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.

KBO star Jung-Hoo Lee will officially be posted as of 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. Teams will have 30 days to negotiate with Lee, who was the KBO MVP in 2022. 

Original Post, 12/3/23

The Mets are exploring various avenues to improve their offense for 2024 and beyond.

Center fielder Jung Hoo Lee, expected to be posted by the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes and has drawn “strong interest” from the Mets USA Today has reported on Sunday.

MLB Trade Rumors projects a five-year, $50 million contract for Lee, who reportedly is drawing interest from approximately 20 teams, including the Mets, Yankees, Giants, and Padres.

A seven-year veteran, Lee, still only 25 years old, is a five-time winner of the KBO’s Gold Glove Award, and was the league MVP in 2022, with a slash line of .349/.421/.575 (.996) and 23 home runs, 113 RBIs, 36 doubles, to go along with 10 triples across 142 games.

In 2023, he slashed .318/.406/.455 (.860 OPS) with six home runs, 45 RBIs, 23 doubles, and two triples across 86 games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury, which required surgery in July. 

Lee expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

The signing period for KBO players is 30 days. In comparison, the Japanese NPB, where Yoshinobu Yamamoto is from, has a 45-day signing period.

Lee would also provides the Mets with defensive options. He can play center field immediately and Brandon Nimmo can switch to left field. Or Nimmo can, for now, remain in center field, and Lee can play left field. Right fielder Starling Marte is a free agent after the 2025 season and the Mets main left field option currently is DJ Stewart.

The post KBO Star Jung-Hoo Lee to be Posted on Tuesday appeared first on Metsmerized.

Once Go is officially posted, teams will have 30 days to work out a potential deal that includes a release fee. That fee would be paid to the LG Twins, and if the Twins don’t like the amount that the fee would be, they can decide to keep Go.

Here’s a breakdown of how the release fee works:

• Contract worth less than $25 million: 20% of contract value
• Contract worth $25 million to $50 million: $5 million plus 17.5% of amount over $25 million
• Contract worth more than $50 million: $9.275 million plus 15% of amount over $50 million

The 25-year-old has a 2.39 ERA, 334 strikeouts, and 139 saves in his last 273 1/3 innings covering the last five seasons. After posting a 1.48 last season, Go struggled a bit this year with a 3.68 ERA in 44 innings. He did post a career-best 12.1 K/9 and allowed only two home runs.

Korean closer Woo-Suk Go will be allowed to seek a MLB deal.

The 25-year-old averages 95 mph on his four-seamer, mixes in hard slider and curve as well.

Has 2.39 ERA and 334 strikeouts in 275 1/3 innings over last 5 seasons. 139 saves in that time.

pic.twitter.com/d69QEiCY6U

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) November 22, 2023

Go averaged 95 mph on his four-seamer this year and topped out at 98 mph. He also throws a slider in the 87-91 mph range and a curve as well.

Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee, who is Go’s brother-in-law, is also expected to be posted this offseason and MLB Trade Rumors has him ranked as their No. 15 free agent.

The post Korean Closer Woo-Suk Go Seeking MLB Deal appeared first on Metsmerized.

Adam Ottavino. Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, there were many question marks surrounding the New York Mets’ bullpen entering the season. By year’s end, it actually emerged, despite what some may have thought, as a very formidable unit. One of the main reasons why was the elite, and somewhat surprising, performance of Adam Ottavino.

On paper, the Mets’ bullpen entering this season is much stronger than it was last year. Though, if someone were to emerge like Ottavino did last season, it may make the potentially lethal unit even stronger. With that being said, what current member has a chance to put up an elite season like Ottavino did last year?

Brooks Raley

After a rough beginning to his major-league career, Raley spent five seasons with the Lotte Giants of the KBO from 2015-2019. Over this time, he posted a lackluster ERA of 4.13 as a starter. He then made the jump back to North America for the 2020 season as a relief pitcher for the first time in his career.

Across 20 innings in the MLB during the 2020 season, with two teams, he posted a 4.95 ERA. However, he struck out 27 batters and his xERA (3.11) and xFIP (3.63) were both much lower than his actual ERA. This indicating that his actual performances were influenced by some bad luck.

He spent all of 2021 with the Houston Astros posting a 4.78 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 49 innings. Though, once again, it appears the now 34 year old was impacted by some poor luck. During that same season he had an xERA of 3.81 and an xFIP of 2.91. Each figures once again indicating this phenomenon.

The following season, he was moved to the Tampa Bay Rays where he produced a career year. He threw 53 2/3 innings and struck out 61. His ERA finally matched up with his underlying metrics too. He posted a career-low 2.68 ERA to go along with an xERA of 2.79 and xFIP of 3.28.

Raley was subsequently traded to the Mets on December 8 for prospect Keyshawn Askew. Now he projects to be the team’s lead left-handed option in the bullpen.

Brooks Raley. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

What Makes Him The Likely Candidate? 

Much like Ottavino, Raley has always posted strong underlying metrics throughout his much-shorter career. In 2022, Raley had one of the best analytically makeups of any left-handed relievers in the league. This is evident by his Baseball Savant page posted below.

Brooks Raley’s 2022 Baseball Savant page.

For comparison’s sake, although Raley posted a better season in terms of ERA, Ottavino’s underlying metrics the year before his breakout 2022 campaign were also very strong. His Baseball Savant page from that season follows:

Adam Ottavino’s 2021 Baseball Savant page.

Now, this is not a perfect comparison. Each pitcher are very different in that one is a right hander and the other is a lefty. Also, Ottavino is far more experienced than Raley is and it is not like Raley’s 2.68 ERA from last season was a catastrophic figure. This number is actually much stronger than the 4.21 ERA Ottavino posted before his breakout season in 2021. But, the overall point is the same. Each pitcher posted very strong underlying metrics, which is a great indicator of future success. As we saw in Ottavino’s case.

If Raley can post anywhere near a similar analytically profile as he did last season, he should be in for a terrific year. One that, looking back on in the future, you may even be able to draw parallels to when Ottavino emerged as a ‘surprise’ stalwart in the Mets’ bullpen during the 2022 season.

The post Can Brooks Raley Emerge As The Mets’ Next Gem In The Bullpen? appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning, Mets fans!

The family of former Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs is filing a civil lawsuit against the team, alleging that the team was partially responsible for his death. This comes months after the team’s former communications director Eric Kay was sentenced to 22 years in prison for supplying Skaggs with the opioids that killed him in July of 2019. According to the Wall Street Journal, multiple players knew of Kay’s activities and were aware that Skaggs was using the drugs throughout the season.

Latest Mets News

MLB.com ranked the Mets as the second-strongest team in baseball in their first power rankings of 2023. The Mets were ranked only behind the defending champion Astros. The votes were based on the Mets’ strong offseason and the potential signing of Carlos Correa.

Latest MLB News

The Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO have permitted outfielder Jung Hoo Lee to be posted. The 23-year-old has torn up the league ever since his career began in 2017 and had his best season in 2022, hitting .349/.421/.575 with 23 homers, 36 doubles, 10 triples, and 113 RBIs in 627 plate appearances. Lee also drew 66 walks against just 32 strikeouts.

Legendary Texas Longhorns head coach Cliff Gustafson passed away at the age of 91 from congestive heart failure yesterday morning. Gustafson spent 15 years as the head coach at South San Antonio High School before a 28-year run with the Longhorns that included two College World Series titles.

The NHL Winter Classic was held at Fenway Park yesterday, and Kiké Hernandez was on hand to support the Bruins. The Bruins also arrived at the game wearing old-time Red Sox uniforms.

Latest on MMO

Nate Mendelson writes about how Eduardo Escobar could help the Mets improve at pinch-hitting.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: John Sullivan (82), Jim Dwyer (73), Luis Rivera (59), Mark Dewey (58)

The post Morning Briefing: Family of Tyler Skaggs Files Lawsuit Against Angels appeared first on Metsmerized.

Bae Ji Heon of Navar News reports that the Mets are among at least six teams pursuing KBO star, Ha-Seong Kim. He is expected to get at least a four-year deal worth $7 million or more annually.

The 25-year-old was posted by Kiwoom Heroes and is available to be signed by MLB teams until January 1, 2021.

In 2020, the shortstop/third baseman hit .306/.397/.523 with 30 home runs, 109 RBI and 23 stolen bases. For his career, he has a .294/.373/.493 slash line with 133 home runs, 575 RBI and 134 stolen bases.

Mets’ Team President, Sandy Alderson, recently emphasized that the team could improve at third base, although he noted it wasn’t as big of a need as compared to others on the roster.

Given the price tag that Ha-Seong Kim appears to be commanding, it is not surprising that the Mets would look into him as an option to fill their third base need.

The post Mets Pursuing KBO Star, Ha-Seong Kim appeared first on Metsmerized.

The Dark Knight will rise again…. in Korea.

Well, at least that’s what he wants.

According to multiple reports, Matt Harvey‘s representatives reached out to clubs in the Korea Baseball Organization to see if there was any interest in him. Well, there was, from at least one baseball club in the KBO, unconfirmed as to which one. Harvey is open to the idea. However, no official offer or contract is in place yet.

It is important to note that there is a cap for KBO teams on the number of foreign players they can have on the roster at the same time. That number? Three. On top of that, only two out of three foreign players can be pitchers. This can work in Harvey’s favor if he’s the only arm of interest, but if he is not, it is not likely they will sign two pitchers.

There is also the coronavirus protocol, where Harvey (or other foreign player the KBO wants to sign) would have to self-quarantine for at least 14 days once they arrive in Korea.

We all know that Harvey wants to be back. In February, he worked out with the Blue Jays but did not receive an offer. In March, he posted a video of him pitching a bullpen session which raised further questions as to whether or not it’s the time for his return.  

KBO is the only baseball happening right now, so if it’s any time for a former MLB player to play in the KBO, it may as well be now, with many more people watching and enjoying.

Harvey has not played in the majors since July of last season, when he was released by the Angels after 59 2/3 innings and a whopping 7.09 ERA.

The post Matt Harvey Wants To Play in the KBO appeared first on Metsmerized.

Although baseball could be returning stateside relatively soon, Korean baseball is still the only live professional baseball happening around the world. Three former Mets were in action last night. Let’s catch up with them and see how they have been doing in the KBO.

Chris Flexen – Doosan Bears

Righty Chris Flexen made his fourth start for the Doosan Bears last night. He tossed a quality start over the SK Wyverns but struggled a bit. In six innings, Flexen walked four and allowed three runs on four hits while striking out four. This comes after Flexen looked dominant in his last outing against the league-leading NC Dinos, in which he struck out 10 over eight one-run frames. After winning his first two starts, Flexen was given the deGrom treatment in that outing, getting a no-decision. He’s still 2-0 overall with a 3.12 ERA.

Chris Flexen struggled a bit in his fourth KBO start:

6 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K

ERA for the season at 3.12https://t.co/4EgMmJtE5S

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) May 26, 2020

Aaron Altherr – NC Dinos

The former Mets outfielder has had a rough transition to the KBO through the season’s first few weeks, but things could be looking up. Coming into last night’s game, Altherr’s average sat at just .218 with a middling OPS of .725. But Altherr broke out with two hits and a walk against the Kiwoom Heroes, including a punctuating three-run home run in the eighth inning, his fourth homer of the season, to put the game out of reach. It was just Altherr’s fourth multi-hit game of the season and raised his average up to .241.

Aaron Altherr hit a big three-run homer today and the stadium celebration was amazing. pic.twitter.com/9jLhvYahVo

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) May 26, 2020

Drew Gagnon – Kia Tigers

Right-hander Drew Gagnon did not allow a run for the second consecutive outing, taking a win over the KT Wiz. He allowed just three hits over seven shutout frames with eight punchouts and no walks after tossing six shutout innings against the Lotte Giants last week. Gagnon appears to have settled in after allowing four runs in each of his first two starts. His ERA for the season is down to 2.70.

Drew Gagnon tossed his second consecutive scoreless outing today for the Kia Tigers:

7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K

pic.twitter.com/6HguGVJyL8

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) May 26, 2020

The post KBO Update: Altherr Goes Deep, Gagnon Extends Scoreless Stretch appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good Morning, Mets fans!

Yesterday, Andrew Cuomo announced that New York sports teams will be allowed to start up spring training camps in New York State, effective immediately. The Mets’ current plan is to host Spring Training 2.0 down at their Port St.Lucie complex, but with the Governer’s recent announcement, that could change their plans.

Latest Mets News 

Joel Sherman of The New York Post profiled Gregg Jefferies‘ rough career with the Mets.

David Lennon of Newsday reviewed Jay Horwitz’s newest novel.

Latest MLB News 

Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic analyzed the current state of the negotiations between the MLB and MLBPA.

Chad Wolf, the Secretary of Homeland Security, has cleared professional sports players to enter the country, an option that wasn’t possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last couple of months. This move allows players who live outside of the US to come back to the US to play for their respective professional leagues.

Alex Speier of The Boston Globe wonders if amateur players will head to the KBO if they are not picked in this year’s draft.

The Blue Jays will not furlough or lay off any of their employees until October 1st, at the earliest, per John Lott of The Athletic.

Latest NL East News 

The Nationals unveiled their World Series ring, which contains a ton of Easter Eggs.

Latest on MMO

Michelle Ioannou wrote a touching piece on the absence of baseball.

Sal Manzo previewed which free agent backstops will be available via free agency after the 2020 season.

On This Day in Mets History

Birthdays: Jim Marshall (89), Scott Hairston (41), taller Chris Young (41)

The post Morning Briefing: Pro Sports Inch Closer to Return appeared first on Metsmerized.

With no games being played stateside, there is only one place to get your baseball fix right now and that is the KBO. The Korean baseball season began earlier this month and is drawing more attention then ever.

One of the interesting things for Mets fans to watch during these games is the performances of some former players that were in New York just last season. Drew Gagnon, Chris Flexen and Aaron Altherr are all playing in the KBO after last suiting up with the Mets in the MLB.

Flexen and Gagnon each had their stints in the Mets bullpen in 2019, but they are now featured starters for their respective teams in the KBO.

Pitching for the Doosan Bears, Flexen was particularly dominant in his latest start, nearly going the distance against Altherr’s NC Dinos.

Former Mets pitcher Chris Flexen was dominant today in the KBO

8 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 10 K

Now has a 1.12 ERA through 3 starts

https://t.co/SPVLg05VoW

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) May 20, 2020

Flexen wasn’t the only ex-Met to throw a gem on Wednesday though, as Gagnon had himself a great outing as well, blanking the Lotte Giants across six inning pitched.

Former Mets pitcher Drew Gagnon in the KBO today:

6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K and induced this triple play

https://t.co/jA927cOdvL

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) May 20, 2020

If you want to tune in to watch some KBO action yourself, games are being aired on ESPN and can also be streamed through Twitch.

The post Former Mets Pitchers Excel in the KBO appeared first on Metsmerized.