Mets Top Potential Landing Spot for Framber Valdez?

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Mets are viewed as one of the favorites to sign long-time Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez alongside the Baltimore Orioles.

Stearns was Houston’s assistant general manager when Valdez signed with the organization as an international free agent in March 2015, so there’s a preexisting connection there between the southpaw and New York’s primary decision-maker.

Valdez, who caught some flak late in the year following a controversial cross-up incident with catcher César Salazar, is perhaps the top starter left on the open market this offseason. The two-time All-Star logged a 3.66 ERA in 31 starts and 192 innings during the 2025 campaign. Since the 2021 season, Valdez has posted a 3.20 ERA across 143 outings and 902 1/3 frames.

MLB Trade Rumors projects that he’ll land a five-year contract worth $150 million.

Mets Enamored by Imai and King

Feinsand added that the Mets are among the clubs showing the most interest in right-handers Michael King and Tatsuya Imai.

King, who began his big-league career with the Yankees before being dealt to the San Diego Padres as part of the package for Juan Soto and Trent Grisham in December 2023, put up a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts and 73 1/3 innings this past season while battling shoulder and knee injuries. He declined the $22.005 million qualifying offer last month.

Imai was posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball on November 19, and he’ll have until January 2 to sign with an MLB team. The 27-year-old owned a 3.15 ERA over 963 2/3 total innings with the Lions, though he posted a career-best mark of 1.92 in 2025 over 163 2/3 innings.

Possible Ranger Suarez Pursuit?

Feinsand also noted that the Mets are in the mix for left-hander Ranger Suárez, who developed into a key piece of the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation over recent years.

The 30-year-old posted a 3.20 ERA in 26 outings and 157 1/3 frames in 2025. The 2024 All-Star, who primarily served as a reliever at the beginning of his major league career, has recorded a 3.45 ERA in 119 total starts.

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Position: SP B/T: L/L

Player Data: Age: 30 (08/26/1995)

2025 Traditional Stats: 26 G, 157 1/3 IP, 3.20 ERA, 1.220 WHIP, 12-8, 151 K, 38 BB

2025 Advanced Stats: 137 ERA+, 23.2% K%, 5.8% BB%, 3.15 xERA, 3.21 FIP, 3.61 xFIP, 4.0 fWAR, 4.7 bWAR

Rundown

Ranger Suárez has been in the Phillies organization ever since he signed with them as an international free agent when he was 16 years old in 2012. He began his major league career mostly as a reliever, but transitioned to being a starter during his spectacular 2021 season. While he hasn’t quite reached the heights of his breakout season, Suárez has remained a steady contributor for the Phillies during their contention window.

In 2025, Suárez began the season on the injured list, but then he had his best season since becoming a full-time starter. He set career-best marks in strikeouts, ERA, ERA+, xERA, FIP, strikeout rate, walk rate, and fWAR. While he didn’t qualify for the ERA title, Suárez threw a career-high 157 1/3 innings, averaging over six innings per start. Suárez was strong in his lone outing of the postseason, too, tossing five innings of one-run ball and earning the win in Game 3 of the NLDS.

Suárez is far from a flamethrower – he averages a touch over 90 miles per hour on his fastball. However, he excels at generating weak contact, allowing an average exit velocity of just 86.5 mph (95th percentile in the majors) and a hard-hit of 31.1% (98th percentile). While his opponents’ batting average increased from .243 to .256, their BABiP jumped from .302 to .318 while their xBA dropped from .250 to .233.

Suárez uses a six-pitch mix – throwing a sinker, four-seamer, change-up, curveball, and cutter at least 14% of the time, while also occasionally mixing in a slider. His curveball and change-up graded as his best pitches – registering run values of plus-7 and plus-6, respectively. The curveball recorded a hard-hit rate of just 17.8% and an xSLG of .229, while the change-up had a whiff rate of 33% and a 22.5% hard-hit rate.

One knock against Suárez is that his performance appeared to weaken as the season progressed. He had a 1.99 ERA following his outing on July 5, but posted a pedestrian 4.37 mark through the rest of the season. However, his opponents had a .364 BABIP during that stretch, and he had a 3.38 FIP, suggesting he got rather unlucky. Perhaps this was just a reversal of fortunes from his early-season success – through July 5, Suárez had an opponents’ BABIP of .263 and an 86.6% strand rate, but that pristine strand rate dropped to 74% the rest of the season. Still, his overall strand rate of 79% represents the best mark of his career.

Contract

Suárez will command a hefty contract, as most pitchers do in free agency. He leads a pitching free agent class headlined by Framber Valdez and Michael King this offseason. Sean Manaea earned a three-year $75 million contract after the 2024 season, and he had a bit less of a track record than Suárez does currently. Suárez might not get an eight-year deal like fellow lefty Max Fried, but it’s reasonable to expect him to net a contract worth nine figures and an annual salary over $25 million. Spotrac projects that Suárez will receive a six-year contract worth $161 million.

Recommendation: Try to Sign

After the 2019 season, the Mets saw Zack Wheeler sign with the Phillies. Now, the Mets have a chance to enact some revenge. Suárez would fit in well at the front of the rotation alongside Nolan McLean and take some of the pressure off the budding ace who’s entering his first full season in the majors. The Mets struggled badly to get length from their starting pitchers in 2025 – McLean was the only starter to average six innings per outing, and he only made eight starts. Suárez would have ranked third on the team in innings pitched despite missing the first month of the season. Suárez also has an excellent postseason track record, owning a sparkling 1.48 ERA in 42 2/3 playoff innings. Not only would the Mets be poaching a player from a division rival, but they would be adding a player who could make a huge impact in an area of need.

The post Free Agent Profile: Ranger Suárez, SP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Quintana’s gutsy outing kept the Phillies lineup off-balance and the Mets in the game despite putting up zeroes against Ranger Suárez with the bases loaded in back-to-back innings. He managed to strike out six in five innings, only surrendering two hits. 

“It was a rough battle; they have a really good lineup,” Quintana said. “It is really hard to challenge against them, and it means a lot for us to be around this group. I am so excited for this”.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

What makes Quintana’s dominant stretch even more impressive is the fact many wondered if he would finish the season with the Mets. Before the All-Star break, he had a 4.13 ERA and one of the worst stretch of starts a Mets pitcher has had this year, with a 7.20 ERA in May. After finding a groove after the All-Star break, the 35-year-old veteran found a bump in the road where he gave up at least four earned runs in three consecutive starts in the middle of August.

Of note, Quintana isn’t known for giving up the long ball but allowed 22 home runs in 2024. It’s the most he gave up since 2018. However, he hasn’t given up a home run since his disastrous start against the Orioles on August 20.

However, since he gave up seven runs to the Baltimore Orioles, Quintana has a 0.57 ERA over his last eight starts (including the postseason). Five of those starts came against playoff teams. He has solidified himself as a starter for the Mets this postseason run and continues to battle his way through very tough lineups.

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Jose Quintana (10-10, 3.75 ERA) gave up two earned runs in 25 innings (0.72 ERA) in September, including seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball in a victory against the Phillies on Sept. 13 at Citizens Bank Park. He was dealing in the Wild Card round, too, throwing six scoreless against the Brewers last Thursday in the game that will be best remembered for Pete Alonso‘s go-ahead, ninth-inning home run.

Ranger Suárez (12-8, 3.46 ERA) was at his best in the first half. He was 10-4 with a 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, earning a trip to the All-Star Game. After the break, the 29-year-old lefty went 2-4 with a 5.65 ERA and 1.69 WHIP. He faced the Mets at Citi Field on Sept. 21, giving up two runs in five innings on a pair of solo home runs to Francisco Alvarez and Luisangel Acuña.

Suárez pitched well against New York in the first half, earning wins on May 15 at home (5 innings, two unearned runs) and on June 8 in London (5.2 innings, two earned runs).

In three starts against the Phillies this year, Quintana was 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA covering 16 innings. For his career, he is 1-2 with a 3.53 ERA in 12 starts, with 75 strikeouts vs. 17 walks in 66.1 innings. He made one playoff start against the Phils in 2022 when he hurled 5.1 scoreless innings for the St. Louis Cardinals in the Wild Card round.

The 35-year-old is looking for his first career playoff win. He’s 0-1 with a 2.92 ERA in six postseason appearances (five starts).

Suárez has tossed 33 1/3 postseason innings, all for the Phillies in 2022-2023. He is 3-1 with a 1.62 ERA in nine appearances (seven starts). He has never gone longer than 5 1/3 innings in a playoff start.

One last thing to keep in mind: Phillies manager Rob Thomson said he would only use Zack Wheeler “in an emergency” tonight. The former Met pitched seven scoreless innings on Saturday.

The post Quintana Faces Suárez With LCS Trip at Stake appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets took advantage of a Sean Manaea gem Tuesday, punishing Phillies starters for seven runs, including a home run apiece from Pete Alonso and Jesse Winker. For Manaea, who left his start to a standing ovation, his seven brilliant innings meant more than just baseball. After his dominant outing, the lefty looked to the sky, dedicating the performance to his aunt, who had passed away that day. “This game was for her,” the Mets ace said.

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

The latest run scored by the New York Mets in late innings came via a Francisco Lindor RBI double, extending the Met lead to 7-2. Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, the Mets now have 13 runs in the eighth and ninth innings this postseason. The only team with more in a single postseason is the 1936 Yankees, who had 16.

The Mets are looking to get Jeff McNeil at-bats in the AFL, (Arizona Fall League) says manager Carlos Mendoza. While somewhat unrealistic, it happened once when Kyle Schwarber in 2016 got AFL reps after being injured for the season. For McNeil, real game action would help massively as the Mets hope for a potential NLCS return from the Flying Squirrel. 

As a reminder, 1986 Mets hero and current SNY analyst Keith Hernandez threw out the first pitch Tuesday. 2015 NLCS MVP Daniel Murphy will throw it out Wednesday.

Latest MLB News

The Padres beat the Dodgers 6-5 to go ahead 2-1 in the other NLDS. The Padres will look to clinch an NLCS spot shortly after the Mets game tonight, with a 9:08 p.m. ET start time.

Former MLB pitcher Luis Tiant passed away Tuesday at the age of 83. Perhaps best known for his outlandish pitching motion, he was also an excellent pitcher in his prime. The right-hander racked up 66.1 WAR in his career while winning 229 games in 19 years of professional baseball.

The Colorado Rockies organization announced that they’ve extended manager Bud Black’s contract through the 2025 season. Black, 67, has 17 years of managing experience with the San Diego Padres and Rockies. Overall, his managerial winning percentage is .464 and he’s made the postseason twice, in 2016 and ‘17 with Colorado.

Major League Baseball said that they’ll “produce and distribute local games for the Guardians, Brewers, and Twins in 2025.” In the past, their games had deals with Diamond Sports Group. However, their future had already been in jeopardy since Diamond Sports had already filed for bankruptcy last year and unofficially dropped 11 teams. 

Latest on MMO

Colin Chatto wrote about the availability of Jeff McNeil and Kodai Senga.

David Melendi talked about Mets AFL participants.

Gianna Arantes recapped Tuesday’s game.

On This Date in Mets History

1986: The Mets bounced back to defeat the Houston Astros after losing the opener. Bobby Ojeda threw a complete game, leading New York to a 5-1 victory.

1999: Todd Pratt smacked a legendary game-winning walk off home run to send the Metropolitans to the NLCS. 

2015: In his postseason debut, Jacob deGrom dominated the Dodgers in the NLDS, pitching seven scoreless innings.

Born On This Date: Colin Holderman (1995).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Are One Win From NLCS appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets try to get back in the win column this afternoon as they play the third game in the four game set against the Phillies. After three straight games of scoring 10 runs, the Mets offense struggled Friday night to get anything going. Coupled with a good night for the Phillies bats, it was an ugly loss for the Mets. But the Braves lost too and going into play today the Mets have sole possession of the third wild card spot by two games.

Photo by Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Mets Lineup

1. Jose Iglesias – 2B
2. Starling Marte – DH
3. Mark Vientos – 3B
4. Pete Alonso – 1B
5. Brandon Nimmo – LF
6. Tyrone Taylor – RF
7. Francisco Alvarez – C
8. Harrison Bader – CF
9. Luisangel Acuña – SS

Sean Manaea has pitched 171 innings this season with a 3.26 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 1.082 WHIP and a 121 ERA+. Over his last two games he has allowed only two runs over 13 2/3 innings while striking striking out 14 batters. Since July 30th he’s had a 2.49 ERA, 2.91 FIP over 65 innings. He’s had two starts against the Phillies this season. In May he held the Phillies to only one run over six innings in Queens. Then in June he allowed six runs from seven hits including two homers over 3 2/3 innings during the London Series. The Phillies have the following career numbers against him:

• Alec Bohm 2-7, HR, 2 K
• Nick Castellanos 5-13, 2B, 2 HR, 4 K
• Kody Clemens 0-1
• Bryce Harper 4-8, 2 2B, HR, K
• Brandon Marsh 0-3, BB, 2 K
• J.T. Realmuto 0-4, BB, 3 K
• Johan Rojas 0-3, K
• Kyle Schwarber 1-3, 2 BB
• Edmundo Sosa 4-6, 2B, 3B, HR, K

Opposing Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber – DH
2. Trea Turner – SS
3. Bryce Harper – 1B
4. Alec Bohm – 3B
5. Nick Castellanos – RF
6. J.T. Realmuto – C
7. Edmundo Sosa – 2B
8. Weston Wilson – LF
9. Johan Rojas – CF

Ranger Suárez has pitched 143 2/3 innings this season for the Phillies with a 3.13 ERA, 3.09 FIP, 1.142 WHIP, and 129 ERA+. In his last four games, he has a 5.12 ERA, and 4.00 FIP from 11 runs over 19 1/3 innings. Ranger faced the Mets twice earlier this season. In Queens he allowed two unearned runs over five innings and then in London, he allowed two runs over over 5 2/3 innings. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

• Pete Alonso 2-17, 2 2B, 5 BB, 4 K
• Eddy Alvarez 0-2
• Francisco Alvarez 0-5, 3 K
• Harrison Bader 1-5
• José Iglesias 4-5, 2B, K
• Francisco Lindor 5-16, 2B, HR, BB, K
• Starling Marte 6-16, 2B, 2 BB, K
• J.D. Martinez 2-9, 2B, BB, 3 K
• Brandon Nimmo 3-22, 3 BB, 3 K
• Tyrone Taylor 1-5, BB, 2 K
• Luis Torrens 1-5, BB, 2 K
• Mark Vientos 3-12, 2B, HR, 4 K
• Jesse Winker 1-5, 2 K

Game Notes

• The Mets fell to the Phillies, 12-2, last night. New York is in a stretch of 10 straight games (5-3). The Mets begin their final regular season homestand on the season, a seven-game (4-1) stand against Washington (3-0) and Philadelphia (1-1). Following this homestand, the Mets head out on the road for the final time during the regular season, a six-game road trip to Atlanta (three games) and Milwaukee (three games).
• Sean Manaea has recorded 177 strikeouts this season. It is the second-highest total of his career. He struck out 194 in 32 starts in 2021. That is the highest total by a left-handed pitcher for the Mets since Johan Santana struck out 206 in 2008.
• New York has won four of their last five and 16 of their last 21. The Mets enter today with a record of 85-69 this season. The Mets have guaranteed a winning season. In 2023, the team finished at 75-87. The Mets were a season-low 11 games under .500 on June 2 (24-35)…Since then, the Mets have gone 61-34… Following a loss on May 29, the Mets have played 99 games, going 63-36 in that span.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Jose Iglesias. Iglesias continued his hot streak last night going 2-for-4 with a lead-off homer. During his 14-game hitting streak he has gone 22-for-53 slashing .415/.446/.528. In his last eight games, he has gone 15-for-39 with six multi-hit games. Iglesias had a .310 batting average before this streak started and is now hitting .333.
2. Keep runners for stealing. There was a period of time this season when runners ran all over the Mets. Last night the Phillies had 17 hits and stole five bases.
3. Scoreboard watching. The Braves behind Max Fried are going to get started with the Marlins at the same time as the Mets this afternoon. The Braves lost to the Marlins Friday night and failed to pick up a game against the Mets. The Diamondbacks behind Merrill Kelly look to pick up a third consecutive win against the Brewers. Meanwhile, the Padres will try to give the White Sox their 119th loss of the season.

Let’s go Mets!

The post Game Chat: Phillies vs Mets, 4:10 PM appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The news Mets fans didn’t want to hear came out on Saturday, as Kodai Senga went back on the injured list. The Mets placed him on the 15-day IL as a result of the left calf strain he suffered on Friday night in his first start of the season against the Braves in which he exited the game in the sixth inning with the injury.

To add salt to an open wound, the Mets then got shut out by the Braves 4-0 on Saturday afternoon on a day when the Mets’ offense only had four hits. With the loss, the Mets fall back half a game from the Braves to fall back into third place in the NL East and third place in the National League’s Wild Card race.

In some good news, the Mets acquired outfielder Jesse Winker in a trade with the Washington Nationals right before midnight. The deal was first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The Mets and Braves conclude their series on Sunday at 1:40 p.m. ET. It will be Reynaldo Lopez (7-4, 2.12 ERA) on the mound for the Braves (55-48) against David Peterson (5-0, 3.14 ERA) for the Mets (55-49).

Jesse Winker. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Late Saturday night, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the New York Mets agreed to acquire outfielder Jesse Winker from the Washington Nationals. In exchange, according to Will Sammon of the Athletic, the Mets sent pitcher Tyler Stuart.

The New York Mets on Saturday announced the following roster transactions:

• Right-handed pitcher Eric Orze was optioned to Triple-A Syrcause
• Right-handed pitcher Ryne Stanek has been activated and will wear No. 55.
• Right-handed pitcher Kodai Senga was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left calf strain.
• Right-handed pitcher Tylor Megill has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.

Per Jon Heyman of the NY Post, the Mets are among a handful of teams showing interest in veteran right-handed pitcher Luis Garcia.

Latest MLB News

Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN, sources confirmed to her and Jeff Passan, also of ESPN, that the Toronto Blue Jays are trading relief pitcher Nate Pearson to the Chicago Cubs.

The Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday announced that they placed left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to July 24, with lower back soreness. In return, they recalled left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Milwaukee Brewers are acquiring right-handed relief pitcher Nick Mears from the Colorado Rockies. Right-handed pitching prospects Bradley Blalock and Yujanjer Herrera are going to Colorado.

Robert Murray of FanSided reported that Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger will be undergoing disc replacement surgery on his neck, resulting in missing the remainder of the 2024 season.

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox are in discussions to acquire catcher Danny Jansen from the Blue Jays.

The New York Yankees on Saturday announced that they acquired infielder/outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor league catcher Agustin Ramirez, infielder Jared Serna and infielder Abrahan Ramirez.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic also reported that, according to sources, the Philadelphia Phillies are acquiring Carlos Estevez from the Los Angeles Angels.  The Angels later confirmed the trade and noted that in exchange they acquired right-handed pitcher George Klassen and left-handed pitcher Samuel Aldegheri from the Phillies.

Latest on MMO

Matt Mongin recapped the Mets’ minor league affiliate games from Friday.

David Melendi discusses the Mets acquiring relief pitcher Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners.

Alexis Farinacci discusses J.D. Martinez breaking out of his July slump with a grand slam against the Braves on Friday night.

Chris Bello writes a trade profile on outfielder Michael Conforto, who reports say the Mets could be interested in re-acquiring.

Colin Chatto discusses Kodai Senga finding himself back on the injured list and likely to miss the remainder of the season.

Colin Chatto discusses the Yankees trading for Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Evan Mazza talks about the Mets’ interest in relief pitcher Luis Garcia.

Evan Mazza recapped the Mets getting shut out by their NL East foes 4-0.

On This Date in Mets History

2011: The Mets and Carlos Beltran mutually agreed to part ways as Beltran waived his no-trade clause and was sent to San Fransisco in exchange for Zack Wheeler. 

Birthdays: Tylor Megill (29), Darin Ruf (38)

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The Mets skipped across the pond Wednesday evening and have had the last two days to prepare for international baseball, welcome to London lads!

For the third time in MLB’s history, games will be played in London Stadium, the home of West Ham United F.C. The fireworks this afternoon/evening (depending on what country you are watching this game in) won’t be created by star midfielders Mohammed Kudus and Edson Álvarez. It is Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso’s turn!

Francisco Lindor – NY Mets

Mets Lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Pete Alonso – 1B
3. Brandon Nimmo – LF
4. J.D. Martinez – DH
5. Starling Marte – RF
6. Mark Vientos – 3B
7. Harrison Bader – CF
8. Jose Iglesias – 2B
9. Luis Torrens – C

Sean Manaea has made 11 starts totaling 57 innings this season with a 3.63 ERA, 3.42 FIP, 1.298 WHIP and a 105 ERA+. He’s coming off of a rough start against the Diamondbacks where he allowed six runs, five earned over 5 2/3 innings but still managed to have a season high in strikeouts at 10. He last faced the Phillies on May 13th and allowed only one earned run from four hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six. The Phillies have the following career numbers against him:

• Alec Bohm 1-5, HR, 2 K
• Nick Castellanos 5-11, 2B, 2 HR, 3 K
• Bryce Harper 2-6, 2B, K
• Whit Merrifield 4-11, 2 2B, BB, 2 K
• J.T. Realmuto 0-2, BB, 2 K
• Johan Rojas 0-3, K
• Kyle Schwarber 0-0, 2 BB
• Edmundo Sosa 3-4, 2B, 3B, HR, K
• Bryson Stott 3-6, HR, BB
• Garrett Stubbs 1-2

Opposing Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber – DH
2. JT Realmuto – C
3. Bryce Harper – 1B
4. Alec Bohm – 3B
5. Nick Castellanos – RF
6. Bryson Stott – 2B
7. Edmundo Sosa – SS
8. Whit Merrifield – LF
9. Cristian Pache – CF

The Mets bats will really get to test the theory if London Stadium is still a hitters’ park as they face one of the best pitchers in baseball this year, Ranger Suárez. Over 12 starts (74 innings), Suárez has a 1.70 ERA (league-leading), 2.65 FIP, 0.797 WHIP (league-leading), and a 236 ERA+ (you guessed it, league-leading). The Mets scored two unearned runs against Suárez back on May 15th off of four hits and two walks over five innings. Suárez had a short outing his last time out when he took a 106 mph comebacker off of his pitching thumb. This is of course something to keep an eye on today. The Mets have the following career numbers against Suárez:

• Pete Alonso 1-15, 2B, 4 BB, 3 K
• Harrison Bader 1-2
• Jose Iglesias 2-2
• Francisco Lindor 3-13, HR, BB, K
• Starling Marte 4-13, 2 BB, K
• J.D. Martinez 2-7, 2B, BB, 2 K
• Jeff McNeil 2-10, 2B, 3B, K
• Tomás Nido 0-4, 3 K
• Brandon Nimmo 3-19, 3 BB, 2 K
• Tyrone Taylor 1-5, K
• Luis Torrens 0-2, BB, K
• Mark Vientos 3-9, 2B, HR, 3 K

Game Notes

• The Mets enjoyed two days off…On Wednesday, the Mets defeated the Nationals, 9-1, in Washington D.C. to complete a three-game sweep. The Mets have won three straight and five of their last seven games.
• Today, the Mets begin a two-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The international series is part of the MLB WORLD TOUR, which represents MLB and the MLBPA’s largest-ever international play plan across the 2023-2026 seasons.
• : The Mets have played 318 games outside the USA. This included Canada (vs. Montreal), Japan vs. Chicago-NL (March 29-30, 2000), Mexico (August 16-18, 1996) and Puerto Rico against Montreal (April 11-14, 2003, April 9-11, 2004) and against Florida (June 28-30, 2010). New York owns a 147-171 record in those games.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Come On You Irons! West Ham United F.C., also referred to as the Irons invoke iron hammers in club imagery. The Mets and Phillies will be looking to use their hammers today in what has historically been a high-scoring ballpark. In 2019, before the fences were brought in, the Red Sox and Yankees combined for 10 home runs over two games. Before heading across the pond the Mets hit six homers over their three-game sweep against the Nationals.
2. Mushy P’s and Proper Relievers. The bulk of the Mets has been a bit mushy for the better part of the month. The Mets pen has lost six games where the Mets were leading in the 8th or leader. There were two games where the Mets bullpen allowed big leads to almost slip away at the last moment. But the Mets have won five of their last seven games and that’s because of two new relievers who are off to strong starts. Dedniel Núñez has allowed only three earned runs over 11 2/3 innings with an astounding 19s. Danny Young has allowed one unearned run over 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight.
3. Changing of the Guard? When the Mets traded for Luis Torrens out of the Yankees minor league system, it was widely assumed at the time he would be the odd man out once Francisco Alvarez came back. All Torrens has done though since coming up is hit for power. He has gone 3-for-10 at the plate with two homers and a double. Nido over his last five games has gone 4-for-13 at the plate with a double and a homer. Nido probably still has the advantage here, but both catchers will be auditioning all weekend for who gets to stay when Álvarez returns.

Let’s go Mets!

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Rob Thomson’s group is executing at a high level in every way possible. The Phillies are scoring 5.08 runs per game, the second-best mark in the league. Their pitching staff also has a 2.92 ERA, which is only bettered by the New York Yankees (2.82 ERA). As a result, the Phillies have opened up a 7.5-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. The Mets will most certainly have their hands full this weekend. Let’s take a look at some notes on the two pitching matchups in this series.

J.D. Martinez, Photo by Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday, June 8, 2024: LHP Ranger Suárez (9-1, 1.70 ERA) vs. LHP Sean Manaea (3-2, 3.63 ERA)

Ranger Suárez has been otherworldly this season, owning a league-best 1.70 ERA through 74 innings pitched. His numbers are great. In seven of his first 11 starts, Suárez allowed one earned run or less. The Phillies’ starting rotation includes Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, yet the 28-year-old Venezuelan has grabbed most of the league-wide attention. There was some concern that Suárez would not be able to pitch this weekend after being struck on the thumb by a line drive last Saturday. But barring a last-minute change, he is set to start in the series opener. Suárez is 3-3 with a 3.56 ERA in 14 career appearances against the Mets, with seven of those being starts.

Sean Manaea has been a lovely addition for the Mets this season. But as good as he has been, he is coming off a pretty disappointing start. The left-hander took the loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 1, allowing five earned runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings, despite striking out 10. Manaea failed to avoid the big inning, giving up four runs in the third inning. That put the Mets in a hole that they would not be able to climb out of. With the Phillies having one of the best lineups in the game, he will need to be razor-sharp on Saturday. Manaea is 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against them.

Sunday, June 9, 2024: RHP Taijuan Walker (3-1, 5.73 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (1-5, 5.17 ERA)

Taijuan Walker had a solid first season with the Phillies in 2023, winning a career-high 15 games while pitching to a 4.38 ERA. The start to this season has been much different for the former Met. Walker has two quality starts through seven appearances, both of which were in May. In comparison, he had four quality starts by this point in the season last year. The home run ball has been a major issue for Walker, allowing at least one in six of his first seven starts. Something to watch out for on Sunday. Walker is 1-3 against the Mets in his career, pitching to a 3.44 ERA in seven appearances.

Jose Quintana allowed one run in eight innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 28. Since then, he is 0-3 with a 7.14 ERA in 29 innings. Lately, the home run ball has hurt him more than anything else. Quintana has allowed at least two home runs in consecutive starts for the first time since June of 2022. The Phillies are sixth in home runs, so he will need to be wary of that. Quintana is 0-2 in 10 career starts against Philadelphia, pitching to a 3.72 ERA. A good individual performance in London would go a long way for him.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alec Bohm (PHI)

Alec Bohm, now 27-years-old, is in the prime of his career and playing a big role in the Phillies’ early-season success. He is hitting fewer home runs, but he already has 50 runs batted in 261 plate appearances. If he remains healthy, Bohm is well on his way to surpassing his career-best 93 runs batted in from a season ago. In recent weeks though, he has really struggled at the plate. Over his last 11 starts, he is hitting .167 with a .492 OPS and six strikeouts. A few good games in London could be the recipe for Bohm to get back on track.

J.D. Martinez (NYM)

The Mets have a few players who previously played in the London Series, one of which was J.D. Martinez. As a member of the Red Sox in 2019, the veteran went 6-for-11 with one home run, two doubles, and two runs batted in two games against the Yankees. Martinez will try to continue that success in this short, two-game set against the Phillies, who he owns a .304 career batting average against. Over his last six games, he is slashing .320/.393/.560/.953 with one home run and three runs batted in.

The post Series Preview: Mets Face NL Best Phillies in London Series appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets’ offense has come alive!

After a disappointing 10-game homestand against three west coast teams, the Mets turned things around quickly and will fly into London with a sweep in their back pocket. After scoring 14 runs in the first two games of their series against the Nationals, the Mets’ offense did not let up, scoring nine runs in a 9-1 sweep clinching victory over Washington. Newly acquired Luis Torrens went deep twice and Luis Severino diced up the Nats’ bats, going eight innings of one-run ball. For the full game breakdown, click here.

The Mets left for London after Wednesday night’s win and will have Thursday and Friday off before starting the London Series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Ranger Suárez of the Phillies is expected to go up against Sean Manaea of the Mets at 1:10 p.m. ET in Saturday’s matchup.

Photo by: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

All-Star Game voting opened on Wednesday. Click here to vote for your Mets!

Take a look at how London Stadium was turned into a baseball stadium for the Mets-Phillies series this upcoming weekend, via MLB Europe.

⚽️ Football ➡️ Baseball ⚾️

The London Stadium is #LondonSeries ready @MLB | @Mets | @Phillies pic.twitter.com/pgYLsxPrUJ

— MLB Europe (@MLBEurope) June 5, 2024

Starling Marte was scratched from the Met’s lineup on Wednesday with a right knee issue, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. DiComo noted that he received treatment, but the Mets are being cautious. Manager Carlos Mendoza said there is a “low level of concern right now” and he was available off the bench.

Manager Carlos Mendoza told the media that Edwin Díaz will pitch an inning for the Brooklyn Cyclones Thursday.

Mendoza also mentioned that the 27th player in London will either be Brett Baty or catcher Joe Hudson, per Mike Puma of the NY Post. RHP Cole Sulser will also be traveling with the team.

Right-handed relief pitcher Bryce Montes de Oca threw live BP recently and was hitting 96-98 mph, per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online. He is continuing to rehab from Tommy John surgery.

The Mets officially released Omar Narváez and Jorge López after they were both designated for assignment last week. Click here for the full report.

Six Mets, including Christian Scott and Jett Williams, crack Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects of 2024 list. Click here to see what other Mets prospects made the cut.

Franciso Alvarez was DH and batted second for the Brooklyn Cyclones on Wednesday morning. He went 0-for-3 with a walk.

Latest MLB News

Ranger Suárez is expected to get the ball for the Phillies in the first game of the London Series against the Mets on Saturday, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Suárez was hit in the hand with a 106 mph comebacker last Saturday.

The Houston Astros announced that both Cristian Javier and José Urquidy will be undergoing right elbow surgery. Both starting pitcher will miss the rest of the season.

The Chicago White Sox signed INF/OF Michael Chavis to a minor league deal, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Chavis most recently played for Washington in 2023.

Texas Rangers star shortstop Corey Seager left Wednesday night’s game with left hamstring tightness.

Latest on MMO

MMO is giving away three sets of FOCO Mets sunglasses. Retweet the Twitter post and follow MMO on Twitter/X to enter.

Dedniel Núñez has been coming up big.

Six Mets prospects crack Baseball America’s Top 100.

On This Date in Mets History

2022: Eduardo Escobar finishes off the 11th cycle in Mets history with a ninth inning triple off Tim Hill of the Padres.

2017: After giving up eight runs in four innings, manager Terry Collins consoles Jacob deGrom, who would go on to win two Cy Young Awards and have a historic run in the following years with the club.

2011: The Mets draft outfielder Brandon Nimmo from Cheyenne East High School in Wyoming with the 13th overall pick in the MLB draft.

2006: With the 394th pick in the MLB draft, the Mets select 3B Daniel Murphy from Jacksonville University.

Birthdays: Joey Lucchesi (31), Jesús Feliciano (45), David Lamb (49)

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