The potent offense may have to do a lot of heavy lifting because the pitching, already thin compared to some other WBC contenders, was dealt a serious blow when the Twins’ Pablo López suffered an elbow injury.

Notable Players

Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio and Wilyer Abreu form arguably the best all-around outfield in the tournament. The infield is loaded with MLB talent as well: Eugenio Suarez, Maikel Garcia, Gleyber Torres, Willson Contreras, Luis Arraez and Andres Gimenez. The catchers are Salvador Perez, 35, who is also the captain, and William Contreras.

But on the mound for starters, there is Ranger Suárez, and questions. Options include Eduardo Rodriguez (Diamondbacks) Keider Montero (Tigers), and a pair of Rockies, Antonio Senzatela and Germán Márquez, who combined to go 7-31 last season with ERAs of 6.65 and 6.70, respectively.

The bullpen, however, looks solid with Daniel Palencia, José Alvarado, Eduard Bazardo and Angel Zerpa. Ex-Met José Buttó (dealt to the Giants in the trade for Tyler Rogers at the 2025 deadline) is also there to provide relief. He’s made 15 career starts, so maybe he is an option to do that as well. The ‘pen also includes Carlos Guzman, a 27-year-old right-hander who pitched to a 2.95 ERA in 42 2/3 innings at Double-A Binghamton last season.

Notable Coaches

The manager is Astros bench coach Omar López, who was also at the helm for Team Venezuela in 2023. Johan Santana is one of his two pitching coaches. Miguel Cabrera is a hitting coach.

WBC History

Venezuela has competed in all six editions of the WBC, which started in 2006. Its best showing came in 2009, when a team that included the hitting coach Cabrera, Felix Hernandez, Francisco Rodriguez, Melvin Mora, Bobby Abreu and Endy Chavez advanced to the semifinals before losing to South Korea.

In 2023, Venezuela went 4-0 in pool play before dropping a 9-7 heartbreaker to the United States in the quarterfinals. Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning.

Pool

Venezuela is in Pool D with the Dominican Republic, Israel, the Netherlands and Nicaragua. Its first game is against the Netherlands on March 6 at loanDepot Park in Miami. Each team plays everyone in their pool once, and the top two teams move on to the quarterfinals. Tiebreakers, starting with head-to-head, will be used if necessary.

It would be an upset if Venezuela and the Dominican Republic don’t advance. The Netherlands is considered the third-best team in the pool.

For a ranking of all 20 teams by MMO’s Robert Colonna, click here.

The post WBC Team Preview: Venezuela appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Left-handed pitcher David Peterson (5-2, 2.43 ERA, 73 SO) was on the mound for the Mets against right-handed pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (5-4, 3.28 ERA, 90 SO) for the home Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.

It was a special night for the Acuña family as Tuesday night marked the first time Ronald Acuña Jr. and Luisangel Acuña played each other in a major league game. At one point, they were even seen hugging mid-game during a mound visit.

The Mets had a 4-1 lead through seven innings before turning it over in the eighth, as Atlanta tied it and ultimately sent the game to extra innings. The Braves ultimately walked it off in the bottom of the 10th on an Austin Riley sacrifice fly to defeat the Mets 5-4.

The Mets took a quick early lead courtesy of Juan Soto in the first as he sent a home run deep to center field.

The Mets tacked on to their lead in the second. After Jeff McNeil singled and Francisco Alvarez walked, Tyrone Taylor continued his success against Spencer Schwellenbach, lacing a lazy two-run double to right field to score McNeil and Alvarez and extend the Mets’ lead to 3-0.

The Braves got a run back in the bottom of the third as Matt Olson hit an RBI single to cut the Mets’ lead to 3-1.

The Mets answered back in the fifth as Taylor stayed hot. He hit a home run deep to left field for his second extra-base hit of the day and his third RBI of the day. Through five innings, he was responsible for three of the Mets’ four runs on the day.

But the Mets saw their lead slip away in the eighth. David Peterson walked Nick Allen and gave up a single to Ronald Acuña Jr.

After seven strong innings, Peterson ran out of steam and couldn’t make his way through the eighth. Carlos Mendoza called on Reed Garrett to take over with two on and no out, ending Peterson’s night with five hits, three runs, three walks and three strikeouts.

Garrett immediately gave up a single to Alex Verdugo to load the bases. After retiring the next two, he gave up a three-run double to Marcell Ozuna to tie the game, and eventually send it to extras.

A throwing miscue from Francisco Alvarez on a passed ball allowed a runner to advance to third, Matt Olson walked to load the bases and Riley hit a deep sac fly to center to seal their victory and a disappointing Mets loss.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Tyrone Taylor is the Metsmerized Player of the Game. He went 2-for-3 with a double, home run, and three RBIs.

ON DECK

The Mets and Braves continue their series on Wednesday at 7:15 PM EST. It will be right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn (0-0, 6.75 ERA, 6 SO) on the mound for New York against left-handed pitcher Chris Sale (4-4, 2.79 ERA, 107 SO) on the mound for Atlanta. The game will air on SNY.

The post Bullpen Blunders Haunt Mets In Atlanta Loss appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Today, we start our NL East position ranking series taking a look at the right fielders.

No. 5 Dylan Crews, WSH

As part of the influx of young talent that the Washington Nationals have had in recent seasons, Dylan Crews enters his full rookie campaign trying to live up to the hype. The second overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, he began a quick ascent to the major league level. He was called up to Washington’s 40-man roster in August last year. 

In 31 games in the majors, Crews batted .218/.288/.353. He notched 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, and stole 12 bases in that span. Still, entering this season, MLB Pipeline ranked him as the fourth-best prospect in baseball. A five-tool player with plus power, most of the Nationals 2025 season rides on Crews’ development. Many analysts project him as a center fielder, but he mans the Nationals right field position for now. He could easily be third on this list by the end of the season, too. He’d be an NL Rookie of the Year favorite were it not for Roki Sasaki.

No. 4 Jesús Sánchez, MIA 

Jesús Sánchez spent the 2024 season compiling the highest home run total of his career (18) and continuing to be at least a consistent power threat in the Miami Marlins lineup. Unfortunately, Sánchez continued his struggles with strikeouts and laying off pitches. He struck out 140 times in 2024 with an OPS of just .731. That is way down from his .777 mark in 2023. His slugging percentage was also down from 2023. He slugged .450 in 2023, but in 2024 it was down to .417. He also struggled at hitting curveballs as he batted .155 on the pitch.

The Marlins are still waiting for Sánchez to truly breakout at 27-years old. The power and potential are there. He has good bat speed and hard-hit percentage. While his defense is average at best, he’s got a good arm in right field. This season, the biggest thing for Sanchez is to improve his plate discipline and draw more walks. 

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3 Nick Castellanos, PHI

For the Philadelphia Phillies, Nick Castellanos continues to be a consistent mainstay in Philadelphia’s run of success ever since their 2022 National League Pennant winning season. During his three-year career in Philadelphia since signing with them in 2022, Castellanos has driven in 254 RBIs with 65 home runs. In 2024, he played in all 162 games for the first time in his career and notched 23 home runs with 86 RBIs.

The downside with Castellanos is the same as a number of players on the Phillies roster—he’s getting a little bit older and his defense isn’t getting any better. Castellanos will turn 33 years old before Opening Day. Castellanos, along with teammate Alec Bohm, was the topic of trade discussions as the Phillies were trying to acquire Kyle Tucker. Tucker would be traded to the Chicago Cubs. Nevertheless, as long as Castellanos is in the Phillies lineup, he’ll remain a threat in the middle of that order.

Ronald Acuña Jr. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 Ronald Acuña Jr., ATL

When healthy, there are not many players in baseball as talented as Ronald Acuña Jr. The Atlanta Braves superstar captivated the game in 2023 with a 41 home run and 73 stolen base season just two years removed from a torn right ACL as he won National League MVP. In 2024, he hoped to have another MVP campaign, but unfortunately, he tore his left ACL in May and missed the rest of the season. Acuña will now be returning from his second torn ACL in the last four seasons, and the Braves are counting on him and other returning from injury players, such as Spencer Strider, to make a World Series push.

Acuña’s speed and stolen base ability (196 in his career) is a big part of his game. How a second torn ACL will affect that in 2025 remains to be seen. The Braves and Acuña will have to figure that out as the season progresses. He’s not expected to start the season with the Braves.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

No. 1 Juan Soto, NYM

The biggest signing in the offseason, Juan Soto will play baseball in 2025 for the New York Mets. The Mets needed a big bat and superstar in the lineup to pair with Francisco Lindor, and they got their guy in Soto. Soto is coming off an MVP finalist season with the New York Yankees in 2023. He compiled 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, 166 hits, 128 runs scored, drew 129 walks, and batted .288/.419/.569, His OPS was .989 and his OPS+ was 178.

At just 26 years old, there are not many hitters in baseball outside of Shohei Ohtani who blend a great mix of power, contact, working the count, and a good eye at the plate better than Soto. Look no further than his home run that propelled the Yankees to the World Series in Game 5 of the ALCS. His defense does leave some to be desired with a hefty contract that New York gave him, but the Mets didn’t get him for his defense—they got him for his offensive prowess. He’s the type of hitter and player the Mets haven’t had in a while, and he’s the best right fielder in the East. 

The post 2025 NL East Positional Rankings: Right Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. was diagnosed with a complete tear of the ACL in his left knee. He will undergo season-ending surgery. Acuña was removed from the Braves’ game against the Pirates on Sunday after going down while attempting to steal third base in the first inning. This is the second time Acuña has suffered a torn ACL, with the first occurring in July of 2021.

Ronald Acuña Jr. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Staring down a weekend sweep, the Mets rallied from a 3-1 ninth-inning deficit against Giants reliever Tyler Rogers, with Harrison Bader delivering a game-tying two-run double. After Brett Baty was intentionally walked, Omar Narváez dropped a walk-off single into center field – his first hit at Citi Field this season. Sean Manaea tossed five innings, allowing two runs, five hits, and one walk, striking out six. Adrian Houser allowed just a run on two hits in four innings of relief, earning his first win as a Met.

The Mets welcome the NL West-leading Dodgers to Citi Field for a three-game series beginning this afternoon. Tylor Megill (0-2, 3.00 ERA) will make his third start of the season, facing off against right-hander Gavin Stone (4-2, 3.60 ERA). The Dodgers are in the midst of their first five-game losing streak since 2019. This year, the Mets took two of three games at Dodger Stadium from April 19-21. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m.

Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that left-hander David Peterson will start for the Mets on Wednesday, with Adrian Houser shifting to the bullpen. Peterson has been on the injured list all season due to offseason hip surgery. Peterson had a rocky start to the 2023 season, including a demotion to Triple-A, but he had a 3.38 ERA after he was recalled on June 27.

Latest MLB News

Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reported Sunday that MLB teams are preparing for Japanese fireballer Roki Sasaki to be posted after the 2024 season. The 22-year-old Sasaki has a 2.03 ERA with 437 strikeouts against 74 walks in 337 1/3 innings across four seasons for the Chiba Lotte Marines.

The Astros are optioning outfielder Joey Loperfido to Triple-A Sugar Land, with veteran Jose Abreu expected to be activated. Loperfido is batting .333/.381/.436 in 43 plate appearances for Houston this season.

The Royals have placed infielder Michael Massey on the 10-day injured list due to a lower back sprain and recalled Nick Loftin from Triple-A Omaha. Loftin has a .647 OPS in 35 plate appearances at the major league level this season.

Latest on MMO

Johnluke Chaparro recaps the Mets’ win in their series finale against the Giants.

Christian De Block takes a look at Luis Severino‘s strong outing on Saturday.

John Wilson breaks down Pete Alonso‘s recent surge offensively.

On This Date in Mets History

1986: After George Foster crushes a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning, Dodgers hurler Tom Niedenfuer hits Ray Knight with a pitch, prompting the benches to empty. Ron Darling strikes out 12 in a complete game as the Mets dominate the Dodgers, 8-1.

2010: For the third straight day, the Mets shut out the Phillies, finishing off a sweep with a 3-0 victory. Mike Pelfrey dances around five walks in seven innings to outduel Cole Hamels for his seventh win of the season. Jose Reyes leads the way on offense, collecting three hits and driving in a pair of runs. This is the only second time the Mets have swept a series with just shutouts, with the other time being in 1969.

2014: Before the Mets’ contest against the Pirates, rapper 50 Cent throws out the first pitch at Citi Field, hurling the ball well past the left-handed batter’s box. The Mets then defeat the Pirates, 4-2, thanks to multi-hit efforts from Daniel Murphy and Juan Lagares.

2015: Noah Syndergaard tosses 7 1/3 shutout innings and crushes his first major league home run as the Mets roll to a sweep over the Phillies with a 7-0 victory. Syndergaard collects three hits on the day, while Lucas Duda goes deep twice and Michael Cuddyer adds a long ball of his own.

2016: After the Dodgers erase a 5-1 Mets lead in the top of the ninth inning, Curtis Granderson leads off the bottom half of the frame with a walk-off home run to give the Mets a 6-5 victory. David Wright and Juan Lagares also go deep, and Jacob deGrom holds the Dodgers to one run over seven innings.

Birthdays: Ed Nuñez (61), Danny Young (30)

The post Morning Briefing: Ronald Acuña Jr. to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Scott got the day starting with a bang, striking out Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley in what was a 1-2-3 inning. Both were of the swinging variety, one on his slider and one via a 96 mph fastball. In all, Scott generated a game-high 15 swings-and-misses. This one game after generating 18 whiffs in his major-league debut.

After an inning-ending double play in the second inning, trouble struck for Scott in the third. Two extremely hard-hit balls (111.4 mph and 106 mph) in a row resulted in a 2-0 lead for Atlanta, as the second of which was a two-run shot courtesy of Orlando Arcia. The last of the scoring Scott allowed came in the fourth inning, after a walk and two-straight singles, another Braves’ run was scored. Afterwards, the 24-year-old settled in, retiring seven in a row before a seventh-inning walk, followed by a single, ended his day.

In all, Scott tossed six innings, allowing six hits, three runs, and two walks. He struck out eight, after striking out six in his debut against Tampa Bay. Scott gave up the one home run to Arcia, but besides that, all of the five other hits he allowed were singles.

Scott was certainly not as strong as he was in his first outing, as he did allow seven hard-hit balls on Saturday. Additionally, his control was off. Of his 91 pitches, 60.4% of them were strikes. However, he found away to go six innings and allowed only three runs against an extremely tough Braves lineup. Further, the stuff was certainly once again on display, posting a 30.9% chase rate and a 31.9% whiff rate.

With a plethora of Mets starters nearing their respective returns, it will be interesting to see how the Mets manage their top pitching prospect. One thing for sure, through two major-league starts it looks like Scott has the stuff to be a very strong starting pitcher for a very long time. Hopefully, those indications continue to prove true as the season goes on.

The post Christian Scott Once Again Flashes Electric Stuff Against Braves Lineup appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jesús Sánchez. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 – Jesús Sánchez, MIA

The 26-year-old Marlins right fielder completed his fourth season in the big leagues in 2023. Jesús Sánchez posted a season that looked much more like his breakout 2021 (.808 OPS) than a troublesome 2022. After a .682 OPS season in 2022, Sánchez posted a decent .777 OPS mark in 2023 to go along with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs.

His underlying metrics in 2023 painted a two-sided picture. He owned xBA, xSLG, and a hard-hit rate all above the league’s 75th percentile. However, the picture got bleaker when it came to the inability to layoff bad pitches and striking out. Sánchez owned a strikeout rate in the 23rd percentile which was largely influenced by a 30th percentile chase rate and a 22nd percentile whiff rate. Interestingly enough, Sánchez did have a decent walk rate, at 9.5%, largely due to the fact pitchers knew they did not have to throw him strikes given his inability to properly gauge the strike zone.

Defensively, Sánchez profiles with an incredibly strong arm but average-to-below-average fielder when looking independent of the throwing ability.

With all that being said, if Sánchez can continue to develop forward, and avoid a step back like he took in 2022, there is an avenue for him to be near the top of these rankings come next season. However, as currently constructed, Fangraphs sees Sánchez as slimly, the division’s worst right fielder.

Starling Marte. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 – Starling Marte, NYM

If this was a list made after the 2022 season, Starling Marte would comfortably be No. 2. However, largely due to a plethora of injuries, Marte regressed in a big way during the 2023 season, making predicting what to expect in 2024 an extremely tall task.

As mentioned, in his first year with the Mets, Marte was sensational. He was an All-Star while posting a starling .814 OPS to go along with 16 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases. Marte also played a pretty strong defensive right field. He made the four-year, $78 million contract the Mets rewarded him with before the 2022 season as a free agent look well worth it.

However, in 2023, things went south, fast. Marte had double groin surgery before the season which seemingly nagged him throughout most of the campaign. He was only able to play in 86 games posting a woeful .625 OPS. His power seemingly disappeared as his .324 slugging percentage (five home runs and seven doubles) indicated. Marte also regressed in the field, posting a negative-6 outs above average, good for the 10th percentile.

Really, the only thing the now 35-year-old veteran had going for him was his terrific performance on the base paths. Marte was still able to nab 24 bags and posted a base running run value in the 74th percentile.

Entering the 2024 season, one of the more intriguing storylines for the Mets is the performance of Marte. Can he get back closer to his 2022 form given he was finally able to take an extended period of rest? Or, will the 35-year-old continue to show signs of regression and inability to fully heal from a debilitating injury?

Lane Thomas. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

No. 3 – Lane Thomas, WSH

After being acquired in exchange for pitcher Jon Lester at the 2021 trade deadline, Lane Thomas has transformed into a very nice player for the lowly Washington Nationals. Thomas is coming off a career-year as a 27-year-old where he posted a .783 OPS to go along with 28 home runs and 86 RBIs. Prior to that breakout, his best season came in 2021 split between St. Louis and Washington where he had a .752 OPS.

In addition to his decent hitting numbers in 2023, Thomas showed very strong speed (94th percentile) and a rocket of an arm (97th arm value). Granted, his arm-independent defensive metrics were not great, posting a negative-3 outs above average in 2023, but a lot of that can be hidden with strong speed and a huge arm.

Thomas does struggle with strikeouts and he does not walk a ton, but overall was a positively valued player  in 2023. If he can replicate those numbers in 2024, he may be an enticing trade chip for the Nationals, who have him under team control until 2026.

Nick Castellanos. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 – Nick Castellanos, PHI

The curious case that is Philadelphia Phillies right fielder, Nick Castellanos. The 31-year-old posted, on the surface, strong traditional counting statistics in 2023; 29 home runs, 106 RBIs, and a .272 average, culminating in his second-career All-Star game appearance. However, a deeper dive into his game possesses troublesome underlying metrics that have been characteristics of the way he plays for a long time. This will likely only get worse as he ages, hints of this reared its ugly head in 2021 and again in 2023.

In 2023, Castellanos was woeful in the field, posting an outs above average of negative-6 and an arm value that ranked in the 4th percentile. He was also a very poor baserunner, posting a base running run value in the 5th percentile. Not to mention, he continues to struggle with chasing pitches out of the zone, whiffing on pitches in the zone, and striking out. Plus, he does not walk a lot.

Luckily for Castellanos, and what he prides his game upon, is he owns a ton of power. He hits the ball hard, when he makes contact, and it usually goes far. If he stays healthy, he will likely post another 20-plus home run season which fits what Philadelphia does perfectly.

From an overall value standpoint, Castellanos should probably be lower on this list. Fangraphs projections have him predicted to be the least valuable right fielder in the division largely due to all the negatives pointed out above, plus the aging factor. However, given his likely offensive output alone, and the other right fielders that play in the division, a No. 2 rankings probably the most realistic.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 – Ronald Acuña Jr., ATL

By far the easiest decision on this list is arguably the best position player in baseball. He resides in the NL East and he plays right field for the Atlanta Braves.

Coming off his first career MVP, Ronald Acuña Jr. is poised to put up big numbers, pending another healthy season, in 2023. In 2022, the Venezuelan put up video game-like numbers. He posted a .337 average, 41 home runs, and stole 73 bases. His 1.012 OPS was by far the highest of his career. Lastly, his bWAR was third-highest in the majors, trailing only phenom Shohei Ohtani and superstar Mookie Betts. If the 26-year-old stays on the field in 2024, there is no reason why he can’t take home another MVP award.

Interestingly enough, the only downside to Acuña Jr.’s game in 2023 was his woeful arm-independent defensive play. Acuña Jr. posted an outs above average of negative-9 which was in the league’s 4th percentile. Outside of his rocket arm (98th percentile arm strength), his play elsewhere in the field was pretty dreadful.

Regardless of his defensive woes, Acuña Jr. is one of the most electric players in the game. An individual that will be a thorn in NL East foes side for years to come.

Previous NL East Position Rankings:

• Left Field
• Shortstop
• First Base
• Starting Pitching
• Second Base
• Third Base

The post 2024 NL East Positional Rankings: Right Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

As a refresher, betting odds are set based of what that said company or oddsmaker believes the implied probability of that said outcome is to happen. Lines then are adjusted based off how much money is bet on who and what side, and so on and so forth. Odds also try to take into account the future. For example, the San Francisco Giants are slight favorites to land star pitcher Blake Snell. That is likely slightly contemplated in their other future odds; World Series, win total, etc.

With all that being said, what are the markets saying about what to expect in 2024?

Note, all odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook as of the night of Saturday, December 30. For those curious, odds of +150 would net $150 in winnings when $100 is wagered. Further example is +1600 odds would net a winnings of $1,600 when you wager $100.

World Series

As it stands, the Mets hold the 11th-best odds to capture a World Series title in 2024. Their current odds are set at +2800 (implied probability of 3.45%). They top the likes of the St. Louis Cardinals (+3000), Tampa Bay Rays (+3200), Arizona Diamondbacks (+3500), San Diego Padres (+3800), among several others.

Notable other takeaways are the Los Angeles Dodgers having the best odds at +380 with the Atlanta Braves trailing them at +650. The New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Philadelphia Phillies round out the top five, in that order.

Ozzie Albies. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

National League Pennant 

How about which team is the most likely to appear in the World Series as the National League’s representative? The Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies own the top-three odds. Then, the New York Mets check in with the fourth-best odds at +1300 (implied probability of 7.14%), a steep drop off from the third-favored Phillies at +600.

That leaves 11 teams trailing the Mets with worst odds. The most notable are the Padres, who won the eighth-best odds, as well as the National League East Miami Marlins, who own the fourth-worst odds in the National League to appear in the World Series.

National League East Title

From the above, one can deduce the predicted order of finishing in the National League East based off the odds is as follows: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, and then the lowly Nationals.

Specifically, the Braves own implied probability of 69.70% to win the National League East for the seventh-straight season. The Phillies have the next best odds at an implied probability of 25% with the Mets trailing them at 11.76%. Miami (+2500) and Washington (+10000) are the real long shots to take home a division crown.

The Braves have the second-best odds league-wide to take home their respective division. The only team with a better chance to win their division is the Dodgers in the National League West at an implied probability of 77.78%.

Kodai Senga. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Player Awards

Starting with National League most valuable player, there are two Mets that appear on the list first with the same odds. Both Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor currently own +2500 odds to capture the National League MVP award. They check in tied with the 10th-best odds. You can also find Brandon Nimmo on the list with the 21st-best odds.

The current favorite to win National League MVP is Ronald Acuña Jr. with National League newcomer Shohei Ohtani owning the fourth-best odds to capture the award.

As for the Cy Young, Kodai Senga has the best odds of any Mets’ pitchers at +1600, this is tied for the seventh-best odds. Spencer Strider comfortably owns the National League’s top odds at +550 while former Met Zack Wheeler trails him in second with +850 odds.

Player Statistical Leaders

The major-league home run race features Aaron Judge as strongly favored compared to his peers with +380 odds (second-best odds are Matt Olson at +750). However, Pete Alonso checks in with the fourth-best odds to lead the majors in long balls with +850 odds. Specifically, Alonso has an over/under of 43.5 home runs. So, the market currently believes Alonso will land on 43 long balls in 2023. Francisco Álvarez is also featured on the potential home run leaders list and is tied with the 41st-best odds.

As for pitchers, the current favorite to lead the majors in strikeouts in 2024 is Spencer Strider (+180). He is a heavy favorite when compared to other pitchers as Kevin Gausman owns the second-best odds all the way at +1000. Mets’ ace Kodai Senga checks in at sixth on the list with +2000 odds (bet $100 to win $2,000).

Another pitching category where a Met is prominently featured is save leaders. Edwin Díaz currently possesses the second-best odds at +800 to lead the majors in saves (tied with current free agent Josh Hader). Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians edges Díaz’s chances with a league-tops +600 odds.

Another interesting special player bet featuring a member of the Mets is Starling Marte holding the 11th-best odds to lead the major leagues in stolen bases. Further, Brandon Nimmo (+10000) has the 30th-best odds to lead the majors in hits and former National League batting champion Jeff McNeil (+20000; bet $100 to win $20,000) owns the league’s 45th-best odds in that same category.

The post What The Betting Markets Are Saying About The 2024 Mets appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Caribbean Baseball Confederation is made up of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico and offers spots to three additional countries. This year it includes Curaçao, Nicaragua, and Panama. In past years, the tournament has also included Colombia and Cuba. Similar to World Cup style events, these teams are not national teams and thus are allowed imported or foreign players. Each team may bring five foreign players with them and, unique to baseball, may include top players from other teams around the league to join in on their teams for the Caribbean Series.

Long before the big tournament begins, however, these leagues are nose to the grindstone from October to January, playing up to six games per week. While some leagues are shorter and begin a bit later (Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and Curaçao), others begin in October (Venezuela, Mexico, and Dominican Republic). Curaçao doesn’t have a normal winter league but is joining the Caribbean Series for the first time this year after forming an agreement with the Caribbean Baseball Federation. Leagues will play anywhere from 30-60 games in the regular seasons and then begin playoffs in January before training for weeks between the conclusion of their seasons and the Caribbean Series.

Ronald Acuña Jr. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The leagues are mostly made up of players native to the league’s respective countries with the aforementioned five imported players per team. Typically, imported players in these leagues have either major-league experience or Triple-A experience as they often are paid higher salaries and are expected to be starters or high-leverage relievers. Many major-league players, especially position players, return to their home countries to play in the winter, making the rosters loaded with top talent. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s tenure in Venezuela this winter, coming directly after winning the National League MVP award, is one of many examples of players at the game’s highest level electing to return home for the offseason and play in front of their local crowds.

Despite the high stature of many of these players, salaries typically range in the sub-$10,000 per month range but will exceed that for the top players ($20,000-30,000 maximum range). While lucrative, these salaries don’t even compare to the major-league minimum salaries. This surely disincentivizes rostered major-league players from playing and risking injuries, yet they play anyways. A simple way to analyze the decision would be to equate the majors as a paycheck and winter baseball as a point of pride and passion. Winning in these leagues is everything.

Fans in winter leagues are not like major-league fans. As seen in the World Baseball Classic last year, some of the games featured horns, drums, and louder fans than games in the United States are used to. Drums and cheerleaders are some of the sights fans can see at these games with organized cheers and chants and active announcer engagement. Thousands of fans sounds like tens of thousands, and when games have a packed house, rivalries reach a whole new level.

For example, Venezuela has a particularly intense rivalry between the Leones de Caracas and Navegantes de Magallanes which sells out every game. The newly built major league-caliber Monumental Stadium of Caracas Simón Bolívar recently set a new attendance record with over 34,000 fans attending a game in November. The previous record was set earlier this season

It speaks magnitudes of the passion of the population towards baseball land their respective teams when the monthly minimum wage of the country of Venezuela is roughly $20 (USD) and tickets to games cost between $3-to-$5 (USD) and still tens of thousands show up. The fans travel to games, live and die with their teams, and make major-league games feel like polite society gatherings. As a result, players play with passion, pitchers pitch three or four days in a row, and former major-league stars battle through injuries not to keep their careers alive but to chase championships.

Players and coaches alike are focussed, roster decisions happen quickly, releases and trades are frequent, and team meetings to address the causes of on field issues happen regularly in the locker rooms. Children come into the locker rooms pregame trying to sell trinkets or home made ice cream, and the veterans tip them well, likely supporting families for weeks. There is a sense of unity in the Latin American cultures and immense pride in playing in their home countries.

Fans may often wonder why players would risk their health for something so unimportant as winter baseball or the World Baseball Classics, however, with these games broadcasted on television in these countries, fans living and dying with each pitch, one could ask what would make these games less important than MLB games. Obviously, the financial aspect isn’t quite comparable, however, once an individual has enough money like many of these players do, their focuses in life could reasonably change to enriching their culture and winning for pride. For the players, winter baseball is not second fiddle to the summer season, it’s as different as their salaries, one league provides financial support, one league provides fulfillment.

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The Giants and Red Sox have both offered Yoshinobu Yamamoto a contract that exceeds $300 million, according to MLB Analyst Jim Bowden. Yamamoto was rumored to receive a contract of this size all offseason, and now the front-running Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets will have to match or outbid this offer.

With the Yamamoto news, the Giants continue their push for top-tier starting pitching. The Giants are also reportedly interested in Shōta Imanaga according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, whose market should solidify after Yamamoto signs.

Now, onto the morning briefing!

Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Mets won’t overspend for Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell if they don’t sign Yamamoto, according to Will Sammon of the Athletic. Instead, the Mets will focus on the next tier of starters such as Lucas Giolito.

Major League Baseball released its All-MLB starting rotations and teams on Friday night. Kodai Senga was left out of both the All-First MLB and All-Second MLB rotation, despite finishing fifth in the majors in ERA (2.98) and striking out 202 batters in his rookie season.

Francisco Lindor, however, appeared on the All-MLB second team. The Mets’ shortstop had another great year with the Mets, finishing 2023 with 31 homers and a 120 OPS+. Lindor finished behind Corey Seager, who took home the All-MLB first-team honors.

Latest MLB News

Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani won the 2023 Hank Aaron Award for their respective leagues. The Hank Aaron Award is given to the best offensive performer in each league.

The Mariners are interested in Rhys Hoskins, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Hoskins, who will be 30 for the 2024 season, tore his ACL in spring training last year and missed the entire 2023 season.

MLB released its All-MLB teams, which distinguishes the best player at each position from 2023. You can click here to view the All-MLB first team and here to view the All-MLB second team.

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Allison Waxman wrote a free agent profile for Kevin Kiermaier and stated her case to bring the lefty to Queens.

Brian Wright debated whether or not José Bautista should qualify for the Hall-of-Fame.

Chris Bello gave his opinion on who the Mets should pivot to if they don’t sign Yamamoto.

MMO is giving away a prize every day until the new year. The website is currently on its second day and is giving away two Francisco Álvarez baseball cards. Click here to enter.

On This Date in Mets History

1999: With the departure of John Olerud to the Mariners in free agency, the Mets signed Todd Zeile to be the team’s first baseman. Although it was tough to replace the steadiness and productivity Olerud offered, Zeile had one of his better seasons in the big leagues in 2000 and helped lead the Mets to the World Series.

Birthdays: Daniel Vogelbach (30), Josh Edgin (36), Dale Thayer (42), Edwin Almonte (46), Bob Ojeda (65)

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Rangers duo Corey Seager and Marcus Semien landed second and third, respectively. The World Series MVP Seager received 24 second-place votes and six third-place votes, while Semien received five second-place votes and eight third-place votes. Julio Rodríguez came in fourth with eight third-place votes and the Astros’ Kyle Tucker in fifth with one second-place vote and four third-place votes.

Shohei Ohtani launches his American League-leading 41st home run! pic.twitter.com/anvf2aSymZ

— MLB (@MLB) August 13, 2023

Ohtani, a free agent, had another fantastic season, making his win a shoo-in since June. Although he went down with a season-ending elbow injury in August, followed by surgery, he finished the year leading the AL in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654) and OPS (1.066). His final line for the season was .304/.412/.654, and he had a WAR of 10.0. Not to mention, he pitched in 23 contests, going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA. After unanimously winning the award this year and in 2021, the two-way player is due for an off-season where he will be the main ticket.

Dodgers duo Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman found themselves in second and third respectively, in the voting process. Betts received all 30 of the second-place votes, while Freeman received 17 third-place votes. Trailing behind them, Matt Olson finished fourth in voting with 13 third-place votes.

Francisco Lindor finished ninth in the voting and Pete Alonso tied for 17th.

𝟒𝟎-𝟕𝟎 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 🔥@ronaldacunajr24 did it.

We'll be ceaselessly reciting this moment for the rest of baseball history. pic.twitter.com/qDqpXPHItB

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2023

Acuña did something this year that no baseball player even thought about doing. He founded the 40-70 club, becoming the first player ever to hit 40-plus home runs and steal 70-plus bases in a season. To top it off, he finished the season hitting .337/.416/.596/1.012 and led the National League in runs (149), hits (217), OBP (.416), and OPS (1.012).

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