Jared Young kicked off the afternoon with a solo home run in the second inning against Yankees starter Luis Gil. Catchers Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger also hit home runs, with Torrens going deep in the fourth inning and Senger in the sixth. Senger had a strong outing, also throwing out a runner at second base.

JT Schwartz added to the lead with a three-run homer, hitting the ball at 104 mph. Carson Benge, Mark Vientos, and Ryan Clifford started the game but went hitless. However, Cristian Pache, Christian Arroyo, Vidal Brujan, Matt Rudick, and Grae Kessinger each recorded hits during the game.

Justin Hagenman had a solid spring debut, throwing 46 pitches over 2 1/3 innings. The only blemish on his performance was a home run allowed to Jose Caballero. The Mets held the Yankees to just one run until the eighth inning, aided by scoreless outings from Saul Garcia, Mike Baumann, Matt Turner, Douglas Orellana, and Brett Banks.

Brian Metoyer was the sole drawback, pitching only 1/3 of an inning and giving up two hits, three runs, and one walk; the three runs came from a home run by the Yankees’ Kenedy Corona in the eighth inning. Joey Gerber came in to finish the inning without issue, and Carlos Guzman gave up two walks but managed to close out the game.

There were several ABS (automated ball-strike) challenges during the game, with players from both teams requesting reviews on pitches at the plate.

For the Yankees, Trent Grisham had a strike confirmed, Jose Caballero had a strike overturned to a ball, Austin Wells also had a strike changed to a ball, and Miguel Palma utilized the system twice—successfully overturning a strike to a ball once and having a ball confirmed.

On the Mets’ side, Luis Torrens had a ball changed to a strike, Christian Pache had a strike confirmed, and Hayden Senger had a ball confirmed.

Jared Young. Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Player of the Game: Jared Young

On a day when he might not have been excited about the outcome of the United States-Canada Men’s Gold Medal hockey game, Canadian Jared Young performed well in baseball, going 1-for-2 at the plate. He hit a home run off Luis Gil and also drew a walk.

On Deck

The Mets head to Dunedin to take on the Toronto Blue Jays. The game will not be televised but will be able to be heard on Mets Radio 880.

The post Homers Propel Mets Over Yankees 6-4 For First Win Of Spring appeared first on Metsmerized.

Triple-A

Buffalo Bisons (4-10) 0 vs. Syracuse Mets (7-9) 2

BOX SCORE

• CF Drew Gilbert 1-4, R, K (.500 OPS)
• LF Billy McKinney 2-3, 2B, RBI (3), BB (.608 OPS)
• 1B Joey Meneses 1-3, 2B, RBI (10), BB, K (.875 OPS)

Syracuse’s offense struck early, getting their two runs in the first and relying on the defense and pitching to do the rest. Gilbert made his first Triple-A appearance of the year, logging a hit and a strikeout in four at-bats.

• RHP Dom Hamel (0.00 ERA) 3 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 K (31 of 45 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Grant Hartwig (5.40 ERA) 1 IP, 2 K
• RHP Dedniel Núñez (4.50 ERA) 1 IP, 2 BB, 2 K

Hamel had a solid start in his return from the IL, going three innings while striking out five. The bullpen held strong, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing one hit as Núñez inched closer to his eventual major league return.

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Double-A 

Reading Fightin Phils (5-7) 2 , Binghamton Rumble Ponies (4-6) 6

BOX SCORE

• SS Jett Williams 2-for-5, 2 R, HR (2), 2 RBI (6), SB (2), 2 K (.797 OPS)
• DH Ryan Clifford 0-for-4, 3 K (.649 OPS)
• CF Nick Morabito 0-for-4, BB, CS (1), K (.507 OPS)
• 3B JT Schwartz 2-for-3, R, 2B, HR (1), 2 RBI (2), BB (1.771 OPS)
• 1B Nick Lorusso 1-for-3, SB (1), BB, K (.934 OPS)

The Rumble Ponies had a power surge on the day, with five of their 10 hits going for extra bases. Williams led the game off with a solo home run to set the tone, and Schwartz, playing third base to add to his positional versatility, followed up in the second inning with a homer of his own.

• RHP Jack Wenninger (1.20 ERA) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 HR allowed (46 of 76 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Trey McLoughlin (12.00 ERA) 1 IP, 2 K

Wenninger continued his outstanding season, pitching five quality innings and striking out six hitters while allowing one run. The bullpen combined for four innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts.

High-A

Aberdeen IronBirds (6-6) 3, Brooklyn Cyclones (8-4) 7

BOX SCORE

• 3B Jacob Reimer 2-for-4, 2B, R, RBI (11), K (1.008 OPS)
• C Christopher Suero 1-for-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI (15) 2 SB (2), K (1.334 OPS)
• SS Boston Baro 1-for-5, 2B, 1 R, K (.655 OPS)
• CF Eli Serrano III 0-for-3, R, BB, K (.801 OPS)

The Cyclones accessed the clutch gene and came back to score five runs in the ninth inning for the victory, sparked by a Suero double and ending with a fielding error on a Jefrey De Los Santos hit that scored D’Andre Smith.

• RHP Brendan Girton (5.00 ERA)  3 1/3 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K (38 of 65 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Joel Diàz (0.00 ERA) 3 2/3 IP, 1 BB, 4 K
• RHP Dylan Ross (1.59 ERA) 2 IP, 2 BB, 4 K

Girton struggled in his start, allowing three runs on four hits while walking three. The bullpen held the lead with 5 2/3 innings of no-hit ball. Diàz has looked great since his return, as he has yet to allow a run while striking out 13 hitters in 11 innings

Low-A

St. Lucie Mets (6-6) 1,  Tampa Tarpons (6-6) 6

BOX SCORE

• 2B Trey Snyder 1-for-3, 2B, RBI (5), 2 K (.549 OPS)
• CF Jeff McNeil *REHAB* 0-for-3 (.702 OPS)
• LF/CF A.J. Ewing 0-for-4, K (1.149 OPS)
• SS Jeremy Rodriguez 1-for-3, BB 2 K (.674 OPS)
• DH Marco Vargas 1-for-4, R, 2 K (.974 OPS)

St. Lucie struggled with the bats on Thursday, only managing four hits on the day as their one through four hitters went a combined 0-for-11 with four strikeouts. McNeil started in center field and despite the 0-for-3 line, made a highlight-reel catch in the gap to take away an extra base hit.

• RHP Ethan Lanthier (6.00 ERA) 3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K 1 HR allowed (35 of 59 pitches for strikes)
• LHP Eli Ankeney (3.00 ERA) 1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 2 K
• RHP Josh Blum (3.86 ERA) 1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 K, 1 HR allowed

Lanthier struggled with his control on the day, walking four in three innings while giving up a home run. That would prove to be more runs than he could afford to allow. Blum, a 16th-round pick last year, had a mixed outing, allowing a home run but striking out three in his 1 2/3 innings.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Jett Williams Mashes Leadoff Homer for Binghamton appeared first on Metsmerized.

The Mets have decided to not add any eligible players to the 40-man roster to protect them from the MLB Rule 5 draft on December 11. The team’s 40-man roster remains at 34 players.

However, this means that Dom Hamel, Mike Vasil, Luke Ritters, and other players listed below are now exposed to being taken in the draft. If they are, they must remain on the active 26-man roster all season in order for the player to remain with the team that drafted him. If the team cuts said player, the original team can purchase his contract back for $50,000.

Vasil and Hamel could both be acquired and used in another team’s bullpen.

Dedniel Núñez was a recent player acquired from the Mets in the Rule 5 draft, but he got injured with the Giants and he returned to the Mets at the end of the year.

Original Post, November 18, 4:00 p.m.

Each offseason, every MLB team has to make some tough decisions. It doesn’t get easier for teams when deciding which players they should add to their 40-man rosters to protect them from the Rule 5 draft. The Mets have an extensive list of players this offseason who are Rule 5 eligible.

The 2024 Mets season proved some of their youth at the Major League level had promise, but the 2025 roster will look much different due to so many free agents expected to leave. Entering Monday, the Mets have 33 players on the 40-man roster. There is a priority for the 2025 offseason for starting pitching and bullpen help, so the Mets may be more inclined to use their available 40-man roster spots on pitchers. This list is just speculation, but it is worth getting to know some of the Rule-5 eligible players who may be protected by the Mets or be targets for other teams.

The Mets must decide whether or not to protect the following players by 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Mike Vasil. Photo by Rick Nelson

Mike Vasil, RHP (Triple-A)

Mike Vasil came into the 2024 season knocking on the door to get his shot with the big club – but nothing seemed to go according to plan for him. Vasil was hit hard in Syracuse, running a 6.04 ERA while striking out 109 batters and walking 52 in 134 innings.

While Vasil shows a decent four-pitch mix, the results weren’t there, and his control seemed to abandon him more often than not. Despite this, the Mets are looking to rebuild most of their rotation, and having Vasil as near MLB-ready depth is worth mentioning.

Prediction: Added

Dom Hamel, RHP (Triple-A)

Like Vasil, Dom Hamel had a rough 2024 season in Syracuse, with a 6.79 ERA while walking 77 batters and striking out 124 over 124 2/3 innings. Hamel also has a four-pitch mix, but his ultimate home may be in the bullpen unless he can improve his control. Yet again, with so many vacancies in Flushing, it would be hard to see the Mets not protecting a Triple-A starter who does have upside and is only a year removed from a much better 2023 season that saw him pitch to a 3.85 ERA and strike out 160 batters in 124 innings in Double-A.

Prediction: Added

Luke Ritter, UTIL (Triple-A)

“Ritter The Hitter” had a good season in Triple-A, slashing .257/.369/.480 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs while walking 73 times and striking out 174 times. Ritter saw playing time at every infield position except shortstop and played left field. While he is not spectacular in the field, he has shown power and the ability to draw walks but strikes out too much for the profile to be sustainable. Another factor working against Ritter is his age, as he will start the 2025 season as a 27-year-old.

Prediction: Not Added

JT Schwartz, 1B (Triple-A)

JT Schwartz, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, has always hit for a solid average but has never developed any power, hitting 20 home runs over four minor league seasons. The Mets organization tried to get him some positional versatility this year, with seven starts at third base in Double-A, but a non-power-hitting first baseman isn’t something many teams are interested in.

Prediction: Not Added

Hayden Senger, C (Triple-A)

Hayden Senger was a Mets 24th-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and has climbed the ladder gradually every year, spending most of his injury-shortened 2024 season in Syracuse. Senger is a solid defender without much power to offer, but is a solid organizational catcher. He traveled with the Mets’ during their 2024 postseason run as an emergency backup catcher.

Prediction: Not Added

Nate Lavender, Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Nate Lavender, LHP (Triple-A)

Lavender is the most curious case because he will likely miss the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May. Lavender struck out 86 batters across two levels over 54 innings, only allowing 39 hits. A high-upside southpaw could be enticing to another team but the unknown recovery table could make the reliever less attractive.

Prediction: Not Added

Rowdey Jordan, 2B/3B (Double-A)

Rowdey Jordan repeated the 2024 season at Double-A and performed worse than he did in 2023. Jordan offers some speed, having stolen 55 bases over the last two seasons but not much in the way of power, and saw his walk rate go down and his strikeout rate go up. Jordan’s best position is second base, and the Mets seem to be set at second base both at the major league level and with some of the higher-level prospects.

Prediction: Not Added

Joander Suarez, RHP (Triple-A)

Suarez was dominant for a stretch in 2024 with Binghamton – however, that same success did not carry over to Syracuse. While Suarez doesn’t have the greatest stuff, he knows how to use it and limits walks. Suarez allowed five home runs in nine Triple-A innings, so maybe the wear and tear of a long season got the best of him. Adding him could be a bit on the fringe, but starters with a 2.1 BB/9 can be useful in any organization.

Prediction: Not Added

Jawilme Ramirez, RHP (High-A)

Ramirez is the sole person on this list who went to play in the Arizona Fall League and had an average performance. The 2024 season saw Ramirez pitch only 73 innings and strike out 61 batters against 37 walks. Ramirez will play the 2025 season as a 23-year-old, and while there is still an upside, he is far from a finished product.

Prediction: Not Added

Matt Allan, RHP

Matt Allan’s career has been derailed by injuries, and he hasn’t thrown a pitch in a professional game since 2019. Allan was a 2019 third-round pick who they signed away from a college commitment for $2.5 million. I would love nothing more than to see Allan pitch in the 2025 season at any level, but there is no need to protect him as a 23-year-old with 10 1/3 professional innings under his belt.

Prediction: Not Added

Other Rule 5 Decisions:

• Matt O’Neill, C
• Drake Osborn, C
• Vincent Perozo, C/1B
• William Lugo, INF
• Junior Tilien, INF
• Jefrey De Los Santos, INF
• Wyatt Young, INF
• Matt Rudick, OF
• Omar De Los Santos, OF
• TJ Shook, P
• Luis Moreno, P
• Felipe De La Cruz, SP
• Landon Marceaux, SP
• Douglas Orellana, SP
• Luis R. Rodriguez, SP
• Trey McLoughlin, RP
• Josh Hejka, RP
• Nolan Clenney, RP
• Joshua Cornielly, RP
• Raimon Gomez, RP
• Layonel Ovalles, RP
• Jeremy Peguero, RP

The Rule 5 Draft will take place on Dec. 11 at the Winter Meeting in Dallas. There is a major league portion and minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft. If selected in the major league portion, a player must remain on his new team’s major league roster for the entire upcoming season, or else he’s offered back to his original team. Players picked in the minor league phase aren’t forced to remain on a specific roster and can’t be offered back to their original organization.

The post Mets Don’t Protect Any Players From Rule 5 Draft appeared first on Metsmerized.

Triple-A

Charlotte Knights (66-76) 7, Syracuse Mets (75-69) 15

BOX SCORE

• SS Jett Williams: 1-for-4, 2B, R, RBI (1), BB, 2 K (.900 OPS)
• LF Drew Gilbert: 0-for-3, R, RBI (22), BB, K (.650 OPS)
• DH Luke Ritter: 1-for-5, 2B, R, 3 K (.864 OPS)
• 3B Yolmer Sanchez: 2-for-3, 3 R, HR (9), 5 RBI (51), SB (8), 2 BB (.738 OPS)
• 1B JT Schwartz: 1-for-3, 2 R, 3 RBI (18), BB (.663 OPS)
• CF José Azocar: 3-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R

Jett Williams had a double in his Triple-A debut and Yolmer Sanchez had an outstanding game with a home run, a stolen base and five RBIs.

• RHP Mike Vasil (6.16 ERA) 4 IP, 6 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR allowed (54 of 75 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Kyle Crick (3.00 ERA) 1 IP, 1 H, 3 K
• RHP Trey McLoughlin (2.57 ERA) 1 IP, 2 BB
• RHP Eric Orze (3.02 ERA) 1 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K
• RHP Ty Adcock (4.24 ERA) 1 1/3 IP, 2 K

Mike Vasil ended his season with another poor start, allowing six runs on eight hits, including a home run. Vasil went from a potential rotation arm at the MLB level to risking being left off the 40-man roster for the 2025 season. The bullpen did the rest of the heavy lifting, only allowing one run over the final five innings. Trey McLoughlin has been great in the 2024 season, going from a non-prospect to a potential major league bullpen arm.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Jett Williams Makes Triple-A Debut appeared first on Metsmerized.

Mar 16, 2024; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets Yolmer Sanchez (83) hits a double in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Triple-A

Worcester Red Sox (74-67) 0, Syracuse Mets (73-67) 11

BOX SCORE

• SS Yolmer Sánchez: 2-for-4, 2 R, HR (8), 3B, 5 RBI, BB, 2 K (.714 OPS)
• 1B JT Schwartz: 1-for-4, R, 2 RBI, BB (.620 OPS)
• CF Drew Gilbert: 1-for-3, K (.645 OPS)
• 2B Wyatt Young: 2-for-4, R, RBI, K (.459 OPS)

The Syracuse Mets bounced back in a big way after being shut out on Thursday night. Led by a massive game from Yolmer Sánchez, the Mets trounced the Woo Sox 11-0, their first win of the penultimate series of the Triple-A regular season.

Double. Homer. Four RBIs.

Have a night, Yolmer Sánchez 😤 pic.twitter.com/NCPKc684QU

— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) September 14, 2024

• RHP Dom Hamel (6.92 ERA): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K (53 of 81 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Grant Hartwig (4.24): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
• RHP Kyle Crick (4.50): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
• RHP Trey McLoughlin (3.00): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Dom Hamel and the rest of Syracuse’s pitching staff dominated Worcester on Friday–allowing only five hits while striking out 12 Woo Sox. It has been a rough year for Hamel (like most Syracuse starting pitchers), as Friday was only his second scoreless start.

Double-A

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (68-66) 3, Portland Sea Dogs (77-59) 6

BOX SCORE

• CF Stanley Consuegra: 3-for-4, R, 2B, K (.561 OPS)
• RF Ryan Clifford: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB (.819 OPS)
• SS Jeremiah Jackson: 1-for-5, 2 K (.625 OPS)

Despite a late offensive push, Binghamton’s early hole was too deep to come back from, and it dropped Friday’s matchup against Portland 6-3. While the Ponies had ten baserunners, the team collectively went 0-for-14 with RISP.

Ryan Clifford has hits in four straight games, including four extra-base hits in that span. In the Mets Farm System, Clifford is first in walks (92), second in home runs (19), and third in doubles (26).

• RHP Jordan Geber (4.15 ERA): 4 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K (53 of 84 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Nolan Clenney (5.37): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
• LHP Daniel Juarez (5.09): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
• RHP Cam Robinson (3.20): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Geber has been a steading force for both the Binghamton and Syracuse pitching staffs, but he has not had a good September. Coming into the month, Geber had a 3.40 ERA in Binghamton–after his Friday start, he has a 4.15 for the season and 6.92 for the month.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Syracuse Blows Out Worcester 11-0 appeared first on Metsmerized.

Luke Ritter. Photo by Herm Card

Triple-A

Game 1: Columbus Clippers (52-52) 7, Syracuse Mets (62-43) 1 In 6 Innings

BOX SCORE

• 2B Luke Ritter: 3-for-3, 2B, RBI (.904 OPS)
• SS Pablo Reyes: 1-for-2, R, K (.916 OPS)

Despite taking an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, Syracuse was downed by Columbus 7-1. Ritter drove in the solo run in the top of the doubleheader, his ninth RBI of the week. Ritter has been on a tear since his slump in June. He has a six-game hit streak and has increased his average by 0.19 points over that span, not to mention his 1.012 OPS in July.

• RHP Blade Tidwell (5.63 ERA) 2 2/3 IP, 4 H, 6 R (2 ER), 4 BB, 3 K (65 pitches/37 strikes)
• RHP Wilkin Ramos 1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
• RHP Shintaro Fujinami 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tidwell had some bad luck on Saturday; only two of his six runs allowed in the third inning were earned. After returning to the organization after being DFA’d to clear room on the 40-man roster for the big league club’s trade deadline acquisitions, Shintaro Fujinami gave Syracuse two quality innings in relief. He notably did not allow a hit or walk in this appearance.

JT Schwartz. Photo by Bronson Harris of Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Game 2: Columbus Clippers (53-52) 3, Syracuse Mets (62-44) 0 In 7 Innings

BOX SCORE

• 1B JT Schwartz: 2-for-3, 2 2B (.575 OPS)
• RF DJ Stewart: 1-for-2, 2B, BB, K (1.000 OPS)

Syracuse was shut out in the night cap of their doubleheader on Saturday, losing 3-0 to the Clippers. Schwartz picked up two doubles, only his third and fourth extra-base hits since his promotion to Syracuse on July 11. DJ Stewart appeared in his first games for Syracuse since his demotion from the major league. He picked up a double and a walk.

• RHP Jordan Geber (4.26 ERA) 4 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K (63 pitches/41 strikes)
• RHP Eric Orze 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
• LHP Matt Gage 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

For the second-straight game, Columbus scored all of its runs in one inning. This time, Jordan Geber was responsible, though his offense did not do him any favors. Orze and Gage combined for two innings, two baserunners, and four strikeouts. Gage has not allowed a run since coming to the Mets organization (six appearances).

Double-A

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (52-45) New Hampshire FisherCats (39-58)

Due to inclement weather, Saturday’s game between Binghamton and New Hampshire game was been postponed. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday with Game 1 starting at 2:15 pm.

D’Andre Smith. Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

High-A 

Brooklyn Cyclones (47-53) 3, Aberdeen IronBirds (52-48) 4 In 8 Innings

BOX SCORE

• 2B D’Andre Smith: 2-for-3, R, BB, K (.367 OPS)
• CF Omar De Los Santos: 1-for-3, R, HR (7), 3 RBI (.589 OPS)
• DH Nick Morabito: 1-for-3, 3B, BB, K (.727 OPS)

Due to rain, the Friday night game between Brooklyn and Aberdeen has to be suspended and finished on Saturday, followed by the scheduled initially Saturday game. Neither happened. The resumed Friday night match was called in the eighth inning on Saturday due to inclement weather, and game two has been pushed back to Sunday.

The Cyclones’ only run scored came on Saturday, a three-run homer from Omar De Los Santos; his seventh of the season in Brooklyn.

• LHP Felipe De La Cruz (4.42 ERA) 3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (55 pitches/ 32 strikes)
• RHP Zach Thornton 3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
• RHP Henry Henry 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 1 K

The stopping and starting did not help the Brooklyn staff, who used two frontline pitchers. De La Cruz and Thornton gave the Cyclones little length, throwing three innings and allowing earned runs.

Low-A 

Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (51-46) 2, St. Lucie Mets (34-66) 3

Due to persistent rain, Saturday’s game between the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and St. Lucie Mets was been postponed. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday with Game 1 starting at 12:05 pm ET. Both games will be seven innings.

Both DSL teams won their matchups against their DSL Yankee counterparts. Mets Orange were led by C Yovanny Rodriguez who went 2-for-4, with a run, a double, and five RBIs. Mets Blue only collected four hits but scored the winning run via centerfielder Reneil Diaz’s RBI-single. 

The post Mets Minors Recap: Luke Ritter Turns In Another Strong Performance appeared first on Metsmerized.

2024 Traditional Stats: 21 G, 121.2 IP, 7-4, 3.11 ERA, 1.142 WHIP, 108 SO, 34 BB
2024 Advanced Stats: 133 ERA+, 21.5% SO%, 6.8% BB%, 3.76 xERA, 3.75 FIP, 3.95 xFIP, 2.7 fWAR, 4.7 bWAR

Jul 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Erick Fedde (20) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

RUNDOWN

Erick Fedde, one of the most underrated starting pitchers on the trade market, is expected to be moved by the Chicago White Sox before the July 30 trade deadline. 

The Washington Nationals drafted the righty in the first round of the 2014 Draft, and he made his big league debut in September 2017. Fedde went on to play five seasons with the Nationals but struggled towards the end of his tenure in DC. In 2022, he signed a one-year deal with the Nationals but struggled over his 27 starts, posting a 5.81 ERA, and ended up a free agent.

Fedde took a different approach to the 2023 season and went to play in the KBO league in Korea to focus on his pitch mix. That season, he held a 20-6 record with a 2.30 ERA and caught the attention of MLB once more. Before the start of the 2024 season, Fedde signed with the White Sox for two years, $15 million, and has looked like a completely different pitcher.

Regardless of the White Sox record (27-79), Fedde has been one of the lone bright spots in a dark time in the Southside. He is one of the highest-rated pitchers in pitching run value and fastball run value, in the 93rd percentile for both per Baseball Savant. Over 21 starts, he has a 7-4 record with a 3.11 ERA and a great pitch mix, primarily using a cutter and sinker combination.

Since joining the White Sox, Fedde has completely changed his approach to pitching, predominantly throwing breaking pitches. Fedde’s four-pitch repertoire consists of a cutter, sinker, sweeper, and change-up. At times throughout this year, he has struggled against left-handed batters, giving up nine home runs with 22 walks, but due to his array of pitches, he has been able to work around the walks.

That said, he has had a great month of July, posting a 2.53 ERA over four starts, striking out 17. It is important to note the 121.2 innings pitched, as Fedde has only pitched past that twice in his previous five big league seasons. It was always the Mets’ plan to switch to a six-man rotation with the return of Kodai Senga, but he is now out the rest of the season, and if the Mets add another starting pitcher, the six-man rotation will come to fruition.

PACKAGE

Fedde is under contract with the White Sox through the end of the 2025 season and is set to earn $7.5 million for that year. As one of the top options for starting pitching on the trade market, it may come down to a team willing to take on his contract along with multiple top prospects.

METS RECEIVE: 

• Erick Fedde

WHITE SOX RECEIVE: 

• 3B Brett Baty
• RHP Dom Hamel (No. 15 MMO Prospect)
• RHP Joel Díaz (No. 36 MMO Prospect)

RECOMMENDATION 

For the Mets, landing Fedde may come at a smaller price if they take his contract with them. Reports show that the Mets are looking to go for it at the trade deadline in a way that does not impact their future, and Fedde is one of the few available pieces out there to fit that mold.

A foreseeable deterrent will be the asking price. It’s a sellers market as the baseball world has seen the past few days, which may drive up the price.

With the injury to Kodai Senga, it is inevitable that the Mets go and get a starting pitcher. While the rotation has surprised many this year, the top half of the rotation is now in desperate need of support to make a run at the playoffs. In addition, having Fedde for 2025 would give the Mets an extra boost heading into next season as their rotation which would need some serious rebuilding due to contracts expiring.

The post MMO Trade Profile: Erick Fedde, RHP appeared first on Metsmerized.

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.

TRIPLE-A

SYRACUSE METS (53-34) 6, SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE RAILRIDERS (49-38) 8 In 10 Innings

BOX SCORE

• DH Luke Ritter: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 3 K (.838 OPS)
• 3B Brett Baty: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB (.900 OPS)
• RF Carlos Cortes: 1-for-5, R, HR (7), RBI, 2 K (.828 OPS)

The Mets blew a four-run lead, dropping the first game of their series with the RailRiders. Rylan Bannon and Luke Ritter drove in runs in the first inning, and Cortes helped with a solo homer in the second. SWB battled back, tying the game at 4-4 in the seventh inning, but an RBI ground out by Rhylan Thomas gave Syracuse a 5-4 lead heading into the eighth. Jeter Downs‘s homer in the top of the ninth tied the score and sent the game into extras, where SWB attacked early, scoring the free runner and another pair.

Bannon left the game early after getting hit by a pitch in the helmet. Catcher Hayden Senger also left the game early after fouling a ball off his foot.

• RHP Kodai Senga: (0.00 ERA) 2 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (52 pitches/30 strikes)
• RHP Max Kranick: 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
• RHP Ty Adcock 1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Senga looked like the Ace from last year in his second rehab appearance after dealing with his shoulder strain injury. After giving up a leadoff double, Kodai would find his groove, eventually 98 MPH on his fastball and collecting a strikeout to end the first inning. The second frame was more of the same; he struck out a batter, conceded a hit, and earned a ground out. It was a successful rehab start for Senga, who picked up ten whiffs (five from his ghost fork) and stretched to 52 pitches without any injury concerns.

2 strikeouts in 2 scoreless innings on 28 pitches for Kodai Senga pic.twitter.com/quSwwzxaBF

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 9, 2024

DOUBLE-A

BINGHAMTON RUMBLE PONIES (41-38) 3, NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHER CATS (33-46) 2 In 11 Innings

BOX SCORE

• 1B JT Schwartz: 1-for-4, R, HR (5), 2 RBI, BB, K (.832 OPS)
• RF Stanley Consuegra: 1-for-4, R, HR (1), RBI, 2 K (.553 OPS)

Led by a great start by Tyler Stuart and two home runs, Binghamton took down New Hampshire in extra-innings 3-2. Stanley Consuegra launched his first Double-A home run, while JT Schwartz hit the game-winning long ball, his fifth of the season. Schwartz has been an underrated prospect in the Mets system since he was drafted in 2021. He has a career .280 batting average and .777 OPS but lacks the typical power from the first base position (only 15 HR in his minor league career).

Clutch in extras 🤝

JT Schwartz with a 2-run HR in the 11th! pic.twitter.com/dJgGZHOB5T

— Binghamton Rumble Ponies (@RumblePoniesBB) July 10, 2024

• RHP Tyler Stuart: (4.26 ERA) 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K (91 pitches/ 58 strikes)
• RHP Junior Santos: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
• RHP Paul Gervase: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 2 K

Stuart continues to be Mr. Consistent for Binghamton, logging another quality start. Despite allowing at least one earned run in every outing this season, he has only given four+ ER in a game three times out of 15 games. Stuart is a typical ground ball pitcher and does not give up home runs (allowed only two homers this season). He can strike out his fair share, collecting 11 K’s in his previous start on July 1st.

HIGH-A

WILMINGTON BLUE ROCKS (37-44) 5, BROOKLYN CYCLONES (38-44) 3

BOX SCORE

• 3B Nick Lorusso: 1-for-3, RBI, K (.834 OPS)
• DH Omar De Los Santos: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K (.678 OPS)
• C Christopher Suero: 1-for-4, R, 3B, 2 K (.654 OPS)

The Cyclones fell into an early 3-0 deficit and could not fight back to a victory, losing 5-3 to Wilmington. Despite recording six hits and three runs, the Cyclones went 0-for-6 in RISP situations and left seven runners on base.

Mike Mayer reports that Lorusso has been promoted to Double-A Binghamton.

• RHP Jack Wenninger (9.64 ERA) 4 2/3 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR (89 pitches/59 strikes)
• RHP Jonathan Pintaro 3 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Wenninger, who was called up to Brooklyn earlier on Tuesday, had a rough High-A debut, allowing five runs and eight hits. Wenninger showed promising stuff down in St. Lucie, while he was susceptible to giving up homers like in Tuesday’s start.

A.J. Ewing, Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

LOW-A

ST. LUCIE METS (28-54) 5, LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS (51-30) 1

BOX SCORE

• CF A.J. Ewing: 2-for-3, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, K (.644 OPS)
• SS Colin Houck: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K (.628 OPS)
• 1B Estarling Mercado: 1-for-4, R, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 K (.694 OPS)

Ewing and Houck’s bats and Mercado’s two-run shot led St. Lucie to the win on Tuesday. Ewing is an exciting prospect to follow–his defensive versatility and loud contact at the plate make every start fun to watch.

• LHP Franklin Gomez (4.33 ERA) 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K (87 pitches/ 54 strikes)
• RHP Alan Perdomo 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Gomez, a converted outfielder, has shown vast signs of development. The southpaw picked up ten whiffs on Tuesday, five coming on his above-average slider.

FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE

FCL-METS (19-26) 2, FCL-Nationals (21-24) 8

BOX SCORE

• 1B Jake Zitella: 2-for-4, 1 R, K (.750 OPS)
• DH Jacob Reimer: 0-for-2, K (.000 OPS)

It was Reimer’s first game of the year after suffering a hamstring injury in March.

DSL Mets Blue won 5-1, led by a 2-hit effort from Edward Lantigua. 

The post Mets Minors Recap: Senga Completes Second Rehab Start appeared first on Metsmerized.

Triple-A

Syracuse Mets (51-32) 8, Worcester Red Sox (40-43) 6

BOX SCORE

• 2B Pablo Reyes: 2-for-4, 2 R, HR (7), 4 RBIs (27), K (.922 OPS)
• 3B Brett Baty: 2-for-4, 2 R, K (1.007 OPS)
• C Hayden Senger: 2-for-4, 2 2B, RBI (21) (.762 OPS)
• LF Yolmer Sánchez: 3-for-4, 2B, 2 RBIs (23) (.629 OPS)
• DH Mike Brosseau: 1-for-4, R, RBI (26), K (.852 OPS)

The Mets jumped out to a 3-0 lead early thanks to a three-run home run by Reyes. He would later add on another RBI with a single in the seventh. Reyes has a five-game hit streak and it is the third time this season he has driven in at least four runs in a game for Syracuse.

So sorry, @WooSox, Pablo plays for us now ? pic.twitter.com/YDz2cuOfTN

— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) July 3, 2024

Syracuse ended up scoring five runs in the bottom of the seventh to erase a 6-3 deficit. Sánchez ended up having the go-ahead hit with a two-run single to put the Mets ahead, 7-6. Wednesday was the second three-hit game for Sánchez while with Syracuse.

• RHP Justin Jarvis (6.00 ERA): 3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K (45 of 80 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Bryce Montes de Oca (27.00): 0.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 2 K (11 of 17 pitches for strikes)
• LHP Josh Walker (2-2, 1.50): 1.2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB (11 of 23 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Wilkin Ramos (7.50, 1st save): 1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB (10 of 23 pitches for strikes)

The five Syracuse pitchers ended up walking as many hitters as they struck out (8), but there were still some standouts such as Walker. While Walker did not record a strikeout, he ended up extending his scoreless streak to eight consecutive outings.

Double-A

Hartford Yard Goats (44-32) 12, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (37-38) 9 in 10 Innings

BOX SCORE

• RF Ryan Clifford: 2-for-5, 3 R, 2B, 2 K (.819 OPS)
• 1B JT Schwartz: 3-for-5, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBIs (23) (.832 OPS)
• 3B Jaylen Palmer: 3-for-4, R, 2B, K (.827 OPS)
• SS Jeremiah Jackson: 1-for-1, R, HR (10), 2 RBIs (28) (.628 OPS)
• C Kevin Parada: 1-for-4, R, HR (8), RBI (29), BB, 2 K (.659 OPS)

The Rumble Ponies did take the loss on Wednesday, but they were able to rally from an 8-4 deficit in the bottom of the eighth to force extra innings. Jackson did not get the start, but he had a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the ninth to tie the game at eight.

Step 1: Bring Jeremiah Jackson into the game
Step 2: HR NUKE pic.twitter.com/rLp0jRaptc

— Binghamton Rumble Ponies (@RumblePoniesBB) July 4, 2024

Schwartz extended his hit streak to seven games thanks to his fourth game of three or more hits this season. He had an RBI single in the fifth as well as an RBI double in the tenth, which was one of his two doubles on the night.

• RHP Cameron Foster (4.50): 2 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K (37 of 62 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Junior Santos (5.97): 3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K (38 of 55 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Jeffrey Colon (4.50): 4 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 K (28 of 36 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Paul Gervase (1-1, 4.58): 1 IP, 4 R (3 ER), BB, 2 K (11 of 17 pitches for strikes)

The four Rumble Ponies pitchers had a tough time giving up the long ball as they managed to allow five home runs in the loss. One of those home runs was a grand slam allowed by Gervase in the top of the tenth.

High-A

Brooklyn Cyclones (37-41) 4, Hudson Valley Renegades (39-37) 0

BOX SCORE

• 2B/SS Wilfredo Lara: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2B, HR (4), 2 RBIs (23), K (.673 OPS)
• SS Jesus Baez: 1-for-2, 2B, RBI (4), BB, K (.780 OPS)
• 3B Nick Lorusso: 2-for-4, K (.854 OPS)
• CF Nick Morabito: 1-for-4, R (.737 OPS)

After scoring one run in the first five innings, the Cyclones provided some key insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Morabito began the inning with a leadoff single and stolen base. He would come around to score on an RBI double by Baez. The 19-year-old has four RBIs over the last four games. Later in the inning, Lara would cap the scoring with a two-run home run to put Brooklyn up 4-0.

1⃣0⃣9⃣‼️

Jesús Báez blasts this RBI double at 109 mph to double our lead against the Renegades to 2-0!#LGM | #AmazinStartsHere pic.twitter.com/0VQ2JwCjpR

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) July 4, 2024

Tonight’s menu? Fettucine Wilfredo! ?

Wilfredo Lara’s fourth home run of the season extends our lead to 4-0 as we hit the seventh-inning stretch on Coney Island!#LGM | #AmazinStartsHere pic.twitter.com/VcCxPF8lDI

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) July 4, 2024

• RHP Kodai Senga (0.00): 2.2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 6 K (25 of 35 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Kade Morris (2-2, 3.86): 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 7 K (59 of 100 pitches for strikes)

New York Mets fans could not ask for a better first rehab outing for Senga, who had a stretch of four consecutive strikeouts at one point during his outing. He was using his ghost fork effectively and was able to get his fastball up to 97 miles-per-hour in velocity.

Welcome to Coney Island, Kodai Senga! ?

The 2023 All-Star strikes out two in the first inning tonight in Brooklyn.#AmazinStartsHere #LGMpic.twitter.com/29Uw5jZPGz

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) July 3, 2024

Meanwhile, Morris’s performance should not get lost in the shuffle. The 22-year-old right-hander has gone at least six innings in three consecutive outings and has struck out six or more batters in three of his last four appearances. In addition to the seven strikeouts, Morris was able to get the Renegades into nine groundouts in the win.

Low-A

Daytona Tortugas (37-40) 7, St. Lucie Mets (26-52) 1

BOX SCORE

• RF Yohairo Cuevas: 3-for-3, R, 2B, BB (.565 OPS)
• CF Kevin Villavicencio: 1-for-5, 3 K (.596 OPS)
• 2B A.J. Ewing: 0-for-4, RBI (12), 3 K (.652 OPS)
• SS Colin Houck: 0-for-3, BB, K (.635 OPS)

It was a rough night for the St. Lucie offense on Wednesday. As a team, they were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and they struck out 14 times. The only run driven in the game came on a sacrifice fly by Ewing in the top of the fifth. The only bright spot of the game was Cuevas, who had three hits or more for the second time this year.

• RHP Saul Garcia (1-5, 6.06): 5 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 5 K (45 of 77 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Cristofer Gomez (4.50): 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 5 K (26 of 35 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Joseph Yabbour (18.00): 1 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, BB, K (13 of 26 pitches for strikes)

Daytona was able to get Garcia as they put up four of the five runs scored against him in the first inning. As a team, Daytona had seven doubles, including four by Yerlin Confidan. Despite the rough start, Garcia finished five innings for the second time in his last three starts. As for Gomez, he had a season-high five strikeouts and has had five straight scoreless appearances.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Kodai Senga Strikes Out Six appeared first on Metsmerized.