One of the last few notable starting pitcher free agents came off the board on Friday, with Zac Gallen re-signing with the Diamondbacks. Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the deal is for one-year, $22.025 million, the same value of the qualifying offer Gallen initially rejected. Gallen struggled to a 4.83 ERA in 2025, but he’s been the ace of the Arizona rotation for several years now, finishing in the top 10 of NL Cy Young balloting three times.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Francisco Alvarez has lost eight or 10 pounds this offseason after focusing on his nutrition. He is also planning on keeping the same batting stance that saw him have success late last season.

Jonah Tong told reporters he is focused on continuing to develop his off-speed pitches this season.

Latest MLB News

Per Robert Murray of FanSided, the Cubs signed reliever Shelby Miller to a multi-year deal. Miller was solid in 2025 between the Diamondbacks and Brewers, recording a 2.74 ERA in 48 appearances. He looked especially strong in Arizona, where he had a 1.98 ERA in 37 appearances.

Per ESPN‘s Jeff Passan, the Astros traded outfielder Jesús Sánchez to the Blue Jays for outfielder Joey Loperfido. Sánchez spent 2025 between Miami and Houston, where he recorded 14 home runs and a .699 OPS. Loperfido returns to the Astros, who originally traded him for Yusei Kikuchi in 2024, after recording an .879 OPS in 104 major league plate appearances last year.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Brewers signed infielder Luis Rengifo to a major league contract. Rengifo, a career Angel, had just a .622 OPS a season ago after three consecutive solid years at the plate.

Feinsand also reported that the Reds signed first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a non-roster deal. Lowe spent 2025 between the Nationals and Red Sox, struggling in Washington before finding late-season success in Boston.

Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com wrote an article on everything fans should know about the new ABS Challenge System.

Latest on MMO

Elliot Teichman provides insight on Mets non-roster invitee Christian Arroyo.

David Melendi analyzes a recent survey from The Athletic which pins the Mets as the most improved team in the National League.

Michael Mayer breaks down MMO’s 41st through 45th ranked Mets prospects.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Tyler Clippard (1985), Kelly Stinnett (1970).

The post Morning Briefing: Diamondbacks Re-Sign Zac Gallen appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets (82-78) fell to the Marlins (78-82) 6-2 Friday night. New York got out to a 2-0 lead just four batters into the game but couldn’t muster up any offense afterwards. The team’s sloppy defense continued, and it contributed greatly to a six-run fifth inning for the Marlins that put the game to bed.

Meanwhile, the Reds (82-78) won their game over the Brewers (96-64) 3-1 to put the Mets back on the outside looking in. The Mets and Reds once again own the same record, but with the Reds holding the tiebreaker, they have taken back control of the third Wild Card spot. The Diamondbacks fell 7-4 to the Padres, so it’s officially down to two teams.

As the Mets try to squeeze back into a playoff spot, it was reported late Friday night that they’ve called up flamethrower Dylan Ross. Will Sammon of The Athletic was first with the news.

Ross owns a 2.17 ERA across three minor league levels this season. He worked his way back from two UCL surgeries, as discussed in further detail in an exclusive Metsmerized interview by Mojo Hill this past summer.

Ross’s campaign includes a 1.69 ERA over 32 innings in the hitter-friendly International League. He has an 11 K/9 in that span, although accompanied by a 6.2 BB/9.

He adds a weapon to the Mets’ beleaguered bullpen over these crucial final two days of the regular season.

Dylan Ross. Photo by Kylie-Richelle

Latest Mets News

Brett Baty left Friday’s game with side discomfort after appearing to tweak something on a swing early in the game. The Mets announced after the game that it was an oblique injury, and there’s a fear Baty is done for the season.

Prior to Friday’s game, manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Clay Holmes would start Saturday’s game against Miami and that Sunday’s starter was to be determined. Mendoza, on constructing the rotation, said “this is literally one day at a time.”

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, doctors have recommended that Reed Garrett get Tommy John surgery, but he is seeking a second opinion first. Garrett would be out all of next season if he does in fact need the surgery.

Latest MLB News

After walking off the Tigers Friday night, the Red Sox clinched a postseason berth for the first time since 2021.

MLB released the top 20 jersey sales from this season. Shohei Ohtani had MLB’s most popular jersey for the third consecutive year, while the Mets had three players inside the top 20: Francisco Lindor (no. 5), Juan Soto (no. 6), and Pete Alonso (no. 17).

Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 30th home run of the season on Friday to join the 30-30 club for the first time in his career. Sammy Sosa was the only other Cub to have achieved the feat.

The Braves announced that they claimed former standout pitcher Alek Manoah off waivers from the Blue Jays and transferred Ozzie Albies to the 60-day injured list to make room on the roster. Manoah had a 3.96 ERA in 10 minor league starts this season and last pitched in the majors in May of 2024.

Baseball Savant added a feature to pitchers’ pages which displays their pitch mixes to righties and to lefties.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang discusses why Nolan McLean got the job done in Thursday’s win over the Cubs despite seemingly poor numbers.

On This Date in Mets History

2000: The Mets punched their ticket to the postseason with a 6-2 win over the Braves, clinching a Wild Card spot. The Mets would go on to win the National League pennant.

Born on This Date: Luis Guillorme (1994), John Lannan (1984), Jon Rauch (1978), Jason Phillips (1976), Don Schulze (1962).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Call Up Dylan Ross For Final Two Games appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Voit went 7-for-15 with his first professional home run. He also walked four times, stole a ridiculous nine bases, and scored seven runs while also driving in four runs. Voit recorded a 1.246 OPS over the four-game stretch, and he now has 20 stolen bases in 22 games.

Triple-A

The Syracuse Mets went 3-3 in their last series against the Buffalo Bisons, winning in blowout fashion in all three victories and playing tighter games in their three losses. That led to a 37-22 run differential in favor of Syracuse despite the series split. The Mets are now 39-24 in the second half and 70-68 overall.

José Azocar was the Mets’ best bat in their series with Buffalo, leading the team with nine hits in 22 at-bats. Azocar recorded two doubles, a home run, two walks, and two stolen bases. He also drove in three runs and scored five. It was a fantastic week in an otherwise rough year for Azocar, who has a .661 OPS in 60 games for Syracuse.

Ryan Clifford also stood out, going 5-for-19 with a double and a home run. He walked three times and led the team with seven RBIs. Clifford has looked solid in Triple-A with a .753 OPS, but his performance is certainly not at the level it was when he was in Double-A.

Yonny Hernández continued his excellent season with Syracuse by going 8-for-21 with a double, a walk, two RBIs, and a team-high six runs scored. Hernández has been sensational in 85 games with Syracuse, recording a .351 average and an .875 OPS.

Tylor Megill made two rehab starts for Syracuse and did not perform particularly well, allowing eight runs in six innings across the two starts. Megill has now made four rehab starts in Triple-A and owns a 6.60 ERA in 15 innings. He’s now been shut down and is likely out for the rest of the year.

Brandon Waddell, however, pitched a gem by tossing six scoreless innings on six hits, a walk, and four strikeouts in his start. Waddell owns a 4.41 ERA in Syracuse on the year.

Nick Morabito. Photo Credit: Rick Nelson

Double-A

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies also split their latest series, doing so against the Akron RubberDucks. Binghamton also won the run differential battle, outscoring Akron 30-24. The Rumble Ponies are now 40-23 in the second half of the season and 85-45 overall.

JT Schwartz had a great week at the plate for the Rumble Ponies, going 6-for-19 with two doubles, four walks, and a team-high seven RBIs. Schwartz has underwhelmed for most of the year, though, as he possesses a .633 OPS in 79 games with Binghamton.

Nick Morabito also looked good, going 8-for-25 with two doubles, three walks, and four stolen bases. Morabito drove in four runs and scored four runs as he raised his OPS for the year to .734.

A.J. Ewing had an interesting week, going 10-for-29 but going without an extra-base hit or a walk. That led to a .345 batting average but a .678 OPS. Ewing did steal a base and score five runs, and he now owns an .823 OPS in 23 games with the Rumble Ponies.

Jonathan Santucci was outstanding in his start against Akron, allowing just one run over six innings. He allowed six hits and no walks while striking out six batters. Santucci continues to look excellent against Double-A batters, lowering his ERA over nine starts at the level to 2.80.

Joander Suarez made two appearances on the week, one start and one relief appearance, and looked good in each. In total, Suarez allowed just a run over 5 1/3 innings. He allowed two hits and a walk while striking out five, lowering his ERA through 20 games (15 starts) to 3.05.

High-A

The Brooklyn Cyclones played just five games due to rain in their final series of the regular season, going 1-4 against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Brooklyn finished the second half of the season just 26-39 but went 72-59 overall. Because of their first-place finish in the first half, Brooklyn is set to play a best-of-three playoff series against the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Corey Collins had an encouraging week at the plate. He only recorded 10 at-bats, but he had four hits, including a home run, and he also stole a base while driving in two runs and scoring a run. Collins has dealt with injury and a lack of productivity since being drafted by the Mets in 2024. In 41 games with Brooklyn, he owns just a .566 OPS.

Yohairo Cuevas looked great, going 5-for-13 with a double, two walks, and two stolen bases. Cuevas drove in two runs and scored four to lead the team. He’s also struggled to the tune of a .560 OPS across 30 games with Brooklyn.

No pitcher on Brooklyn’s staff went more than 4 2/3 innings in the series against Jersey Shore. Some of the bullpen standouts were Irving Cota (4 IP, ER, 2H, 3 BB, 4 K), Cristofer Gomez (2 2/3 IP, 0 ER, o H, 3 BB, 3 K), and Austin Troesser ( 3 IP, 0 ER, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K).

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Low-A

The St. Lucie Mets also played just five games due to rain in their final series of the regular season. They won two games and dropped three to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. St. Lucie finished the second half of the season 43-22 to clinch a playoff berth. They’ll be playing the Daytona Tortugas in a best-of-three series. The Mets’ overall record for the regular season was 77-53.

In addition to Mitch Voit’s outrageous week at the plate and on the basepaths, Simon Juan looked great for St. Lucie. Juan went 5-for-13 with two doubles, three walks, and five stolen bases. He also recorded five RBIs and scored three runs. Juan owns a .630 OPS for the season.

AJ Salgado excelled by going 7-for-19 with two doubles, two walks, and three stolen bases. Salgado also drove in three runs and scored six, which trailed Voit by one for the team lead. Salgado has been good since signing as an undrafted free agent, recording a .728 OPS in 23 games.

Randy Guzman had a good week as well, going 5-for-19 with three doubles, a triple, and two walks. He drove in four runs and scored three as he continues to impress since joining St. Lucie. In 26 games with the club, he owns a .985 OPS.

Four innings was the most a St. Lucie pitcher threw in this series. Two of the pitchers to do so, Nicolas Carreno and Jose Chirinos, looked solid with Carreno allowing no runs on three hits and five strikeouts, and Chirinos allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits, four walks, and three strikeouts. Carreno owns a 1.50 ERA in two appearances with St. Lucie, while Chirinos owns a 3.20 ERA in 15 appearances (10 starts).

Organizational Leaders

Batting

AVG – Yonny Hernández (BNG/SYR) – .322

OPS – Carson Benge (BRK/BNG/SYR) – .882

HR – Ryan Clifford (BNG/SYR) – 27

SB – A.J. Ewing (STL/BRK/BNG) – 69

Pitching

ERA – Jonah Tong (BNG/SYR) – 1.43

SO – Jonah Tong (BNG/SYR) – 179

WHIP – Zach Thornton (BRK/BNG) – 0.812

Players of the Week

Offense – Mitch Voit, IF St. Lucie

Voit has been a menace on the basepaths ever since joining St. Lucie, but his bat is finally starting to get going. He’s demonstrating all the tools the Mets were infatuated with when they made him their first-round selection this summer, and he ended St. Lucie’s season with by far his best series with the team.

Pitching – Jonathan Santucci, P Binghamton

Santucci has had an interesting season. In his first six starts with High-A Brooklyn, he was 0-4 with an 8.14 ERA. In 18 appearances since, across two levels, he’s 9-0 with a 2.06 ERA. With just Double-A Binghamton, he’s 4-0 with a 2.80 ERA. He’s turned his season around after an awful start, and he’s quietly been one of the best starters in the Mets’ system this year.

Upcoming Schedule – September 9-14

• Triple-A Syracuse: vs. Worcester
• Double-A Binghamton: vs. Portland
• High-A Brooklyn: @/vs. Greensboro – Division Series, Best of Three
• Low-A St. Lucie: @/vs. Daytona – Division Series, Best of Three

The post Minors Weekly Report: Mitch Voit Breaks Out with Stellar Week appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

But that’s why games are played on fields and not on paper. Philadelphia fared better against McLean than the first time they faced him, and Nola brushed aside his dreadful season to deliver a vintage start, leading to a 1-0 Phillies win. In a key game that the Mets could have and should have won, the offense failed to show up.

Nola was unusually dominant, especially considering his 9.96 ERA over his last six starts. He was rarely ever in trouble, allowing only three hits and two walks over six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. The lone threats against Nola came in the second and third innings. In the second, the Mets put runners on first and third, but Cedric Mullins struck out to end the scoring chance. In the third, Pete Alonso reached second on a two-out double, but Brandon Nimmo also struck out to end the inning.

McLean, on the other hand, was far from bad, but he did not have nearly the same kind of success he had against the Phillies less than two weeks ago. Battling with a bloodied nail on his throwing hand for most of the night, McLean was unable to control his breaking ball to the extent he’s been able to early in his career. He still lasted into the sixth inning, going 5 1/3 and allowing a run on seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

The only run against McLean occurred during a second inning in which the Phillies peppered four hits—all singles—against McLean. Nick Castellanos delivered the run-scoring hit, an opposite-field single, to drive in Max Kepler from third base. McLean did a good job limiting the damage and received help from Cedric Mullins, who threw out Harrison Bader trying to stretch a single into a double.

McLean’s ability to keep the Mets in the game gave them several chances to tie the Phillies or take the lead, both against Nola and the Philadelphia bullpen. With Nola getting through six scoreless, David Robertson entered the seventh inning in a 1-0 game and silenced Mark Vientos, Jeff McNeil, and Francisco Alvarez with ease. Robertson struck out two in the inning, Vientos and Alvarez, both on three pitches.

After Brooks Raley delivered a six-pitch, 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the seventh, Matt Strahm entered in the top of the eighth as the Mets’ next test. The Mets countered with a pair of righty pinch hitters—Starling Marte and Luisangel Acuña—batting for Brett Baty and Cedric Mullins at the bottom of the order, but neither reached base. Francisco Lindor walked to send Juan Soto to the plate as the go-ahead run, but Soto hit a bullet ground ball right at Bryson Stott to send the game to the ninth.

Ryan Helsley delivered one of his best outings as a Met in the top of the ninth, putting the Phillies down in order with strikeouts to his final two batters. Helsley stuck with his breaking pitches and threw the fastball just one time out of a total of 15 pitches. Helsley’s effectiveness gave the Mets one more chance to score just one run in the bottom of the ninth against flamethrower Jhoan Duran, who they had walked off at Citi Field just a few weeks earlier.

Pete Alonso sent Duran’s first pitch of the night back up the middle for a slow ground ball single. Brandon Nimmo followed up Alonso’s hit with a flyout to left before Mark Vientos sent a deep line drive to right field over Castellanos’ head. Ronny Mauricio, running for Alonso, headed over to third while Vientos got into second base, standing to put runners on second and third with one out. Jeff McNeil put together a good at-bat, working a 2-2 count, but was blown away with 102 miles per hour to put the Mets down to their final out.

The game fell into Francisco Alvarez’s hands, but Alvarez swung at three straight curveballs in the opposite batter’s box to end the game. One of the more excruciating losses of the season, the Mets are now eight games behind the Phillies with 18 to play and will have to hope they can hold onto their grasp of a Wild Card spot.

Statistic of the Game: Rare Company

With his start in this game, Nolan McLean became just the second pitcher in MLB history to begin his career with five starts of at least five strikeouts and fewer than three runs scored. The other pitcher was Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.

Player of the Game: Nolan McLean + the Bullpen

While McLean wasn’t at his best, he gave the Mets every chance in the world to win the game. Gregory Soto, Brooks Raley, and Ryan Helsley combined for 2 2/3 perfect innings out of the bullpen in one of the more encouraging bullpen performances in some time.

On Deck

The Mets will play the second of their four-game series with the Phillies on Tuesday night at 6:45 p.m. ET. Sean Manaea (1-2, 5.60 ERA) will be hoping to reverse his fortunes, while Ranger Suárez (11-6, 2.89 ERA) gets the ball for Philadelphia. The game will air on SNY.

The post Mets Drop Heartbreaker in Crucial Game Against Phillies appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets defeated the Braves 12-7 on Friday night. The offense woke up in a big way, recording 21 hits, while Nolan McLean dazzled in seven strong innings. Reed Garrett and Ryan Helsley faltered, though, and gave up a combined five runs over the final two innings.

With the Mets’ win, and the Phillies and Reds both losing, the Mets gained ground in both the NL East and the Wild Card race. The Mets are now 6 games behind Philadelphia for the division lead and 1.5 games ahead of Cincinnati for the final playoff spot in the National League.

Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Tylor Megill pitched well in his latest rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse. Megill went five innings and allowed no runs on just a hit and a walk with four strikeouts.

The Mets signed catcher Ali Sánchez to a minor league deal. Sánchez spent time with the Mets in 2020 and provides depth for the team after Francisco Alvarez was put on the injured list.

Latest MLB News

The Orioles signed catcher and top prospect Samuel Basallo to an eight-year, $67 million extension. Basallo recently made his MLB debut and just turned 21 years old.

Eno Sarris of The Athletic wrote about Bubba Chandler, who made his MLB debut on Friday, and some of the top starting pitching prospects still in Triple-A.

According to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, the team is moving starter Walker Buehler to the bullpen. Buehler has struggled this year with a 5.40 ERA in 22 starts.

The Twins DFA’d reliever José Ureña to make space for Mick Abel, who they acquired from the Phillies in the Jhoan Duran trade. Abel will make his Twins debut in a start on Saturday.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang details the continued struggles from Sean Manaea.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Billy McKinney (1994), Pat Strange (1980), Prentice Redman (1979), Raúl Casanova (1972), Ed Hearn (1960), Julio Franco (1958).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Gain Ground in NL East, Wild Card Race appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

With a lot of happy 2024 Mets memories, which one takes the cake as the best moment? Our team here at MMO is sharing what they think was the top Mets moment of 2024.

Oct 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a three-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Allison Waxman

It’s gotta be Pete Alonso’s Wild Card Game 3 home run. If there’s a moment that captures the spirit and heart of the 2024 Mets it’s that. When all hope was lost, the script was flipped in one swing and, once again, I believed like no other. I screamed in my apartment, I actually cried. I laughed. I texted all my fellow Met fans. I had friends who weren’t even baseball fans text me and talk to me about it. While they didn’t win it all, I think it will still go down as one of the best moments in Mets’ history. 2024 was the year things started to change, the year people’s perception of the team changed. After that swing, outsiders believed in this team, these players, and this fanbase. #ComeHomePete #LFGM

Johnluke Chaparro

Obviously the Alonso home run is up there but I’m going to pick the Francisco Lindor go-ahead home run against the Braves during game one of the final doubleheader. Showing how much of a leader he is, he came up big after a huge Mets comeback that was thwarted by the Braves having one of their own. That home run set the tone for what the Mets’ 2024 postseason run was all about. The Mets fought and clawed their way through until they couldn’t anymore and that home run against Atlanta was the definition of their resilience.

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki

There are so many options, but I have to go with Pete Alonso’s go-ahead three-run homer off Devin Williams. It could’ve been Alonso’s last at-bat as a Met if he didn’t get the job done, and it felt like six months of disappointment being let go at once. When the Brewers hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, a comeback felt impossible. When Alonso dropped a foul pop, it felt like the universe was just mocking the Mets. The Polar Bear wasn’t going to let things end on that note. I have lost count of how many times I’ve watched this home run since it happened.

Christian De Block

The Alonso home run in Game 3 against the Brewers was awesome, one of the coolest moments I’ve ever experienced as a Mets fan. After the Game 2 loss, I said to my friends, “We are getting a big hit from one of Lindor or Alonso. Something big in a critical spot.” The next day, we certainly did! We love you Pete and we want you back more than you ever know. #BringPeteBack #WeLovePete

David Melendi

It’s Alonso’s homer for me too but just to mix things up I’ll pick another favorite. Jake Diekman striking out Aaron Judge with one out in the ninth inning of a 3-2 win at Yankee Stadium. Fun bit of trivia to share with your Yankee fan friends: future Hall of Famer Juan Soto was on first base.

Michelle Ioannou

It has to be Pete Alonso’s home run. Not only do I have chills just thinking about the homer itself, but the whole narrative around it. We were all talking about/thinking how it could be the last time we see Pete step up to the plate in the orange and blue and then boom – he showed all of us exactly why he should remain a Met.

Chris Bello 

My favorite moment of the 2024 season was Game 161 against the Braves in Atlanta. It was such a pivotal moment and the beginning of what would become a magical ride for the Mets in the postseason. Being shut out by Spencer Schwellenbach, to then scoring six runs in one inning, and then the back and forth in the later inners with the failures of both closers and Francisco Lindor’s homer in the ninth. It was spectacular.

The post MMO Roundtable: Looking Back At Our Favorite 2024 Mets Moment appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets took the lead from the game’s first batter, with Francisco Lindor launching one into the right field stands to put the Mets up 1-0 and end the Dodgers’ impressive scoreless inning streak. Dodgers’ opener Ryan Brasier settled down to limit any more damage, but bulk man Landon Knack would be in for an even ruder greeting in the second inning.

Knack allowed the first two batters to reach before inducing a weak popout. Tyrone Taylor then drove home the game’s second run with an RBI double, putting runners on second and third with one out. A second out without a run being drivenin prompted Dave Roberts to intentionally walk Francisco Lindor, bringing Mark Vientos to the plate.

Roberts’ plan backfired, as Vientos worked a nine-pitch at-bat that resulted in a grand slam that found the bleachers in right-center field. Vientos’ long ball put the Mets up 6-0, putting them in prime position early with their ace, Sean Manaea, on the mound.

WE CAN’T STOP WATCHING
6-0 Mets
pic.twitter.com/8MNtFKgZPU

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) October 14, 2024

Manaea cruised through the early portion of the game, continuing his stellar postseason, to keep the Mets’ 6-0 lead intact. It wasn’t until the middle innings that he found trouble, allowing a Max Muncy solo homer to lead off the fifth inning. He exited the inning without further damage but was pulled in the sixth after allowing two walks and an error from Jose Iglesias.

Phil Maton entered the bases-loaded, no-out jam, looking to prevent major damage. He got Will Smith to pop up in the infield, getting a massive first out, but Tommy Edman grounded a ball under Pete Alonso‘s glove to drive two runners home and cut the Mets’ lead to 6-3.

A walk to Max Muncy loaded the bases again, bringing Kiké Hernández to the plate as the go-ahead run. Hernández grounded the ball to Mark Vientos, who bobbled it before tossing it to Jose Iglesias at second to complete the double play. The Dodgers challenged, as Iglesias’ throw nearly took Pete Alonso off the bag, but it was confirmed to be a huge double play, regardless of the sloppy execution, to get the Mets out of the inning.

Ryne Stanek provided a less eventful seventh inning after Maton led it off with a popout and a walk to Shohei Ohtani. Stanek faced Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández and got Betts to strike out and Hernández to ground out while pumping 99 miles per hour. Those two outs got the Mets out of the inning and the hardest part of the Dodgers lineup out of the way with two innings remaining.

Stanek remained on for the eighth, but Tommy Edman’s third hit of the night and a walk to Max Muncy forced Carlos Mendoza to go to Edwin Díaz for a four-out save. Díaz’s first test was against Kiké Hernández to close out the eighth inning, and he recorded a flyout to keep the Dodgers three runs down.

Pete Alonso almost singlehandedly provided the Mets a much-needed insurance run in the top of the ninth inning. With one out, Alonso walked and then stole second base without a throw. Then, Starling Marte grounded a ball up the middle, allowing Alonso to just barely score with a good dive. That gave Díaz a four-run cushion with just three outs to play.

Díaz allowed a leadoff single to Andy Pages, bringing up Shohei Ohtani and the top of the Dodgers’ lineup with no outs. Ohtani walked before Mookie Betts struck out on a 99 mph fastball upstairs. Díaz went back to his fastball to strike out Teoscar Hernández before fooling Freddie Freeman with a slider.

The 7-3 win ties the NLCS at one game apiece before the Mets and Dodgers head east to Citi Field for three games.

Stat of the Game

Mark Vientos became the third Mets player to hit a grand slam in the postseason, not counting Robin Ventura‘s grand slam single in 1999. He joins Edgardo Alfonzo, who hit a postseason grand slam in 1999, and Francisco Lindor, who hit one just last week.

Player of the Game

Vientos’ grand slam naturally makes him the player of the game. His long ball was the difference, as the Mets won by four. Vientos has been key to the Mets’ success this postseason, and he keeps hitting and providing value with his bat.

On Deck

The Mets return to Citi Field to continue the NLCS against the Dodgers. They have Tuesday off and then play Wednesday at 8:08 p.m. ET. The game will air on FS1, with Luis Severino taking the mound for New York and Walker Buehler for Los Angeles.

The post Mets Even NLCS with 7-3 Game 2 Win appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

With the Dodgers’ 2-0 win over the Padres on Friday, the Mets are set to face the Dodgers in the NLCS. The Mets struggled against them in the regular season, going 2-4 in six games. They took a series in Los Angeles in April before getting swept at home in May. Game 1 of the series is set for Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET on FOX.

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Jeff McNeil made an appearance in the Arizona Fall League on Friday, lining a single in his first at-bat.

The St. Lucie Mets are hosting a donation drive at Clover Park next week to help the surrounding community that was affected by Hurricane Milton. People who donate will receive St. Lucie Mets tickets for the 2025 season.

Former Met Kevin Plawecki joined the Baseball Isn’t Boring Podcast to talk about the Mets’ postseason run and his time with the Mets during their 2015 World Series run.

Latest MLB News

Saturday’s win-or-go-home Game 5 between the Guardians and Tigers has moved from an 8:08 p.m. ET first pitch to a 1:08 p.m. ET first pitch due to expected inclement weather in Cleveland.

According to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com, the Orioles are not returning three members of their major league staff for the 2025 season. This includes co-hitting coach Ryan Fuller, bench coach Fredi González, and major league coach José Hernández.

Per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, third baseman Josh Jung has undergone another wrist surgery after being limited to just 46 games in the 2024 season with a fractured wrist. The 2023 All-Star had seven home runs and a .719 OPS during his brief season.

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Colin Chatto writes about how the Mets could construct their NLCS roster with the return of Jeff McNeil.

Jack Markowski looks into how the Mets will dictate their NLCS Game 1 starter.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: The Mets won their first World Series game in the history of the franchise with a 2-1 win over the Orioles. The Game 2 win tied the series at one game apiece. Jerry Koosman was the winning pitcher, tossing 8 2/3 innings of one-run ball, while Donn Clendenon and Al Weis drove home the Mets’ two runs.

Born On This Date: José Valentín (55), Sid Fernandez (62).

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Against all odds, these remarkable Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies in four games to advance to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2015.

And, at this point, can you really bet against this team taking down either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the San Diego Padres and going all the way to the World Series? They just doesn’t know when to quit, and they have all the juice right now.

And, on that note, let’s dive into a very special edition of Six Up. Yes, that’s right, we’re doing things a little bit differently today. Because, after all, how can there be any negatives after what the Mets have just done?

Let’s get on with the show…

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

SIX UP

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Not only is the above heading an all-time classic song from Phil Collins, but it should also be the official mantra of the 2024 Mets. Because, no matter the situation, no matter the opponent, no matter the amount of adversity thrown their way, this team finds a way to deliver time and time again. Many, myself included, felt their run would come to an abrupt end against the Phillies. And yet, the Mets made what was supposed to be a World Series contender look anything but. In fact, it is New York that more resembles a team that could go on and win it all. Granted, the Mets will have to overcome greater odds in order to be crowned kings of baseball. But, at this point, they will no doubt relish that challenge.

MVP! MVP! MVP!

Just where would the Mets be without Francisco Lindor? We’ve uttered that very same sentence a bunch this year, but it feels even more relevant after Wednesday. In a Game Four that was light on offense, Lindor came up with the monster hit to end all monster hits. His sixth-inning grand slam put the Mets on top for good, booking their ticket to the NLCS in the process. Lindor has consistently come through in the clutch for his team this year, but his Game Four heroics may well end up being the defining moment of a truly stellar year.

GETTING HOT

Pete Alonso has stepped up when it has really mattered the most. Following his heroics in the Wild Card series, Alonso enjoyed an incredibly productive series against Philadelphia. He went 4-for-13 with two homers, one double, four walks, three RBIs and three runs scored. Alonso is now hitting .273/.433/.727 in October. The Mets were always going to need Alonso to take over games if they were going to make a deep run, and that is exactly what is happening so far.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

RISING STAR

ESPN should commission a 30 For 30 on Mark Vientos‘ meteoric rise in 2024. It really is a stunning story, especially when you consider that his Mets future was in doubt back in March. Yet, fast forward to the present day, and the young slugger is playing a major role in an unlikely postseason charge. Vientos is currently riding a four-game multi-hit streak, including nine hits and five RBIs against the Phillies. Furthermore, Vientos’ RBI double in the eighth inning of Game One helped change the entire tenor of the series. All in all, Vientos has entered rarified air as it pertains to his October exploits for this team.

PITCHING MASTERCLASS

The Mets starting rotation deserves a collective Cy Young Award, especially for what they accomplished in this series. All four starters delivered and then some, helping to shutdown a dangerous Phillies lineup. Kodai Senga was impressive in his short outing in Game One despite allowing a leadoff home run. Luis Severino was excellent for the most part in Game Two, but did allow back-to-back homers. Sean Manaea, who is quickly proving he is an ace for this team, delivered an absolutely breathtaking start in Game Three with just one run allowed in seven-plus innings. Then, in the decisive Game Four, Jose Quintana produced his best and most important start of the year to help send the Mets to the NLCS. Overall, the starting pitching was beyond extraordinary in this series, and the Mets have a legit shot at doing something really special this October because of the rotation.

MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF 

Speaking of pitching, let’s give the bullpen their flowers. Yes, there were some scary moments in this series when it comes to the Mets’ relievers. But, overall, they delivered when they really had to. David Peterson hurled three scoreless innings in long relief in Game One. Reed Garrett followed by tossing two scoreless innings to help get the job done. Both Garrett and Peterson were perfect in Game Four, before Edwin Díaz atoned for some earlier sins by earning the save and sending Mets fans into a frenzy. Yes, this bullpen is gassed. Yes, this group of relievers are running on fumes. Yet, despite everything, they just keep finding a way to get the job done just like the entire team has themselves.

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Carlos Mendoza announced the Mets’ pitching schedule for the first two games of the NLDS on Friday. Mendoza surprisingly announced, rather than Tylor Megill or David Peterson, that Kodai Senga would get the ball for Game 1, making just his second start all year. Mendoza then announced that Luis Severino will pitch Game 2 on the road on regular rest.

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Start times for NLDS Games 3 through 5 were announced:

• Game 3 (Tuesday): 5:08 p.m. ET
• Game 4 (Wednesday): 5:08 p.m. ET
• Game 5 (Friday): 4:08 p.m. ET

Jeff McNeil and his wife, Tatiana, welcomed their second child, a daughter named Serena.

Former Mets first baseman Lucas Duda was hired as the hitting coach for Lipscomb University’s baseball team.

Latest MLB News

Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced that Cristopher Sánchez will pitch Game 2 at home for the Phillies, partly because Thomson expects Citi Field to be a “pretty hostile environment.” Sánchez has been much better at Citizens Bank Park than on the road this year, owning a 2.21 home ERA and a 5.02 road ERA.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Joe Musgrove will undergo Tommy John surgery. It’s a brutal blow for Musgrove and the Padres, as Musgrove was pitching brilliantly lately, but he exited his last start in the Wild Card round against the Braves early and he’ll now be out through at least 2025. The Padres will have to continue their World Series hunt without him.

Anthony Rizzo will not be on the ALDS roster for the Yankees. The first baseman has been out with fractured fingers on his right hand.

The Reds officially announced they agreed on a contract with legendary manager Terry Francona to be the team’s next skipper. It is a three-year deal with a club option for the 2028 season.

The Twins announced that Thad Levine, their general manager, is departing the organization to pursue other opportunities, both in and out of baseball. Levine spent the last eight seasons as the Twins’ general manager, serving most of his tenure under president of baseball operations Derek Falvey.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Braves plan on picking up the team options on Marcell Ozuna ($16 million), Travis d’Arnaud ($8 million), and Aaron Bummer ($7.25 million). Ozuna had another fantastic season (39 HR, .925 OPS) while d’Arnaud (.739 OPS) and Bummer (3.58 ERA) were both solid.

Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano will sign with an MLB team as an international free agent in the offseason. Sugano, who will be turning 35 next week, went 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA in 24 starts for the Yomiuri Giants in 2024.

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Jack Markowski relives Pete Alonso‘s rollercoaster of a night on Thursday, from his dropped pop-up in foul territory to his season-saving home run in the ninth inning.

Christian De Block recaps the stellar outing from Jose Quintana to help keep the season alive in Thursday’s do-or-die game.

On This Date in Mets History

1986: The Mets capped off their regular season with a 9-0 victory over the Pirates. It was the Mets’ 108th win of the year, finishing with a 108-54 record.

2023: Mets general manager Billy Eppler resigned from his position due to an investigation into his alleged manipulation of the injured list. Eppler was originally set to remain in the organization under new president of baseball operations David Stearns, but he felt it would be unfair to burden Stearns with the investigation.

Born On This Date: Rey Sánchez (1967), Brent Gaff (1958), Dennis Bennett (1939).

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