Position: 3B B/T: R/R

Age: 33 (04/16/1991)

2024 Traditional Stats: 635 PA, .272/.325/.394/.719, 157 H, 16 HR, 71 RBI

2024 Advanced Stats: 102 wRC+, 14.5% K%, 6.9% BB%, .296 BABIP, .297 xwOBA, 3.1 fWAR, 2.5 bWAR

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

This can probably characterized as a move that would have been more exciting in 2019 or even 2022. There is still some value in what Nolan Arenado brings to the table, though, in my opinion.

While with the Colorado Rockies, Arenado was an MVP candidate. He was arguably the best third baseman in baseball and was posting elite offensive numbers along with his sterling glove. From 2015 to 2019, Arenado hit .300/.362/.575 with a 129 OPS+ and averaged 6.5 bWAR a year. Pretty good as Larry David would say. That stellar play helped earn him an eight-year extension worth $260 million, which notably came with a no-trade clause.

The Rockies quickly decided that they could not handle the contract, however, and moved him to the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of the 2021 season. They had almost no trade leverage and thus ended up eating a portion of his remaining money despite a light return, which included the likes of Austin Gomber and Elehuris Montero.

His first year in St. Louis was fine, but it represented a far cry from his numbers in Colorado as he slashed .255/.312/.494 with a 119 OPS+. Despite the slip in offensive output, he still posted 4.0 bWAR due to his sparkling glove.

In 2022, though, he had his best season (league-adjusted) by hitting .293/.358/.533 with a 151 OPS+. His defense, to go along with the offensive output, gave him a 7.7 bWAR season, the highest of his career. The funny story, though, is that his contract had an opt-out after 2022 and despite coming off an incredible campaign, Arenado opted into the remainder of it.

In his two subsequent seasons, Arenado has hit .269/.320/.426 with a 104 OPS+ and averaged a 2.45 bWAR. Being one of the greatest defenders ever to play third base has helped keep his production afloat, but the offensive trends are not great. Arenado has never been a high strikeout guy, and that’s remained the case despite his declining production in 2023 and 2024. His contact rate is roughly the same too, and the only aspect of his game that has truly declined is his hard-hit rate. I would venture that’s a result of diminished bat speed and he is on a mission to make contact at all costs.

St. Louis is in a re-tooling period and Arenado wants out. The Cardinals, by all accounts, have no problem obliging his request. Remember that NTC I mentioned? Well, Arenado has six teams he would waive it for, per MLB.com’s John Denton: the Boston Red Sox, Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers. Arenado is a Southern California native, so his intent here seems to be winning or being close to home. He’s not bluffing either, just ask the Houston Astros.

Trade Package

Cash considerations. In all seriousness, the return would be quite minimal. The Cardinals were reportedly willing to pay Arenado’s contract down to about $40-45 million remaining over three years in the nixed deal with Houston. I would guess they want something of a return rather than just a straight salary dump. Given that Chaim Bloom is about to take over as the team’s president of baseball operations, I think they will target a lower-level minor-league prospect with decent metrics rather than a “fancy” name. Perhaps they could also be intrigued by Brett Baty as a potential replacement for Arenado.

The NTC also minimizes the Cardinals’ leverage. I think it will come down to the Mets, Phillies and Red Sox. I do wonder if the Mets would be willing to take on Arenado’s full contract and add Ryan Helsley to the deal as well, though all signs point to St. Louis holding on to its All-Star closer for now.

Mets Receive:

• 3B Nolan Arenado

Cardinals Receive:

• IF Brett Baty
• RHP Dom Hamel
• Cash considerations

My Thoughts

Objectively speaking, getting a player who puts up 2-3 bWAR for $13-$15 million a year is a good deal. This would effectively mean Mark Vientos has to play first base, which I think is reasonable. Vientos has limitations with his glove at third, so odds are he will be at first at some point in his career. We’re not at Wilmer Flores at shortstop, J.D. Davis (at every position) or even Lucas Duda in the outfield levels of bad, but we also do not have to pretend he’s a good defensive third baseman at this stage, but he could always improve.

Ironically, Boston is attempting to do the same with Rafael Devers. We also know David Stearns does value run prevention quite a bit. Last offseason, for example, the Mets signed Harrison Bader to play center field and moved Brandon Nimmo to left field.

Now, with that said, I think the better option if you want a third baseman is Alex Bregman. I mean, why not? Steve Cohen just handed out the largest contract in sports to Juan Soto, and we know he’s willing to blow past any sense of reasonable limits. He also has a penchant for liking infielders from the 2017 – 2021 Astros to play third base in Queens. If you’re in the market for a third baseman, why not get the best option?

If that falls through, then Arenado would make sense. I think Pete Alonso versus Arenado is an interesting debate. Both have declined on offense. but I think Alonso is still clearly the better hitter. However, their overall values would likely even out because of how they shake out on the defensive spectrum. I think my ranking would be: Bregman, mysterious trade candidate, Alonso and then Arenado. It’s a very slight nod to Alonso for his offense, but I could easily be persuaded into Arenado over him.

The post Trade Profile: Nolan Arenado, 3B appeared first on Metsmerized.

In an offseason that has seen many high-level trades, another one seemed to be on the precipice as Nolan Arenado was potentially being moved to the Houston Astros. However, the platinum glove winner used his no-trade clause to stop those trade talks dead in their tracks, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Houston is looking at other third-base options as their All-Star at the hot corner, Alex Bregman, is a free agent with several suitors. 

Arenado earlier on gave a list of teams he would accept a trade to: Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox. 

Latest Mets News

The Mets signed free-agent catcher Chris Williams to a minor league deal, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 28-year-old was a third-round pick for the Twins in 2017 and put up 48 homers over the last three seasons, mostly in Triple-A.

Juan Soto‘s tax bill could result in a higher number than Aaron Judge‘s contract total, per Robert Raiola and Michael McCann of Sportico. If Soto stays all 15 years, the total could be near $386 million. 

The Mets signed free-agent starting pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year, $4.25 million deal, per Ken Rosenthal. Canning put up a 5.19 ERA over 171 2/3 innings in 2024 with the Angels. 

Latest MLB News

The Red Sox announced “Fenway Fest” where fans can meet both former and current players such as Dennis Eckersley and Rafael Devers.

In July, it looked like a new stadium in Tampa Bay was in the works, but now the politicians who originally pledged the money are holding up the process, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Newly acquired Yankees closer Devin Williams told the media that Pete Alonso‘s NLDS home run would fuel him going forward, per Tim Healey of Newsday. 

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that the club plans to meet with Japanese superstar pitcher Roki Sasaki “soon,” per Deesha Thosar of FOX. 

Latest On MMO

MLB report says pitching arms are in danger. 

Get to know Mets potential free-agent target, Alex Bregman!

Check out FOCO’s new Mets holiday gift guide!

The Mets signed pitcher Griffin Canning.

On This Date in Mets History

Born On This Date: Aaron Loup (1987), Chip Ambres (1979), Tom Wilson (1970), Rob Gardner (1944)

The post Morning Briefing: Arenado Blocks Trade To Astros appeared first on Metsmerized.

On Monday, Cardinals president of baseball operations stated that he would attempt to trade Nolan Arenado this season. By Tuesday, more details emerged regarding Arenado’s wish list in the event of a potential trade, which now seems increasingly likely. Arenado’s goal is to join a winning team, according to his agent Joel Wolfe. “…Let’s try and find a place where…he can jump in and help the team go to the next level,” Wolfe said. Among the teams Arenado would waive his no-trade clause for are the Dodgers, Padres, Angels, Phillies, Red Sox and your New York Metropolitans.

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

According to Mike Mazzeo of Sports Business Journal, Diamond Baseball Holdings are acquiring two of the Mets’ minor league affiliates in the Brooklyn Cyclones and Syracuse Mets. DBH now owns 38 minor league baseball teams, including the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

David Stearns stated that Kodai Senga is a “healthy player progressing through his offseason.” He expects that Senga will be ready and fully ramped up by Opening Day 2025.

Latest MLB News

Jeff Passan of ESPN was the first to report that the Blue Jays were finalizing a deal to acquire infielder Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians. Fellow ESPN reporter Kiley McDaniel later tweeted that Spencer Horwitz would be heading to Cleveland in the trade, and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal said that reliever Nick Sandlin would be sent to Toronto.

The Guardians then flipped Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates, receiving Josh Hartle (PIT’s No. 17 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), Luis Ortiz, and Michael Kennedy (PIT’s No. 19 prospect) in return, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Additionally, the Pirates officially announced the trade late Tuesday.

Jeff Passan announced that Max Fried has agreed to an eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees, marking the largest guaranteed contract ever for a left-handed pitcher. Earlier, Ken Rosenthal wrote that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays were all contenders for Fried. Jon Morosi of MLB Network added that the Yankees were initially prepared to offer a seven-year deal.

The Rangers re-signed right-hander Nathan Eovaldi on Tuesday to a three year, $75 million deal. Robert Murray of FanSided was the first to break the deal, while Jeff Passan and Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News provided contractual details.

The Rangers are acquiring Jake Burger from the Marlins, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported. Alden González of ESPN added the return, with prospects Echedry Vargas and Max Acosta along with lefty starter Brayan Mendoza.

The Dodgers officially announced their signing of former Mets outfielder Michael Conforto. Mark Feinsand was the first to report on Monday that the Dodgers agreed to a deal with Conforto.

Ryne Sandberg shared an unfortunate update on his situation battling prostate cancer. The Baseball Hall of Fame paid their respects to the Cubs legend.

Rocky Colavito passed away at the age of 91, as announced by the Guardians. Colavito amassed 7,559 plate appearances during his 14-year career, playing for Cleveland, the Tigers, and four other teams. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones from everyone here at MMO.

Outfielder Estevan Florial agreed to a deal with the Hanwha Eagles in Korea, per Jon Heyman. Florial, 27, had a .367 slugging percentage last year and has spent time in the big leagues for each of the past five years.

The Rockies signed middle infielder Thairo Estrada, reported Mark Feinsand on Tuesday. The deal is for one year, $3.25 million with a 2026 mutual option for $4 million ($750k buyout). Feinstand adds that if the option isn’t exercised, Estrada will still be arbitration-eligible.

MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported that the Red Sox could have interest in James McCann as they search for a catcher to back up Connor Wong. However, Cotillo noted that he doesn’t believe anything is “close on McCann/Boston at this time.”

Reporter Ari Alexander revealed that reliever Yimi García has signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Blue Jays. Toronto had dealt him to the Mariners at the 2024 Trade Deadline, but he now returns to Canada following a rough second half with the M’s.

Rumors have swirled about Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, but manager Rob Thomson has stated that Bohm is not on the trading block. Bohm is coming off his first All-Star appearance, though his performance dipped from an .830 OPS before the All-Star Break to a .681 mark afterward.

Former Washington National Carter Kieboom has a minor league deal with the Angels, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. Kieboom’s still just 27, but time is ticking for the 2016 first round pick.

The MLB Draft Lottery concluded on Tuesday, with the Nationals landing the first overall pick despite just a 10.2% chance of winning. Meanwhile, the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers each saw their first-round picks drop 10 spots due to exceeding the second threshold of the Competitive Balance Tax by more than $40 million.

Latest on MMO

Mike Mayer previewed the Rule 5 Draft.

Sean Kenny looked at Baseball Prospectus’ 2025 Mets Top Prospects.

On This Date in Mets History

1999: The Mets signed Todd Zeile to a three year, $18 million deal. The future SNY analyst was coming off a decent season with the Rangers where slashed .293/.354/.488.

Born On This Date: Jay Bell (1965), Derek Bell (1968), Mark Vientos (1999).

The post Morning Briefing: Nolan Arenado Reportedly Willing To Join Mets appeared first on Metsmerized.

Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old Japanese fireballer who was posted to MLB teams, might have an easier time in a smaller market, his agent Joel Wolfe told reporters Tuesday in Dallas at the MLB winter meetings.

Sasaki, who is reportedly favoring the Dodgers and Padres, is an international amateur, which means he can only sign a minor league contract that is subject to international signing bonus pools that are usually reserved for teenage Latin American prospects. The pools, which vary by team, range from $5,146,200 to $7,555,500. The Mets have $6,261,600 in their pool.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

“Roki’s had a tough go of it the last couple of years,” Wolfe said. “The media in Japan has been very tough on him. He’s not had a great time with it. And I think it’s my personal opinion I think it’s been a bit unfair. And it’s affected him mentally a little bit. But he’s a great kid and he comes from a great family … his dream is to come here to the major leagues and I think that he hasn’t really wrapped his head around the individual teams and the individual cities and he just really doesn’t know much about them.”

Sasaki went 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in four seasons in the NPB. He had 505 strikeouts in 394.2 innings. He threw a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes in April 2022, striking out 19, including 13 in a row. His fastball has been timed at 102.5 mph.

Later in the day, David Stearns noted that Sasaki is a “really talented pitcher.”

“Whoever gets him is going to have a very talented young pitcher going forward,” he said. “We’re certainly going to give it our best shot,” noting that it’s going to be difficult to gauge Sasaki’s interest given his unique situation coming stateside.

Sasaki will start meeting with teams next week, but teams will have to submit their presentations to Sasaki first, then teams will be offered a chance to meet by invitation only.

Though he’s already been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, the 23-year-old will sign as part of the international free agent class starting January 15. The absolute last day he can sign with an MLB team will be January 23.

Sasaki was in the US briefly to play in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but Wolfe said it wasn’t long enough to get a feel for where he’d like to play in this country. He said he would not necessarily go to a team that could offer him the most bonus pool money.

“My advice to him is don’t make a decision based on that because the long-term arc of your career is where you are going to earn your money. So it’s probably not advisable to make a short-term decision in that regard. To take all of the factors into consideration.”

He said a smaller market might offer Sasaki a “soft landing,” but he hasn’t yet had a chance to speak with his client in great detail. In response to a follow-up question, he also said the pitcher could handle playing in New York.

When Shohei Ohtani joined the Angels in 2016, he received a $2.3 million signing bonus. Sasaki’s former club, the Chiba Lotte Marines, will receive a posting fee equal to 25 percent of the signing bonus from the team that acquires him.

“Since I joined the team, the team has been listening to my thoughts about my future MLB challenge, and I am very grateful to the team for officially allowing me to post,” Sasaki said in a statement the Marines posted on X on Nov. 9.

“There were many things that did not go well during my five years with the Marines, but I was able to get to this point by concentrating only on baseball, with the support of my teammates, staff, front office and fans. I will do my best to work my way up from my minor contract to become the best player in the world, so that I will have no regrets in my one and only baseball career and live up to the expectations of everyone who has supported me.”

Nolan Arenado Notes

Wolfe said Nolan Arenado‘s focus is on winning and that he is willing to play first base if it helps trade negotiations. The agent said the Cardinals are allowing him to speak to other teams directly to help facilitate a trade.

“A team that he thinks is going to win now and consistently for the remainder of his career,” Wolfe said when asked where a preferred destination for Arenado would be. “He wants a team that has the throttle down.”

Arenado, 33, hit .272/.325/.394 this season with 16 home runs and posted 2.5 bWAR. He has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract.

Seiya Suzuki Notes

Wolfe said Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told him which teams are interested in Seiya Suzuki, who is not interested in being a designated hitter and has a no-trade clause.

“It’s a small universe where Seiya would consider going,” Wolfe said.

Suzuki, 30, hit .283/.366/.482 with 21 homers and put up 3.5 bWAR.

The post Winter Meetings Roundup: Stearns Talks Sasaki, Arenado on the Move? appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

An Arenado deal is not necessarily in the, ahem, cards, but it is more likely than not, sources told Woo. She also reported that St. Louis is expected to shop pitchers Steven Matz and Ryan Helsley, who will both be free agents after the 2025 season. The Cardinals may also consider offers for Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray, though both are expected to stay with the club.

Any Arenado trade may have to wait for the Juan Soto Sweepstakes to conclude, with the teams who miss out on the offseason’s biggest prize looking to upgrade at a corner infield position instead, Woo reported. Many reports expect Soto to sign within the next 10 days.

Other Rumors from Today

Multiple outlets reported that the Boston Red Sox signed Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, $10.75 million contract. The 36-year-old was 5-5 with 14 saves, a 3.79 ERA and 1.34 WHIP for the Pirates this season while accumulating 0.4 bWAR.

Eight teams, including the Yankees, are showing interest in reliever Tommy Kahnle, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Kahnle went 0-2 with a 2.11 ERA and fanned 46 in 42.2 innings for the Yanks this year.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that infielder Hyeseong Kim is expected to be posted by the Kiwoom Heroes of KBO Wednesday. That will start a 30-day window for him to sign with an MLB team. Kim hit 11 homers, posted an .841 OPS and stole 30 bases in 127 games in the KBO this year.

Morosi also reported that Rays LHP Jeffrey Springs (2-2, 3.27 ERA, seven starts) and RHP Pete Fairbanks (3-3, 3.57 ERA, 23 saves, 44 strikeouts in 45.1 innings) are trade candidates.

The post Rumor Roundup: Arenado Could be Dealt to Contender appeared first on Metsmerized.

So, with all that in mind, let’s take a look at the biggest needs the Mets have this offseason, ranking them in order of most importance.

Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

1. Starting Pitching

As we enter the offseason, there are a bevy of question marks surrounding the starting rotation for the 2025 season. Both Sean Manaea and Luis Severino are free agents after rejecting their qualifying offers. Jose Quintana is also hitting the open market. Kodai Senga was unable to stay healthy in 2024, And, as good as he was last year, David Peterson isn’t a top-of-the-rotation arm.

Therefore, the Mets have some vacancies to fill in their rotation. And, as the old adage goes, you can’t win in baseball without good starting pitching. As such, the front office need to aggressively pursue at least two top of the market arms. Corbin Burnes would be the obvious candidate, but he will likely command a long-term contract. That could be risky for a pitcher who is 30-years-old. Another great top market option would be Blake Snell, who might be available on a shorter-term deal based off how he handled free agency previously.

Looking outside of free agency, the Mets could look to trade for a young stud like White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. The left-handed pitcher posted a 3.58 ERA with 200 strikeouts in 146 innings in 2024; his first full season as a starter in the bigs. Crochet is a stud on the mound, one who will make just $3 million in 2025 through arbitration. He’s under team control through the 2026 season. Plus, Crochet has indicated that he would be willing to sign a long-term contract with a new team. However, the White Sox are looking for position prospects in return and it remains to be seen if the Mets would be willing to give up high-ranking members of their farm system.

Either way, the fact remains that the Mets need to add two or three impact arms to their starting rotation this winter. Given how crucial pitching is, coupled with the holes in that rotation, going out and signing frontend starters should be the main priority for New York.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

2. Bring Back Sean Manaea

Okay, so this is still related to starting pitching. But, given how important he was last year for the Mets, he deserves his own section. The veteran authored a fine comeback year in Queens in 2024, emerging as the team’s best and most reliable starter. He went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA to go along with 184 strikeouts across 181 2/3 innings. As a result, Manaea finished 11th in Cy Young voting. Having predictably turned down his option, Manaea is now a free agent and will no doubt have offers.

However, given the current state of the rotation, the Mets need to do all they can to bring back Manaea on a multi-year deal. Paul Blackburn, Tylor Megill, and even Kodai Senga are all question marks at this point. David Peterson was lights out in 2024, but he’s more of a back-of-the-rotation starter.

Manaea would automatically become the team’s second or third starter, depending on who else the Mets go after in free agency. A top two of either Corbin Burnes/Blake Snell and Manaea would be a clear upgrade on what the Mets had at the top of the rotation last year. Manaea proved in 2024 that he can be a reliable frontend arm, and he’s earned the right to pitch in Queens for the next few years.

Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

3. Juan Soto

This is an obvious one. You can read a deep dive on the prized free agent here. And it is true. If this team wants to take the next giant leap to true contender status in 2025, getting Soto on the roster would help make that goal a heck of a lot more attainable. The 26-year-old is a true generational hitter and he would give the Mets a legit  star to pair with Francisco Lindor.

Soto would become the Mets’ version of Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani. He is the modern-day version of Ted Williams, and is in the prime of his career. By shelling out the mega-bucks on a marquee box office star like Soto, New York would be making it clear it intends to compete for multiple World Series titles over the next decade-plus.

The time is now for this franchise to sign their own superstar. Soto ticks all the boxes, and his arrival in Queens would be a true game-changer for this organization on and off the field.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

4. The Corner Infield Spots

Do the Mets keep Pete Alonso? Or does the slugger opt to go elsewhere? That’s one of the most pressing questions facing the Mets’ front office this winter. The answer to that question will also have a slew of ramifications on everything else the team decides to do this offseason.

For instance, if Alonso does return, then the Mets will stand pat at the corner infield spots heading into the 2025 season. However, if Alonso opts to sign elsewhere, Mark Vientos would seemingly shift over to first base. That would open up a spot at third base. Could the front office afford to sign Juan Soto, two-to-three starters and Alex Bregman to be their new third baseman? Or would a trade for Nolan Arenado be the better option? The Cardinals are thought to be willing to move Arenado, who is an absolutely defensive wizard at the hot corner.

There is no doubt that the Mets would be a better team defensively with Arenado at third. And, although he had a down year offensively last season, he still hit 26 home runs and 26 doubles as recently as the 2023 season. Granted, most Mets fans would love to see Alonso back in a Mets uniform next year and beyond. But, given that the four-time All-Star doesn’t really offer a whole lot outside of power and home runs, the front office may decide to move on in order to strengthen other areas of the team.

No matter how you slice it, though, the Mets have a major decision to make when it comes to Alonso. His return, or non-return, will impact how this roster looks in 2025 in a big way.

Photo Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

5. Add Depth

One of the biggest differences between the Mets and the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series was lineup depth. L.A. boasted a longer and more dangerous lineup, advancing as a result. The Mets certainly need to lengthen their lineup this offseason. However, the overall lack of depth across the entire roster needs addressing. Urgently.

Firstly, the outfield needs bolstering. As it stands, Brandon Nimmo is the only everyday player. Starling Marte hasn’t been able to stay healthy the past couple of years, and he isn’t exactly getting any younger, either. Tyrone Taylor had a terrific year in a fourth outfielder role, but is not exactly an everyday player. However, the recent addition of Jose Siri from the Rays, does give the Mets an elite defensive tandem out in center field. Of course, landing Juan Soto would obviously solve the everyday problem in right field, giving New York elite quality and depth in the outfield.

Secondly, this team will need more impact bats. Even if Soto signs, the Mets could do with a big bat to pair for either the designated hitter spot, if Pete Alonso doesn’t return, or at the other corner infield spot. They will also need to figure out the bottom of the lineup given that both Jose Iglesias and Jesse Winker are free agents. Furthermore, the starting rotation needs filling out, as already mentioned, and the bullpen is in need of some high-leverage arms to slot in behind Edwin Díaz.

If the Mets want to compete in 2025, they will need to sign some high-value players in order to fill out the roster in addition to going big-fish hunting for the likes of Juan Soto.

The post Five Wishlist Items For The Mets This Winter appeared first on Metsmerized.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

That’s impressive company for a 24-year-old who began the season at Triple-A Syracuse and has inserted himself into the Silver Slugger conversation as the best offensive third baseman in the National League.

The tough part of Vientos’ case, however, is that he has far fewer at-bats than his peers because of his stints in Syracuse. He was first brought up to the majors on April 27 – he hit a walk-off home run the very next day, by the way – and then was sent back down after three games. He returned on May 15 and stayed for good.

Vientos has 25 home runs, 67 RBIs and 21 doubles. He is slashing .272/.329/.524, and each of those stats would rank him third, tied for fourth and first among third baseman who are eligible to win the batting title, respectively. The problem, however, is that he doesn’t qualify with 382 at-bats, though that doesn’t preclude someone from winning a Silver Slugger.

Coaches and managers vote for the award. Machado, who received the award in 2020, would probably be the favorite as of now with 29 homers, 104 RBIs and an .814 OPS in 562 at-bats. Voters may be more impressed with Vientos’ 25 homers in 180 fewer at-bats though, especially considering his OPS clears Machado’s by 39 points entering Friday.

Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies can’t be discounted either, as he is currently hitting .285/.339/.458 with 14 homers and 90 RBIs while leading the league with 44 doubles.

The Silver Slugger was first granted in 1980. The only Mets third basemen to win it are Howard Johnson (1989, 1991) and David Wright (2007, 2008).

The post Vientos Has Earned Silver Slugger Award Consideration appeared first on Metsmerized.

The field is large again in 2024, with five teams within five games of the third spot. The Diamondbacks and Padres currently hold the top spots with their torrid winning, and the Mets and Braves continue to fight for the third spot.

The Giants, Reds, and Cardinals are the three teams behind the Mets, but all three teams have legitimate rosters and could make a push with a hot September.

The third spot is the real uncertainty. The Braves hold it for now, but the Mets trail by a game, and the Giants by three. It’s going to come down to the wire, but the Mets were helped out after Friday’s 7-3 win over the Marlins when every other team in the field lost.

Here is an update on the NL wild-card race.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Outside Looking In

St. Louis Cardinals (60-62, 4 GB)

The Cardinals have hurt their playoff stock in the last ten games. First, they lost a one-game makeup with the Mets to lose the season series tiebreaker, then they got swept by the Reds and brought their season back to life.

Yet, despite their struggles and losing record, the Red Birds find themselves only four games back of the third wild card. It’s still possible for them to make the playoffs, but they need Paul Goldschmidt (89 OPS+) and Nolan Arenado (98 OPS+) to hit to the back of their baseball cards.

Cincinnati Reds (60-62, 4 GB)

The Reds have been hovering around the scene for the majority of the 2024 season, but haven’t made the push for a playoff spot.

Elly De La Cruz has been the guy for Cincinnati this season, but everyone else has struggled to hit. Jonathan India and Spencer Steer have regressed this season, and the pitching staff has dealt with injuries and lackluster performances. A playoff push is unlikely, but their +49 run differential and expected 64-58 record are promising signs.

The Reds aren’t dead yet, and have a September schedule that features series against teams ahead of them in the Mets, Cardinals, and Braves.

Third Place Competitors

New York Mets (63-59, 1 GB)

The Mets have had quite the season. They’ve been the worst team in the majors, the best, held the first-place wild card, and now are one game outside the picture. It’s been equivalent to a shaky wooden rollercoaster ride.

Recently, the Mets have struggled. They went 4-6 on their recent west coast road trip, then came home and lost a series to the Athletics. Not ideal in a postseason race.

But there’s still hope for this Mets squad. After they face the Marlins and Orioles at home, the club goes back to the West Coast to face the Padres and Diamondbacks for seven total games. Then, they face the Phillies seven times in September and have a three-game set in Atlanta at the end of the season.

It’s go time. And all attention will be on Francisco Lindor and co. to lead them back to the playoffs.

Atlanta Braves (64-58, –)

It’s been a rough go-around for the Braves in August. They split a series at home to the Marlins to start the month, then got swept by the Brewers. Hoping for more luck on the road, the Braves then got sucker punched by the Rockies but salvaged the trip by taking three of four from the Giants.

It’s been up and down. Inconsistent. But that’s what happens when you lose Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies. They hold a tight one-game lead over the Mets, which they’ll look to open up before their series at home against the Amazins to end September.

Top Two

San Diego Padres (69-54, +4.5)

After a season of .500 baseball, the Padres finally found their footing. A 19-3 stretch has propelled the Friars to a tie for the top wild card spot, solidifying the belief that this squad is October bound.

Jurickson Profar has replaced the bat of Juan Soto, leading the club with 19 homers and a 146 OPS+. Jackson Merrill has had a coming-out party as well, picking up the lineup the entire season while Fernando Tatis Jr. has been out.

Oh yeah. Remember Tatis? He’s coming back as well. Pair that with a starting three of Dylan Cease, Michael King, and one of Joe Musgrove, Matt Waldron, or a healthy Yu Darvish, and this club could be bound for the Fall Classic.

As of now, the division is the real goal. They’re three and a half games back of the Dodgers, and have a favorable September schedule that includes the Tigers and White Sox before heading back to Chavez Ravine for three more.

Arizona Diamondbacks (69-54, +4.5)

Nobody should forget about Arizona. Their season has almost mirrored the Padres, as they hovered around the wild card scene the majority of the season, and then exploded in July/August.

An 18-4 stretch has shot the DBacks up to a tie with the Padres for the first wild card spot. The resurgence of Corbin Carroll has been a driving point of their second half, and Josh Bell has hit four homers and recorded a .902 OPS in 14 games since Christian Walker was sidelined with oblique tightness.

The Snakes are heating up at the right time. And like the Padres, their rotation of Zac Gallen, Brandon Pfaadt, and Merrill Kelly (who recently returned from injury) makes them a dangerous squad.

Again, like the Padres, the DBacks are set on the division. They trail the Dodgers by three and a half games, and have a four-game series against them to end August. Afterward, the DBacks end the season with a three-game set against the Padres, which will decide the tie-breaker between the two teams.

The post An Update of the NL Wild Card Race appeared first on Metsmerized.

Over the weekend, the Mets did not win a single game against the Rays. Whether it was the struggles of Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil at the plate, the inability of closer Edwin Díaz to notch a save or the control issues with the starting pitchers, nothing was going right for the Mets at Tropicana Field.

The grass is not exactly greener for the Cardinals. After winning their series against the Mets at Citi Field last weekend, they have lost two out of three games in each of their previous two series. Their lack of pitching depth and inability to get length out of their starting pitchers have hurt their chances at success as of late.

Let’s preview the pitching matchups!

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Monday, May 6, 2024: LHP Sean Manaea (1-1, 3.07 ERA) vs. RHP Kyle Gibson (2-2, 3.79 ERA)

Sean Manaea will pitch for the Mets on Monday. The walks have continued to be a problem for Manaea. He has allowed four walks in each of his last two outings, and he ranks in just the 11th percentile in walk percentage this season. This figure is highly problematic for a Mets team that has struggled to prevent the stolen base this year. In addition, Manaea is not keeping the ball on the ground this year, with just a 32.1 percent ground ball rate to start the season. Since Manaea is primarily a sinker-dominant pitcher, he should generate more favorable contact that stays on the ground.

Kyle Gibson will start for the Cardinals on Monday. He has never been known for the swing-and-miss, but he has been very successful in generating whiffs with his offspeed pitches this year. His sweeper and changeup have whiff rates of 45.6 percent and 34.2 percent. Gibson pitched against the Mets last season as a member of the Orioles and tossed seven innings with nine strikeouts and three runs allowed.

José Butto. Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday, May 7, 2024: RHP José Buttó (0-2, 2.57 ERA) vs. RHP Miles Mikolas (2-4, 5.68 ERA)

José Buttó will start for the Mets on Tuesday. Like Manaea, Buttó has struggled with his control, with a 12.4 percent walk rate this year. However, he ranks in the 91st percentile for whiff rate with a figure of 33.2 percent. He has increased his sinker usage this season and is reaping the benefits as opponents are hitting just .143 against it with an average exit velocity of 84.7 mph. Buttó had his worst start of the season against the Cardinals during the previous series, tossing 5 2/3 innings with four runs allowed. He allowed three walks in that start, so expect Buttó to attack the strike zone with more purpose on Tuesday.

Miles Mikolas will pitch for the Cardinals on Tuesday. Unlike many Mets pitchers, Mikolas has been adept at limiting the walks. He ranks in the 90th percentile for walk rate with a figure of just 4.3 percent. However, Mikolas has struggled in just about every other department. With a whiff rate of 16.1 percent and a hard-hit rate of 45.2 percent, Mikolas has been allowing frequent hard contact, which is not a recipe for success. Things have been looking better for Mikolas in his last two starts, as he pitched a combined 11 2/3 innings while allowing five runs and nine strikeouts.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday, May 8, 2024: LHP Jose Quintana (1-3, 5.20 ERA) vs. RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 0.89 ERA)

Jose Quintana will pitch for the Mets on Wednesday. Quintana did not fare well at Tropicana Field in his last start, as he allowed an uncharacteristic eight runs in just 2 2/3 innings. Consistent with his career numbers, Quintana has not been striking out opponents at a high rate, with just a 15.3 percent strikeout rate. Consequently, he is allowing hard contact with a 42.6 percent hard-hit rate. While he has a ground ball rate of 48.4 percent this season, his average xBA (expected batting average) is .317, showcasing that he is not generating favorable contact.

Sonny Gray will close out the series for the Cardinals. He has been nothing short of excellent to start the year, with a strikeout rate of 33.3 percent and a walk rate of just 4.4 percent. Gray is also generating soft contact with a barrel rate of 4.2 percent and a hard-hit rate of 29.6 percent. When he pitched against the Mets last week, he struck out nine batters over six innings with just one run allowed.

Players to Watch

Francisco Lindor (NYM)

Francisco Lindor has been back to his usual production after his anemic start to the season. In his last 15 games, Lindor has 15 hits, four home runs, and 15 RBIs, with one of those long balls coming against the Cardinals last week. Lindor has a hard-hit rate of 43.8 percent and an xwOBA (expected weighted on-base average) of .342, so it was only a matter of time before the hits started landing. He has struggled the most against breaking pitches this year, which he is batting just .196 against with 12 strikeouts.

Nolan Arenado (STL)

Although he had a slow start to the season, Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has picked it up as of late. In his last ten games, Arenado has eight RBIs, ten hits, and one long ball. Five of his ten hits came against the White Sox in the series over the weekend, with six RBIs to show for it as well. Arenado has hit the fastball particularly well this season, with a batting average of .299, so expect the Mets to give him a steady diet of breaking and offspeed pitches this week.

The post Series Preview: Mets Try to Flip the Script in St. Louis appeared first on Metsmerized.

If you know New York, you know that the Mets are wearing their City Connect uniform set tonight for the first time.

The Mets become the latest team to join Nike’s City Connect line of uniforms, redesigned to bring out the energy of the city through creatively designed jerseys, pants, hats etc. You can read more about the Mets’ concrete gray uniforms that feature references to the Subway and the Queensboro bridge here.

The Mets baseball team will try to bounce back from Friday night’s loss. For most of the game, it felt like the type of game the Mets would eventually claw out of, and the bullpen helped keep the Mets in the game. Alas, the comeback fell short and the Mets dropped the opener of the series to a struggling Cardinals squad. J.D. Martinez on the other hand did not disappoint and went 2-for-4 at the plate in his Mets debut with a double and a RBI.

City Connect, via the New York Mets

Mets Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo – LF
2. Francisco Lindor – SS
3. Pete Alonso – 1B
4. J.D. Martinez – DH
5. DJ Stewart – RF
6. Jeff McNeil – 2B
7. Tyrone Taylor – CF
8. Brett Baty– 3B
9. Omar Narváez – C

The Mets are looking for a bounce-back performance from Adrian Houser this afternoon. Over four starts, 19 1/3 innings, Houser has a 7.45 ERA, 5.04 FIP, 1.759 WHIP, and a 53 ERA+. He is coming off of a dreadful start last weekend against the Dodgers who tagged him for eight runs off seven hits and four walks over four innings. The percentile rankings for Houser are also starting to ring alarm bells.

Houser faced the Cardinals twice at the end of 2023 and was successful (even if the defense behind him wasn’t). He allowed five runs, only three earned from seven hits over 11 innings while striking out nine batters. The Cardinals have the following career numbers against Houser:

• Nolan Arenado 2-14, 3 BB
• Willson Contreras 2-16, 3 BB, 5 K
• Brandon Crawford 1-1, 2B
• Brendan Donovan 2-3, 2B, BB
• José Fermín 1-4, K
• Paul Goldschmidt 9-34, 3 HR, 2 BB, 5 K
• Nolan Gorman 3-3, 2B, HR
• Lars Nootbaar 3-11, 2B, BB, 3 K
• Masyn Winn 0-3

Opposing Lineup

1. Brendan Donovan – LF
2. Wilson Contreras – C
3. Lars Nootbaar – RF
4. Nolan Arenado – 3B
5. Paul Goldschmidt – 1B
6. Alec Burleson – DH
7. Nolan Gorman – 2B
8. Masyn Winn – SS
9. Michael Siani – CF

The Mets bats will face off today against a rolling Sonny Gray. Over three starts (17 1/3 innings), Gray has a 1.04 ERA, 0.64 FIP, 0.865 WHIP and a 400 ERA+. He is coming off of a season where he led the league in FIP (2.83) and HR/9 (0.4). Gray’s last start was the first time he allowed runs this season (2) and still managed to strike out 12 batters over 6 1/3 innings. The Mets have the following career numbers against Gray:

• Pete Alonso 0-2, BB
• Harrison Bader 2-10, HR, 2 K
• Francisco Lindor 5-21, 2 HR, 4 BB, 5 K
• Starling Marte 3-12, HR, 2 BB
• J.D. Martinez 4-10, 2B, HR, 2 BB, 3 K
• Jeff McNeil 2-3, 2B
• Omar Narváez 3-15, 2 2B, K
• Tomás Nido 1-2
• Brandon Nimmo 1-5, 3 K
• Tyrone Taylor 2-5, HR, K
• Joey Wendle 1-6, K

Game Notes

• The Mets will don their City Connect uniforms for the first time today. Representing on all fronts, the uniform honors everything about NYC that makes it the World’s City – the trains that connect our fans, the bridges that bring our boroughs together, and the concrete that serves as the steady heartbeat of the city’s grit and grind. The Mets will wear the uniform every Saturday, except for June 1.
• J.D. Martinez made his season debut last night for the Mets. He went 2-4 with a double and an RBI. Martinez ranks eighth among active players with 367 career doubles and 1,003 RBI.
• Mark Vientos and Dedniel Núñez were both recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Starling Marte and Drew Smith on the 26-man roster. Marte was placed on the bereavement list and will likely miss three days, while Smith had inflammation in his right shoulder and was placed on the IL.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Brandon Nimmo’s very Nimmo-esque stat line. If you have been watching Nimmo over his career, you know he goes through these streaks where he doesn’t pick up hits but just works a ton of walks. Going into Friday night’s game, Nimmo was living that to the extreme. He was 1-for-17 over his last six games but had eight walks (and six runs scored). On Friday night Nimmo went 2-for-4 at the plate meaning that in his last eight games, he is hitting .195/.417/.231. A dip in power but he’s getting on base at a healthy clip.
2. The Mets bullpen continues to keep them in games. Friday night the Mets allowed one hit, one walk, and nothing else over 3 1/3 innings. They struck out six batters they faced. Everyone is chipping in. Jorge López pitched multiple innings last night. Reed Garrett is having a phenomenal season whether he is used in long relief or as a closer. Garrett last had a long outing on Wednesday and could be needed tonight in case Houser’s outing is short.
3. Brett Baty is struggling at the plate. Since returning to the lineup after injury, Baty has gone 2-for-19 at the plate over six games (.105/.191/.105). He started to show some signs of getting out of his slump the last two games in San Francisco collecting two hits and a walk in nine trips to the plate, but last night he went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

Let’s go Mets!

The post Game Chat: Cardinals vs Mets, 4:05 PM appeared first on Metsmerized.