once again get Monday off before traveling to Wrigley Field. On Tuesday, New York will begin their three-game series with the Cubs (20-26). Game one is scheduled for a 7:40 pm ET first pitch. The probable pitching matchup for the first game is Kodai Senga (4-2, 3.77 ERA) versus Drew Smyly (4-1, 2.86 ERA).

The post Verlander Electric As Mets Sweep Doubleheader, Series From Guardians appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Max Scherzer. Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Early Sunday afternoon, the New York Mets (24-23) faced off against the Cleveland Guardians in the first game of a split-admission doubleheader. After rain postponed yesterday’s game, it was a sunny afternoon at Citi Field for Game 1 where New York emerged victorious 5-4. Big days by Max Scherzer and the hero of the game, Starling Marte, propelled the Mets to a game over .500 for the first time in a couple weeks.

It was a pitchers’ duel for a while between impressive rookie Tanner Bibee and Scherzer. However, after leaving four runners on base in the first three innings, New York broke the 0-0 tie in the fourth.

After a nice, long at-bat by Daniel Vogelbach resulting in a walk, Gary Sánchez tallied his first hit of his Mets’ career. Still with two outs, Eduardo Escobar lined a single into right field to score the game’s first run. This was the first time in the last 14 games that the Mets scored first.

Scherzer’s day came to an end after six terrific innings. He allowed no runs and only three hits to go along with one walk and five strikeouts over 86 pitches of work. This terrific performance lowered his season ERA to 4.01. This is the type of pitcher that we saw a lot of last year as Scherzer has now has allowed only one run and five hits over his last 11 innings of work (last two starts).

New York picked up runs in consecutive innings during the sixth and seventh. In the sixth, Sánchez got his first RBI as a Met thanks to a shallow fly ball that served as a sacrifice fly. Previously, Pete Alonso and Brett Baty singled to set the opportunity up.

Then, to lead off the seventh, Brandon Nimmo rocketed a deep home run onto the Shea Bridge in right-center field. The tape measure shot was clocked at 108.8 mph off the bat and went 442 feet. New York led 3-0 after seven innings.

Things unraveled quickly in the eighth inning. Adam Ottavino‘s struggles continued as he allowed two runs. Then, David Robertson, who has been one of the best relief pitchers in baseball this season, served up a two-run home run to the first batter he faced – José Ramírez. Just like that, New York went from leading 3-0 to losing 4-3.

Luckily, the recently resurgent and home run happy Mets responded right away. After a Baty walk, in an at-bat he was down in the count 1-2, Marte lined a two-run home run to right field. Marte, who was struggling immensely, exploded with a much needed, and subsequently game-winning performance Sunday afternoon.

Robertson was back on the mound for the ninth hoping to erase the two-run eighth inning home run by Cleveland from his memory. He was able to get out of the inning clean, with the victory, and ensure the Mets a 5-4 Game 1 win.

Starling Marte. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Player of the Game: Starling Marte

Coincidentally enough, earlier this morning here at MMO we published an article analyzing Marte’s dire struggles so far this season. Well, Sunday afternoon he showed out in a big way. Marte went 3-for-4 including the game-winning eighth inning home run.

Even his only out of the day was a hard hit ball (95.9 mph and .390 xBA). Regardless, Marte showed up in a big way this afternoon and propelled his team to victory. A 2022 version of Marte would do wonders for the Mets going forward.

On Deck

It is a very quick turnaround for these Guardians and Mets. Game two of the split-admission doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 7:10 pm ET on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. The probable pitching matchup for that game Shane Bieber (3.20 ERA) versus Justin Verlander (4.76 ERA).

The post Starling Marte’s Heroics Propel Mets To 5-4 Game One Victory appeared first on Metsmerized Online.