OAKLAND, CA - CIRCA 1989: Second Baseman Frank White #20 of the Kansas City Royals bats against the Oakland Athletics during an Major League Baseball game circa 1989 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. White played for the Royals from 1973-90. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On this very day 40 years ago, The Houston Astrodome would play host to the 57th annual All-Star Game. Royals Second Baseman Frank White would ultimately score the deciding run that night and he’s our featured guest at The Crawfish Boxes.
Q: You were no stranger to All-Star Games, and your career spanned eras to a degree. What were those games like?
A: Those All-Star Games were unbelievable. In the 70’s, you were able to see Willie Mays and play against Hank Aaron and Clemente and all of those guys. Frank Robinson was my favorite player and watching them go into the Hall of Fame was inspiring. I still think about it, those guys were all so impressive.
Q: Your final ASG, would be on this day in 1986. You sure made it count! What do you remember about that game?
A: (laughs) I didn’t start, I came in late and pinch hit. Mike Scott was pretty much unhittable that year, and he had started the inning by striking out Cal Ripken and Jessie Barfield ahead of me. He had me down 0-2 in the count and the Dome started to come alive with 45,000 people standing up anticipating a third strikeout. I
was hoping he’d try to sneak a fastball inside, often at that time when a pitcher had you down in the count, they’d throw you that pitch inside and he happened to miss. I was able to hit a homerun. That was something to make that happen.
Q: Did you know it was gone when you made contact?
A: You know, when I first hit it, I didn’t think it was going to go out. The Astrodome was huge of course, a tough place to hit homeruns. I was glad it sailed over the fence.
Q: Was it extra special for you to be able to play for your manager Dick Howser in that game?
A: Without question. I loved playing for him.
He was a great manager, especially if you were a veteran player because he had spent most of his time previously with the Yankees and they didn’t have a ton of younger players. They always had established guys who were ready to play, just like us. He knew how to handle older guys.
I put it all together in 1985 and Dick let me bat fourth in all seven games of that World Series since we couldn’t use the DH, and I led the Series in RBIs.
Q: When you see All-Star Games in this modern era, why doesn’t it mean as much?
A: I think when we played the games meant more from a competitive standpoint. Guys played to win. Today there’s the home field advantage to justify it, but it’s not like when Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse. There was so much intensity back then. It’s more of a show now, it’s really for the fans.
Guys are being interviewed while they’re on the field or in between innings, it’s more of a show and it’s not as physical of a game as it used to be.
Q: We have a special guy in Houston who plays second base just as you did. In all probability, he’ll finish his career just as you played your entire career with Kansas City., he’ll play for one team. What do you think of Jose Altuve when you watch him play?
A: He’s a fun guy to watch, he always has been. I’ve always been envious of the size of the park he plays 81 games in each year (laughs). Kansas City was the biggest park in the American League back then.
What I like is the overall consistency. It just shows you, even with his size, you don’t have to be a big player to be successful in this game. Jose can do it all. He’s a Hall of Fame player, no doubt.
Q: What was tougher? Politics for you when you held office or dealing with a Roger Clemens fastball back in the day?
A: When I faced Roger Clemens, I kind of knew what he was going to throw. That being said, he dominated us in his career.
With politics, your worst enemies are the politicians (laughs) so I was happy I did that for 9 years for the community, but I’m glad I’m out of it and enjoying my life now.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 27: Juan Soto #22, A.J. Ewing #9, and Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Let’s cut right to the chase: The Mets are a bad baseball team. But worse than being bad, they’re borderline unwatchable. Ah, I see I’ve already contradicted the overarching purpose of this article. Apologies, let’s start over.
Yes, the Mets are bad. And yes, the Mets have been teetering on the precipice of completely unwatchable slop for much of the first half, but there have been some bright spots so far in this season. Despite carrying a 0.8% chance of making the postseason according to FanGraphs—remember when they started the year at 86.6%? Pepperidge Farm remembers—there are still plenty of reasons to tune in beyond our overarching love for the sport itself and passing the time with America’s past time.
Even in the worst years, there are typically things to latch on to and keep us engaged—think Jacob deGrom’s Cy Young campaign in 2018, R.A. Dickey’s march towards 20 wins and the Cy Young in 2012, watching David Wright break every offensive record in the book during some bleak years, to name a few examples—and this Mets team has a few interesting story lines heading into the second half, even if making the postseason isn’t one of them. So without further ado, here are the top things for Mets fans to keep an eye on following the All-Star break.
Juan Soto
This one’s a bit of a cop out, but come on. As bad as this season has been, we get to watch one of the most special talents on the planet play baseball night in and night out. Soto has been as advertised since arriving in Queens, even with a slow start to his 15-year tenure with the Mets. Soto finished third in NL MVP voting last year, hitting .263/.395/.525 with a 156 wRC+ and 5.8 fWAR. He hit 43 home runs, stole 38 bases, scored 120 runs, drove in 105, and set a franchise record by walking 127 times. And he was inexplicably left off the All-Star roster. That wrong was righted this year, as the fans voted him into the starting lineup. He enters the break with 21 homers, 44 runs scored, 51 runs batted in, and an even better 163 wRC+ while hitting .290/.405/.562 despite missing time early in the year with an injury.
This positive comes with a tinge of sadness, as the realization of Soto’s greatness also comes with the bitterness of understanding that the team has now wasted two prime seasons. This is now two years where the Mets cannot capitalize on prime Soto, which seems to be their M.O.—how many years of prime David Wright did the team squander? Prime Matt Harvey? Prime Jacob deGrom? Prime Pete Alonso? Prime Francisco Lindor? The list goes on and on and on.
Despite that, adding a player like Soto in free agency felt like an unrealistic dream just a few seasons ago. He plays for the Mets, and that’s worth the price of admission alone most nights. Let’s just hope the team catches up to his talent one day.
The Psychopaths (Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing)
What else is there to latch on to in lost seasons if not the youth? Benge and Ewing have been, aside from Soto, the biggest bright spots in the lineup. Benge grabbed his opportunity right out of spring training, and despite a slow start, he’s established himself as a solid bat with a terrific glove in right field. Meanwhile, Ewing debuted a little bit later than Benge but has been no less impressive. Along with Soto, the team seems to have set up their outfield for the foreseeable future.
The 23-year-old Benge entered the break hitting .263/.326/.402 with a 106 wRC+ and 1.7 fWAR in 94 games. His 11 home runs and his 1.7 fWAR are second to Soto, and he leads the club with 52 runs scored and 15 stolen bases. Then there’s the 21-year-old Ewing, who is hitting .276/.350/.439 with seven homers, 27 runs scored, 24 runs batted in, and nine stolen bases. His 122 wRC+ is second to Soto, and his 1.2 fWAR is third behind Soto and Benge. He’s done all this while playing really strong defense in center. He has also hit well against lefties as of late, showcasing another strength. Both guys have been utilized up and down the lineup, including hitting leadoff and in the middle of the lineup.
When speaking about Benge and Ewing during a broadcast earlier this season, Keith Hernandez referred to them as “two golden nuggets,” which is an apt description of the team’s two youngest talents. Their continued development will be a big talking point, and both could factor in NL Cy Young voting, which would be a nice little win for the team. If nothing else, their emergence represents a bright light in what has been a really dark season.
Scott and McLean and pray for rain
This title is a bit misleading, as this is more about the overall view of the young arms, which goes beyond just these two. All that is to say that, if all goes well, the team will have an entirely new rotation next year that is (hopefully) made up of many of these up-and-comers. Out with the old, in with the new.
Nolan McLean had a terrific debut in 2025 and looked to be the undisputed future ace of the staff, but has been a bit more uneven this year. He’s struggled with his consistency, looking as good as he did in 2025 some times and looking like he needs more seasoning in Triple-A other times. Specifically, his home/road splits are perplexing, as he dominates on the road but struggles at home. Despite that, he’s had a really solid stretch over his past few starts and could be putting his early season struggles behind him.
Then there’s Christian Scott, who missed all of 2025 but has emerged as one of the team’s best pitchers this year. He enters the break with a 3.17 ERA in 12 starts, and the Mets have won nine of his 12 outings this year. He has struggled at times to go deep into games, and after missing all of last year, it’s likely the team will ease off the gas pedal with him to ensure he doesn’t tire himself out, but he seems to have inserted himself into the team’s future rotation plans with authority.
With the team likely to trade at least one (and possibly two or three) starters—more on that later—additional will open up in their rotation. That’s where Zach Thornton and Jonah Tong come in. Thornton struggled in his first start against the Nationals, but he’s been terrific in his last two appearances. His last time out specifically, he hurled seven shutout innings and would have gotten his first career win had Francisco Lindor’s error and Devin Williams’ ineffectiveness not conspired against him. Andy Green seemed to suggest he will make his next start at the major league level, and honestly there’s no reason why he shouldn’t. And should additional spots open up, the team could give Tong another shot, despite his Triple-A struggles. Depending on how they’re feeling about his development, there’s every chance he could be back up to finish out the year in the majors and get more seasoning in the bigs. Lastly, Jack Wenninger also could be in line for a call-up at some point after the break.
The trade deadline and restocking the farm
Probably the biggest story line for the next three weeks or so is how David Stearns and the organization will handle the deadline. Is this sexy? Not in the least. But is it important? Absolutely.
A successful deadline could set the franchise up for an immediate turnaround. The team has made it known that they are open for business, but they seem to be approaching the deadline more as a retool than any sort of rebuild. They are very much building towards being competitive again in 2027, so they can seek major league talent on their returns, or at the very least will look to restock the farm to set themselves up for sustained success. With the farm system ranked 24th after graduating some of their top talent and trading some other talent, it’ll be a welcome sight to see an influx of talent (and they could look to flip the players for major league talent later on).
There are no sure things in life, but I’d venture a guess as to say Freddy Peralta, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley will not be wearing a Mets uniform after August 3. If the club cannot work out an extension with Clay Holmes, who is almost sure to opt out after year’s end, they could look to deal him as well, and he could be one of their biggest chips. The team will also listen to basically everyone aside from the players listed above (Soto, Ewing, Benge, Scott, McLean, and Thornton), so any number of guys could be moved. That includes younger players like Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Francisco Alvarez, and other vets like Bo Bichette, Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and Luis Robert Jr.
And then there is Francisco Lindor, who figures to be one of the more intriguing trade options. While the Mets have not actively talked about shopping him, there have been rumblings about whether they would consider it, to the point that he was recently asked whether he would consider waiving his no trade (he replied “no comment” to the reporter’s inquiry). Lindor missed significant time due to injury this year, which has kept his numbers very modest compared to his career norms, but it still feels premature for the club to move on from their star shortstop or actively argue that he is in the twilight of his career. A good Mets team in 2027 almost definitely features both Soto and Lindor performing well in tandem alongside the team’s young outfielders and pitchers. Still, Stearns and the organization will likely leave no stone un-turned at the deadline, so if a tantalizing offer is presented, they will certainly consider it.
The Mets kick off their second half schedule on Thursday night as they travel to Philadelphia to face the Phillies at 7:10 PM EDT.
Jun 25, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (right) watches his team take on the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Happy Wednesday A’s fans,
This past weekend, the MLB Draft introduced the stars of tomorrow. One of the most thrilling Home Run Derbies in recent years followed the next day, leading into last night’s “Midsummer Classic,” which showcased many of the game’s brightest stars. Athletics’ catcher Shea Langeliers singled and walked in the American League’s 4-0 victory, which capped off a frantic few days of MLB events in Philadelphia.
With a couple of days off before the A’s resume their season against the Washington Nationals, it is a good time to assess the team’s first-half performance.
Offense
Entering the season, the Athletics offense was expected to carry this team and perform like a top-tier lineup. That has not happened, as the club ranks in the middle-to-lower tier of the league with a .243 team batting average and 422 total runs scored. Additionally, despite playing in a hitter-friendly home ballpark, the A’s have hit the 12th most home runs in the league.
All-Stars Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz were the team’s two-best hitters in the first half, although Langeliers’ production dipped after a stellar first couple of months. Kurtz’s recent slump can be attributed to a thumb injury that landed him on the injured list and kept him out of the All-Star Game.
Versatile utility player Zack Gelof was the biggest surprise. He provided excellent defense at several positions, while putting up offensive numbers on par with his highly-productive rookie season.
Injuries are partially to blame for the offensive struggles, as Gelof, shortstop Jacob Wilson and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom all missed time, not to mention designated hitter Brent Rooker undergoing season-ending knee surgery. However, it is also worth mentioning the lack of consistent production from outfielder Lawrence Butler and veteran second baseman Jeff McNeil this season.
Grade: B-
Pitching
The less said about the team’s pitching, the better. Yesterday, the A’s fired pitching coach Scott Emerson after ending the first half with a 5.21 team ERA that ranks second-to-last in the majors. The team’s highest-paid pitcher Luis Severino has been out since May with a shoulder injury. Free-agent signee Aaron Civale got off to a strong start before getting injured. He has since regressed to the form he displayed over the past couple of seasons.
Breakout right-hander J.T Ginn and the franchise’s top pitching prospect Gage Jump have been the team’s lone bright spots in the rotation. As for the bullpen, free-agent signee Scott Barlow was designated for assignment a few weeks ago after posting a career-worst 6.48 ERA. Right-hander Luis Medina has pitched well in his return from Tommy John surgery as has its lone left-hander Hogan Harris.
Really, it all comes down to the team not assembling a good enough pitching staff or figuring out how to pitch effectively at Sutter Health Park. Other teams have pitched fine there, so why is it that the A’s have struggled so much at this ballpark?
Grade: D
Coaching
For the second consecutive season, the A’s have suffered a devastating losing stretch that they have been unable to stop, with each loss pushing them further behind their divisional rivals. Between that and the pitching continuing to be a serious problem, it is time to seriously consider whether a regime change is the right move to take the Athletics from pretenders to contenders.
With Emerson gone, these next few months will be a litmus test for manager Mark Kotsay’s future. Can he get this team back on track and set the club up for a high-stakes stretch run, or will it be another inconsequential second half for the “Green and Gold”?
Grade: C
What grades would you give the A’s for their first half? Do you think this team has what it takes to turn things around?
Over the past few years, the Athletics have had more success drafting and developing players. Now, the team needs this pool of talent to coalesce into a unit capable of competing for the playoffs.
Georgia Tech reliever Mason Patel is the most noteworthy name among these UDFAs. He was named a finalist for the National Stopper of the Year Award, presented annually to the nation’s top relief pitcher.
The A's have come to terms with 6 undrafted free agents: C Max Aude/Pepperdine 1B James Whitman/Biola 2B Shintaro Inoue/Kansas State IF Xavier Esquer/UC Santa Barbara RHP Colin Fitzgerald/Penn State RHP Mason Patel/Georgia Tech
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) July 14, 2026
Congrats to Zack Gelof and his fiancée! Wishing them both the best. Seeing the knee brace in this picture is a reminder that his injury may have been more significant than many realized. Here’s hoping he’s back on the field soon—this struggling squad could certainly use him.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cubs are currently 54-42 and inhabit the NL’s first wild card spot, half a game ahead of the Phillies. The Marlins have, kind of under-the-radar, moved into the third wild card spot, 2.5 games behind the Cubs, two behind the Phillies and a game ahead of the Cardinals.
But the Cubs trail the Brewers in the NL Central by just five games. With 66 games remaining, that does not seem like an insurmountable lead to overcome. The Cubs and Brewers will face each other seven times before the regular season ends, four at Wrigley Field (Aug. 31-Sept. 1-2-3) and three in Milwaukee (Sept. 7-8-9). Playing those seven games within a 10-day span should go a long way to sorting out the division title. The Brewers currently lead the season series four games to two, so the Cubs would have to win five of the seven to take the season series and thus have the tiebreaker.
So where do you think the Cubs will finish the regular season? Winning the NL Central is not just for prestige; it likely would come with a first-round bye into the Division Series round of the postseason.
Vote in the survey and I’ll have the results here later in the week.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres greets Hunter Goodman #15 of the Colorado Rockies as he exits the 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller made his appearance in the 2026 MLB All-Star game in the top of the ninth inning. His appearance for the National League All-Stars was short, just four pitches, but effective. The right-hander did what Padres fans have come to expect, and he struck out Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox for the first out of the inning. Miller then gave way to the hometown closer Jhoan Duran of the Philadelphia Phillies who got the final two outs of the top of the ninth. The National League was not able to mount a rally in the bottom of the ninth and the result of the game was a 4-0 win for the American League All-Stars.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts managed the NL All-Stars and seemed to be handling the pitchers and their appearances well until the seventh inning when he let Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski throw two innings. It was an odd decision that resulted in Wrobleski allowing a run on a solo home run by Miguel Vargas of the White Sox in the top of the eighth inning, but he also recorded five strikeouts. Prior to Wrobleski, the NL manager had limited each pitcher to one inning of work. By throwing “his guy” for two innings, he shorted Miller and MLB fans of watching the most dominant reliever in the game. It was a tough to see the lone representative for the Padres be limited to just four pitches, but he can now take some time off and prepare for the second half of the season, which kicks off Friday in Kansas City.
Apr 28, 2026; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Louisiana State Tigers head coach Jay Johnson walks the field before a game against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Alex Box Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The LSU Tigers’ baseball program landed yet another major victory following the MLB Draft, as prized infield signee Luke Tucker is set to honor his commitment to the Tigers despite receiving multiple opportunities to begin his professional career and childhood dream.
Rather than signing with an MLB organization, Tucker has chosen to head to Baton Rouge, where he believes head coach Jay Johnson can help elevate his draft stock.
“I know Coach Johnson’s going to do everything he can to make me a first-rounder,” Tucker told Geaux247.
This is another recruiting win for Johnson, who has built a reputation for developing elite talent and preparing players for the big league. His track record played a significant role in Tucker’s choice to pass on the immediate opportunity to play in the minors.
Tucker arrives at LSU as one of the top infield prospects in the 2025 recruiting class and is expected to compete for playing time early in his collegiate career. For the Tigers, keeping Tucker out of the MLB Draft could prove extremely valuable.
The Tigers add another high-ceiling talent to a roster that continues to attract some of the nation’s best players, while Tucker gets the chance to develop in one of college baseball’s premier programs with his sights set on becoming a future first-round pick and fulfilling his lifelong goal of being a professional athlete.
Flushing, N.Y.: New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns speaks to the media during the team's pre-opening day workout at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, March 25, 2026. (Photo by Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday RM via Getty Images) | Newsday via Getty Images
The Mets are bad. The trade deadline approaches: Monday, August 3 at 6 PM EDT. That means it’s time to do an inventory of what the Mets have to move and what they might get for those pieces.
Rental relievers
Relief pitchers on one-year contracts are perhaps the most obvious pieces for a deadline seller to move, and the Mets have a couple good lefty options here. Brooks Raley has a 2.04 ERA over 35.1 innings this season, though his peripherals (3.62 xERA, 15.5% K-BB%) are a bit less favorable. A.J. Minter has been even more effective in his 19 innings, with a 1.42 ERA and peripherals that largely match.
Neither of these guys quite break through into the top tier of arms, but a return similar to what Ryan Helsley fetched last season for the Cardinals—INF Jesus Baez, RHP Nate Dohm, and RHP Frank Elissal—is within the realm of possibility. Something a bit lighter given Helsley’s potentially elite upside (at least at the time of the trade) is more likely, but the Mets should definitely be walking away with a handful of interesting prospects out of both of these deals.
This is perhaps a bit more painful, but a selling team should also consider moving any relievers they have under contract (including those under team control). Could these guys help the 2027 Mets? Absolutely. But year-to-year reliever performance is mercurial, and selling high gets the Mets future value while also potentially setting them up to duck the highest level of tax penalties in 2027.
Huascar Brazobán is the first name to consider here who, despite lacking high-end swing-and-miss stuff, has a 2.76 ERA backed by a 2.90 xERA on the season. Brazobán is a credible opener, middle reliever, or even a 7th inning guy. He’s also under team control until 2030, but he’s already 36, which mutes the value somewhat. Expect a modest return but one that should be better than what the Mets gave up in 2024 (infield prospect Wilfredo Lara).
Luke Weaver is possibly the best reliever likely to be available at this deadline, as one of the 10-20 best bullpen arms this season. He’s also signed for a very reasonable $12.5 million in 2027, giving whatever team acquires him two bites at the apple. This is a guy the Mets are hopefully getting a top-100 level prospect for—again, not a Jhoan Duran or Mason Miller level return, both of whom are better and had more control, but something better than the previously mentioned Ryan Helsley return from 2025.
Finally, there’s Devin Williams, who is the least likely arm to be moved here. He’s signed for an additional two years and $30 million beyond this season and has a 4.83 ERA on the season, along with three blown saves. That’s not great, but maybe a team looks at his solid peripherals and chooses to buy low, similar to what the Braves did in acquiring Raisel Iglesias from the Angels in 2022. It seems unlikely that there’s a serious suitor here but if one appears, offloading this deal is definitely in the Mets’ best interests.
Potential Buyers: Varies by arm, but any contender could be in play for Weaver
Starting pitchers
With the Tigers surging in the standings and the Marlins currently sitting in a Wild Card spot, the Mets may actually find themselves in an advantageous position when it comes to starting pitchers. Freddy Peralta, for all his struggles this season, may very well be the best starter moved at the deadline. Clay Holmes, despite working his way back from injury, may be the second-best starter moved at the deadline. Obviously you don’t want to be in a spot where you’re selling in the first place, but holding a limited resource isn’t the worst spot to be.
With Peralta, the hope is that some team is willing to bet on a bounce back to his prior form. His stuff metrics—along with his strikeout and walk numbers—have gone the wrong direction this season, perhaps suggesting his inflated ERA is earned. On the other hand, he has a 3.82 xERA and was a significantly better arm as recently as last season. The Mets are unlikely to get two top-100 prospects back (which is what they gave up in the offseason for Peralta), but they should comfortably beat the QO pick they’d get by holding Peralta and offering him the QO after the season given current market conditions.
Holmes is even trickier. He’s yet to make it back on the mound after breaking his fibula in mid-May, with a potential rehab assignment scheduled for after the All Star break. He also has a player option, further complicating any negotiations given the potential downside risk to a buyer. Given these factors, Holmes might not fetch quite as much as you’d expect given his quality. Nevertheless, the Mets should be able to grab something interesting in a deal here.
Potential Buyers: Astros, Cubs, Braves, White Sox
Outfielders
Tyrone Taylor is the clear name to move. Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing are already receiving the lion’s share of the outfield playing time and should continue to do so for the remainder of the season. Beyond them, the Mets would likely be better off giving someone like Nick Morabito a bit of run in the majors rather than continuing to trot out Taylor, who is a free agent after this season. Taylor has bounced back a bit from his down 2025 with the bat but at this point is a 4th outfielder—not a real difference maker, but maybe there’s a team that could use some extra depth.
The more interesting name to consider here is Luis Robert Jr., who is nearing a return from a swollen lumbar spine that has kept him out since late April. Describing Robert’s injury history as “lengthy” doesn’t do it justice, but he was playing well early in the season before the injury slowed him down. He’s a good upside play capable of handling center field, and he has a team option for next year to boot if things go well. I’d anticipate the Mets wind up getting more back for Robert than they gave up for him initially, if only because Luisangel Acuña has been so bad.
Potential Buyers: Marlins, Phillies, Astros, Blue Jays, Guardians
Catchers
The Mets’ catching situation is odd at the moment. They made the strange decision to extend Luis Torrens, locking him on a two-year deal, and have since been giving him more playing time behind the dish than Francisco Alvarez. Torrens is a 30-year-old with a 71 DRC+ and bottom of the scale batted ball metrics who rates as a very good defender under both Baseball Prospectus’ and Statcast’s metrics (credit to him, he’s improved a lot back there). Alvarez, by contrast, is a 24-year-old with better-than-league average offense and supporting peripherals. Alvarez has been a mediocre framer this year and was poor last year, but was an above average framer in 2024—perhaps the hand injuries have sapped some skill there, or perhaps this is something he can eventually get back.
Given where the Mets are, their decision to prioritize Torrens behind the dish is questionable to say the least. Practically, however, it’s relegated Alvarez to more of a DH role, a spot where his offense isn’t nearly as valuable. If the front office’s view is that Alvarez isn’t a catcher anymore, capitalizing on a thin market—one where Hunter Goodman and Ryan Jeffers seem unlikely to move—could make sense. All else being equal, it probably makes more sense just to keep him barring a particularly large return.
As for Torrens, it’d be very odd (and likely a significant PR hit with players) to trade him so soon after extending him. You can almost certainly count on him sticking around through the deadline.
Potential Buyers: Yankees, Astros, Red Sox, Rangers
Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette’s contract structure makes him basically unmovable. It is highly unlikely that any team would take the risk on him getting hurt and opting in for next season, particularly given his performance to date and the “general leg and right ankle soreness” that held him out of games prior to the All-Star break. If someone is willing to take on any amount of money here, the Mets should pounce, but don’t count on it.
Potential Buyers: Slim to none
Francisco Lindor
You can bury your head in the sand if you like, but the reality is that Francisco Lindor’s name is out there in trade discussions. Reporters don’t typically get the inkling to ask about no-trade clauses out of the blue, there’s usually a root cause behind it. With a recent Steve Cohen podcast recently confirming the long-suspected tension between Lindor and Juan Soto – the younger, better, more highly paid player – it’s not even a stretch to think that Lindor might actually want out at this point. His answer to the aforementioned no-trade clause question didn’t do much to quash that line of thinking at the very least.
Lindor has absolutely been very good in his time with the Mets, and he’s largely paid for the extension the team handed him prior to the 2021 season. That does not mean, however, that his contract does not have negative value at this juncture. Lindor is a 32-year-old shortstop with five years and ~$170M remaining on his contract after this season, one who is also showing clear signs of aging across his athletic metrics and on-field performance. Is he cooked at 32? No, probably not, but his days as a reliably elite, 5+ win player are likely over. Couple that with his seeming unwillingness to move off shortstop and you’ve got a potentially prickly situation that the Mets, from a completely rational, unemotional, process-driven perspective, should explore extricating themselves from.
So who is going to buy that sort of asset? Very difficult to say. Ten, five, or even three years ago there would have been a line of suitors, but most teams are run better than that these days. The Mets would need to find either a team that has…let’s call them regressive tendencies or a contender who is willing to eat the out years for improvement on the infield this season. Oh, and it has to be to a team that Lindor would waive his no-trade clause to.
That limits the suitors somewhat. The Yankees could be a fit, but trading an aging former star to the cross town rival might be too big a PR hit for the team to stomach. You could imagine the Blue Jays rolling the dice here and they likely have the financial flexibility to do so (plus, trading him for Andres Gimenez’s bad deal would be a good bit), but Lindor probably wouldn’t waive his NTC to play in Canada. The Red Sox are perhaps a decent fit, especially if the Mets ate the last year of Trevor Story’s deal in return, but also just dumped Rafael Devers’ money (a much, much worse deal to be clear). The Giants and Padres don’t have the room nor the impetus given their place in the standings.
All of this means that Lindor probably doens’t get moved, at least not at the deadline. But don’t be surprised if the rumors swirl or even if a deal comes to fruition.
Potential Buyers: Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, Padres
15 July 2026, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Boltenhagen: Vacationers and day-trippers are taking advantage of the sunny and warm weather to visit the beach on the Baltic Sea coast. With temperatures around 25 degrees and a moderate breeze, the summer weather is at its best. Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa (Photo by Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Normally, there would be no minor league update for today, since the full season affiliates did not play yesterday.
However, this is a special, complex-league-only update because Sebastian Walcott, the top prospect in the Rangers’ system and a consensus top 25 prospect in MLB, made his 2026 debut yesterday. Walcott has missed all of 2026 after undergoing internal brace surgery back in February, and began a rehab assignment with the ACL Rangers on Tuesday.
Walcott was the DH and went 1 for 3 with a strikeout and a double before being lifted after three plate appearances. He will presumably continue to play in Surprise at least through this week before joining either Frisco or Round Rock.
2024 3rd rounder Casey Cook, who also has been sidelined this season, is on game five of his rehab assignment in Surprise. Cook was 2 for 4 with a triple, and is slashing .400/.500/.800 in 18 plate appearances for the ACL Rangers. Cook had a disappointing 2025 season, slashing .205/.302/.294 for Hub City, and my guess is that he will return to Hub City once he’s ready to go.
Two-way guy Seong-Jun Kim threw two shutout innings, walking two and striking out three.
2025 20th rounder Jay McQueen was 2 for 4 with a homer. 2025 17th rounder Noah Franklin was 2 for 4. Jack Wheeler homered.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 11: A drummer performs as the Washington Nationals debate a draft pick during the 2026 MLB Draft at Pennsylvania Convention Center on July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No polemic or argument here — just a what if. You fill in the blanks.
The Rule 4 MLB Draft is weird. On its face, without any historical context, it’s just a way of adding younger players to organizations in a structured way. Worse teams pick before better teams, and it loops around until there are no players anyone wants to add left. However, because the players have to be treated at least perfunctorily as people and not as objects, they get financial incentive to join the organization, with players picked earlier getting more such incentive since the cost of not having them is relatively higher.
That’s it, really.
Except then we’ve got the history of the draft as collectively bargained and sometimes unilaterally set forth, where it’s become this crazy thing with bonus pools and strategies and penalties for going over (but not if you only go a little over) and contingency bonuses and participating in the MLB combine to avoid getting too lowball of an offer. Some of these things were natural, perhaps needed evolutions. Some are just complicated for their own sake.
So, given all that: what if there was just a hard slot system? Team takes a guy, guy’s bonus is immediately set at the slot for that pick. Want to pay less? Pass on a pick. Want to pay more? Well, you can’t, without doing stuff that’s not allowed and possibly getting slapped on the wrist or worse by MLB. Guy doesn’t want to play for your organization for slot? Too bad for both of you: you lose the guy, the guy loses a payday and has to wait a year to get re-drafted by someone else. (Maybe this system would include more than a one-year signing ineligibility for players that avoid accepting the slot bonus.)
I’m not going to speculate much in the body, but I do think that if this went into place in a vacuum, the real action would be on all the interaction effects. If the Rule 4 Draft had hard slots, what would teams do in International Amateur Free Agency as a pivot? Would there be more focus on developing undrafted guys? You’d probably see fewer high schoolers taken overall, which might change the developmental role of college programs, and the structure of minor league programs, since they’d have fewer raw high schoolers other than the elite guys… but maybe more younger IFA signees to make up the difference.
I will note that any hard slot system will probably be part of an MLB attempt to lower the cost of the draft and/or amateur talent acquisition overall. But, it doesn’t have to: there’s no reason why MLB can’t pair a hard slot proposal with a vast expansion of the slot per pick.
Jul 12, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) throws to first for an out during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
I started tossing out over/unders for the second half back when the Orioles were in the beginning stages of a rebuild. At the time, it felt like a fun exercise for the fans that remained engaged through all the losing. Eventually, Baltimore broke out. The subjects shifted from draft selection to playoff position. The team gave everyone plenty of confidence to make optimistic predictions, and I made callbacks to the dark times when we focused on Hanser Alberto and Rougned Odor.
The team took a significant step back last season. The topics flipped from trade acquisitions to major league players dealt away. I set a conservative number for players with 20 or more home runs and an outlandish total for the number of catchers used in the season.
That brings us to today. The Orioles entered the All-Star break five games under .500 but only two back from the final wild card. Mike Elias proclaimed last month that the team intended to buy at the trade deadline. O’s fans remained skeptical, but the Birds finally rattled off a four-game winning streak at the end of the first half.
You may not think this team is very good, but the American League isn’t exactly full of juggernauts. It’s a difficult time to make predictions in Birdland, but let’s give it a shot!
Over/Under 6.5 players with an OPS+ above 100
The Orioles entered the break with only five players with an OPS+ greater than 100. OPS+ adjusts a players on-base and slugging percentage to account for the ballpark and league that the player plays in. The number is weighted so that a league-average hitter possesses a 100 OPS+. An OPS+ in the triple digits indicates that the player has been an above-average hitter, while double digits indicates the opposite.
Baltimore’s offense was considered to be among the best in baseball heading into the season, but the team only has five everyday players with an OPS+ north of 100. Pete Alonso (129), Blaze Alexander (127), Samuel Basallo (115), Adley Rutschman (114), and Taylor Ward (113) have done their part, but Gunnar Henderson (95) and Jackson Holliday (98) have been disappointments.
It’s relatively easy to imagine Henderson and Holliday picking up a few more points, but could anyone else? Colton Cowser (83) is harmed by his brutal start to the season. Dylan Beavers (89) could maybe get there with a strong second half, but Leody Taveras (91) feels like he’s already maxed out. Jeremiah Jackson (87) is capable of getting hot, but Coby Mayo (83) would need to only face lefties for the remainder of the season.
Over/Under MLB players traded away 1.5
Over/Under MLB players acquired 1.5
I lumped these two together to let people take a crack at the whole buyers/sellers thing. Trevor Rogers and Taylor Ward will both be free agents at the end of the season and could help a team win games in the postseason. Yennier Cano is off to a great start, and Andrew Kittredge has the experience to help a contender down the stretch.
At the same time, the playoffs remain in reach for a motivated front office. The team has a glaring hole at third base with Blaze Alexander on the IL, and the bullpen needs multiple additions to be taken seriously.
There’s also a chance that the Orioles stand pat at see where the season goes. The organization could receive draft pick compensation if the Rogers and Ward leave in free agency after receiving a qualifying offer, but that’s up in the air with labor negotiations already underway.
Over/Under 4.5 combined saves for Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista in the second half
Ryan Helsley is expected to avoid surgery despite some inflammation around his UCL. The Orioles signed Helsley to a two-year, $28 million dollar deal to be the their closer, but the former Cardinal has been sidelined multiple times with injuries. There’s no public timetable, but Helsley could return at some point in the second half. The 31-year old has eight saves this season.
The Orioles shared two weeks ago that Félix Bautista was throwing after undergoing surgery on his right labrum and rotator cuff last year. The team said The Mountain was throwing “really, really well” and believes Bautista could return by the end of the season. Whether the Orioles will be motivated to send out the flame-thrower could depend on their place in the standings.
Over/Under 11.5 home runs by Taylor Ward
In case anyone is feeling shy about sharing their picks, I’ll shed some light on my worst pick of the season. When asked for a wild prediction back in March, I said that Taylor Ward would hit more home runs than Pete Alonso this season. Baltimore acquired Ward after he tallied 36 homers for the Angels in 2025. I thought Ward would bring his power to Baltimore, and that Alonso could struggle early in the first year of his new contract. Alonso reached the All-Star break with a team-high 21 home runs. Ward hit six in 439 plate appearances.
Ward has reinvented himself with a team-high 75 walks, but the power is still in there somewhere. The free-agent-to-be should find the seats a little more often, but can he double his total over the final 65 games?
Over/Under 3.5th place in the AL Wild Card
This is an awkward way of asking if you think the Orioles will make the playoffs. The juice would definitely be on the under in this scenario. Fans had mostly given up hope last week, but the team picked up some momentum by winning four straight for the first time this season.
Baltimore will need a few more winning streaks to sneak into the playoffs, but they shouldn’t need to climb much higher than .500 for the season. Some team is going to take the third wild card slot. Why not the Orioles?
Rapid Fire
Over/Under a 2.84 FIP for Yennier Cano
Yennier Cano currently holds a 2.58 FIP. That number is south of his 2.84 FIP from his All-Star rookie season. The Orioles desperately need the reliever to keep it going. Will he?
Over/Under 0.5 players batting below .200
Tyler O’Neill (.195) and Coby Mayo (.193) both entered the All-Star break hitting below the “Mendoza Line.” Jackson Holliday is a lot closer than we’d like to admit at .210.
Over/Under 10.5 games played by Heston Kjerstad and Enrique Bradfield Jr.
This isn’t first time that we’ve wondered how many big league games Heston Kjerstad would play in a season. Kjerstad and Enrique Bradfield Jr. are both healthy and playing at Triple-A Norfolk.
Over/Under 161.5 games played by Pete Alonso
Alonso played 162 in 2024 and 2025. He did not miss a game in the first half.
Over/Under 11.5 wins for Brandon Young
Wins don’t move the needle like they used to, but Brandon Young is 7-2 this season. Does he get to 12 wins?
Over/Under
Thanks for following along. Share your picks in the comments below!
There is nothing more sad or more dangerous than the memory of a great player. Once a player is retired those memories are cherished and should be. We remember the best moments and hold onto those memories like a child holds onto its favorite toy. When a player is still active those memories can be dangerous. They could potentially blind you to what is. Whatever we may think of Jose Altuve, we should come in with eyes wide open.
We have been using bases per out to keep track of where players are in terms of production. The big league average is .676, but as we have seen when looking at catchers and first basemen in the American League that the big league average is hardly ever relevant when looking at specific positions. Altuve is a second baseman and should be compared with other second basemen. It becomes dreadfully important that we see him for who he is and not who he was.
The out is the blood currency of the sport. Pitchers are trying to get them and hitters are trying to avoid them. We measure effectiveness in the amount of damage one accrues or avoids depending on if they are a pitcher or a hitter. Bases per out are calculated by adding total bases, walks, stolen bases, and hit by pitches and dividing them by total outs. Like we said, the big league average is .676, but we will likely see something radically different when looking at American League second basemen. As a reminder, we are taking all players that have played second base and have accrued at least 120 outs.
Outs
TB
BB
SB
HBP
BPO
Travis Bazzana
185
55
31
12
2
.751
Jazz Chilsohm Jr.
253
123
37
26
1
.739
Ezequiel Duran
220
121
22
7
1
.686
Luke Keaschall
236
104
34
12
10
.678
Richie Palacios
155
67
24
8
3
.658
Chase Meidroff
260
128
37
2
2
.650
Michael Massey
171
95
14
2
0
.649
Ernie Clement
254
150
12
2
0
.646
Vaughn Grissom
145
72
17
0
4
.641
Cole Young
264
134
25
2
7
.636
Jose Altuve
228
110
29
2
1
.623
Oswaldo Peraza
205
98
9
11
6
.605
Ben Williamson
156
62
19
7
1
.571
Jeremiah Jackson
165
81
4
2
1
.527
Maricelo Mayer
168
64
16
3
3
.512
Tristan Gray
131
55
9
2
1
.511
Jeff McNeil
218
80
21
1
4
.486
Mean
200.8
96.4
21.2
5.9
2.8
.629
Median
205
95
21
2
2
.641
Every data set is unique and second base is very different from catcher and first base. In this case, the lower scores are driving the mean down. So, in this case the median is higher than the mean. As per usual, the components of the median don’t match up to the number that is actually in the middle. Unlike the other positions, a majority of the second basemen were close to the mean and median. Mathematicians and statisticians would call that range.
These fancy terms are all very nice, but what do they actually mean? In the case of Jose Altuve, his numbers come in a little below the mean and median. However, he is close enough to the mean and median that a few hot days at the plate would drive him to the median and above. Altuve is essentially in the accumulation portion of his big league career. He is collecting hits, home runs, doubles, runs, and RBI needed to vault him higher on the all-time second base list. We have seen this before. This was Craig Biggio in his last three seasons.
The primary question is how quickly the decline will continue. Right now, Altuve has the appearance of a mediocre second baseman. Will he plateau there or will the decline continue. As philosophers might say, objects in the rearview mirror are clearer than the ones in the windshield. No two players’ career arcs are exactly the same. What we can do is look at the decline in recent seasons and guess what that could mean beyond this season.
Outs
TB
BB
SB
HBP
BPO
2023
260
188
44
14
5
.965
2024
465
276
47
22
7
.757
2025
465
260
55
10
4
.708
2026
228
110
29
2
1
.623
The 2023 numbers were a bit out of context. It was a shortened season for him due to injury. The other seasons post the pandemic 2020 season were similar to 2024 and 2025. In other words, the decline is here. There is always the possibility for a bounce back season, but that becomes less and less likely with each passing season. If baseball is interrupted or canceled in 2027 then you can bet that such a bounce back is unlikely to happen.
Fortunately, the Astros structured Altuve’s contract in such a way that they anticipated this. He is due 30 million in real dollars this season and next. He will make 13 million in 2028 and 2029. So, when he will likely be at his worst he will be making less money. Give Altuve and the Astros some credit for recognizing that. Still, the future is not necessarily bright.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) pitches during the sixth inning for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The 2026 All-Star Game has come and gone, and the American League defeated the National League 4-0. Though the final score was not ideal, the Atlanta Braves had five All-Stars, four of which played. Ozzie Albies, Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson, and Raisel Iglesias each made an appearance.
Albies and Baldwin earned the starts for the National League but were unable to spark the offense, while Olson went hitless after entering later in the game. Iglesias, meanwhile, turned in one of the better performances of the night for Atlanta, tossing a scoreless inning in his first career All-Star appearance. Chris Sale did not pitch, as the National League managed just three hits in the shutout loss.
The Braves have just a few days left of the All-Star break before hosting the Texas Rangers.
More Braves News:
Here is everything you need to know about the Braves’ draft picks and their sign-on value.
Bronx, N.Y.: New York Yankees' Aaron Judge celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run home run in the 9th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on the afternoon of May 24, 2026 in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday RM via Getty Images) | Newsday via Getty Images
The 2026 All-Star break is upon us, and while a handful of Yankees have enjoyed the festivities in Philadelphia this week, now is a good time to look back on a first half gone by. Through 96 games this season, New York sits three games out of first place in the AL East, and although this season has already proven to be an up-and-down venture, the Yankees haven’t gone without their big moments at the plate.
With the schedule empty until Friday night, let’s take a short stroll down memory lane and look at the biggest Yankee hits from MLB’s designated first half of the 2026 season.
April 7: Rosario’s second homer of the gameputs ’em ahead
By win probability, Amed Rosario’s game-tying blast from early April is the biggest home run of the 2026 season to this point for the Yankees (0.53 per Baseball Reference Stathead), giving the Yankees the lead against the A’s. It was his second of the season, the second of the game, a second-deck blast that snuck inside the foul pole, and the climax of a big eighth inning that led New York to victory. With runners on base late in the game, the bench bat’s swing was among the biggest so far in 2026.
In a high-scoring thriller against the Angels, Trent Grisham’s game-tying blast in the ninth inning was the most important hit of the evening. Down by two runs with a runner on in the ninth, against Los Angeles closer Jordan Romano, Grisham rocketed a ball into the right field seats, sending the Bronx into a frenzy, and adding to the chaos of this eventual 11-10 victory. The Bombers won later in the ninth, when a wild pitch from Romano allowed the walk-off run to score.
This was a tough series for Jordan Romano, a familiar punching bag for the Yankees. Two days after their first dramatic win, the Yankees were once again trailing in the ninth against the Angels. This time, down by a run with to runners on, Caballero shot a ball into the left-center gap, while both runners went for a hit-and-run. With an aggressive send, in all fairness, Austin Wells just barely scored from first base, locking in yet another dramatic win to grant Caballero one of this season’s most thrilling moments at the plate.
Any win against the team you’re looking up at in the standings is a big one. This particular one, with an Aaron Judge walk-off blast sealing the deal, could eventually loom large in a divisional race that may stay close until the end. Stuck in a scoreless tie in the bottom of the ninth on May 24th (a battle between Ryan Weathers and Drew Rasmussen), the Captain stepped up and delivered his fourth career walk-off home run, and gave the Yankees about as important a win as they come. The fact that we know now that Judge did this with a stress fracture in his ribs makes it all the more remarkable.
In a game that easily could have gone down as a disappointment, Jazz Chisholm’s go-ahead homer shifted the tide in the ninth inning. His two-run shot off of Matt Krook turned the Yankees’ deficit into a lead, and set the stage for more big hits throughout the weekend against the Nats. Although Jazz’s season has not gone exactly to plan, the 2025 All-Star is no stranger to providing big moments with the bat.
After a 12-pitch at-bat, Ryan McMahon’s RBI double down the line in right changed the vibe for the Yankess in the Trop. Trailing 1-0 at the time, and in the midst of a real offensive slump as a team, McMahon’s double snapped them out of it, and prompted a much-needed six-run inning for New York. Their eventual 12-4 win in this one was a much needed pounding against the rival Rays.
Yes, we are being creative to get this entire inning of 11 hits and 13 runs from that preposterous Yankees vs. A’s game at a minor-league park in West Sacramento. Perhaps most amusingly, the A’s actually pitched well outside of this frame, holding the Yankees to a walk on a baserunner that was quickly erased (and no hits). It’s just that this inning was an utter disaster for Mark Kotsay and company.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets signs his name prior to the 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Meet the Mets
Danny Abriano listed five storylines to watch for in the second half of the Mets season.
Mets first-round draft pick Carson Wiggins has officially signed with the organization.
The Mets’ ineptitude has made it more difficult for the league and fans to celebrate Juan Soto’s greatness.
Around Major League Baseball
Mike Trout made his long-awaited return to the All-Star Game on his home turf, and it was incredibly meaningful for the veteran outfielder.
MLB owners have given their support for major league players to play in the 2028 Olympics, but there are more factors complicating that possibility.
Jordan Walker hopes his Home Run Derby win inspires black kids to get into baseball.
A 1-of-1 Shohei Ohtani rookie card sold privately at auction for over $3 million.
Willson Contreras has made it clear he would likely reject any trade the Boston Red Sox try to include him in.
The All-Star Game red carpet featured MLB stars dressed to impress, with many of the outfits carrying some personal meaning to the players.
One such outfit was Jacob Misiorowski’s, with the young star’s jacket featuring an image of his beloved dog.
Justin Verlander appeared at his final All-Star Game last night, and his incredible legacy is one to remember.
Junior Caminero came out unscathed after getting hit by a pitch on his hand and having to leave the All-Star Game.
The American League won the game early, with the game-winning run coming in the first inning of a 4-0 shutout against the National League.
All-Star Game MVP Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice became the first Yankees teammates to each have an RBI in the Midsummer Classic since Roger Maris and Tom Tresh in 1962.
Despite being a open-and-shut victory for the American League, there were plenty of wonderful moments from the whole game.
Linus Lawrence took a look at the former Mets participating in this year’s All-Star Game.
Linus also assembled an All-Star team full of former Mets who never made an All-Star team.
Chris McShane delivered this week’s Mets Minor League Players of the Week.
Steve Sypa wrote profiles for two more 2026 Mets draft picks: eleventh-round pick Kuhio Aloy and twelfth-rounder AJ Krodel.
Allison McCague released the Position Player Meter for the last two weeks of Mets baseball.
This Date in Mets History
Mets lefty Jon Matlack had a great day in 1975 at the 46th All-Star Game, but Mets right-hander (and broadcasting legend) Ron Darling wasn’t quite as lucky on this day 35 years ago.
The Boston Red Sox have given chief baseball officer Craig Breslow much to ponder with the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline looming.
Less than a month ago, they were obvious sellers as the worst team in the American League. They then proceeded to win 14 of 16 games, including nine straight heading into the All-Star break, putting themselves back into the playoff conversation.
Boston will begin the second half just a half-game back of the third AL Wild Card spot. While its 46-48 record doesn’t scream “contender,” the AL is wide open. Only the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, and Texas Rangers are above .500.
Upcoming series against the Rays, Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays will likely determine Breslow’s deadline approach. If the Red Sox pick up where they left off and stay hot, Breslow will be urged to invest in this year’s team for a postseason run.
If Boston does indeed buy, here are five potential trade targets who would fit the club’s needs:
Zach Neto, SS, Los Angeles Angels
AP Photo
Zach Neto is under team control through the 2029 season.
Undoubtedly the priciest and least realistic trade target on our list, Neto would check several boxes for Boston. Right-handed power? Check. Middle-infield help? Check. Multiple years of control? Check.
The Red Sox reportedly “took several tries” to trade for Neto during the offseason. L.A.’s asking price was understandably high, but there’s a chance it has come down with the club owning the worst record in baseball (38-59). The 25-year-old shortstop is by far the Angels’ most valuable trade chip, and with the organization still not making any progress toward contention, it might be time to cash in.
Neto is slashing .235/.326/.453 with 19 homers and 45 RBI in 94 games this season. He posted WARs of 5.1 and 5.3 in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Gleyber Torres, 2B, Detroit Tigers
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Gleyber Torres is expected to return from the injured list shortly after the All-Star break.
Torres hasn’t played since June 15 due to an oblique strain, but the veteran second baseman is set to return from the injured list shortly after the break. He began his rehab assignment on Monday.
While he wouldn’t be the franchise-altering addition that Neto would be, Torres could still help the Red Sox make a run in the second half. The three-time All-Star would fit in nicely as a power-hitting middle infielder. He has hit at least 24 homers in a season four times in his nine-year career, including a 38-homer campaign in 2019. He had a .790 OPS in 43 games this season before his injury.
Torres’ contract expires at the end of this season, so he should be reasonably affordable as a rental coming off injury for a struggling Tigers club.
Luis Arraez, 2B, San Francisco Giants
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Luis Arraez has made huge strides defensively at second base this season.
Arraez has been among the few bright spots for the 41-55 Giants. The four-time All-Star and three-time batting champion has continued as arguably the best contact hitter in baseball after leading MLB in hits the last two seasons.
In addition to his usual success at the plate, Arraez has taken a huge step forward defensively this season at second base. Once considered a terrible defender, the 29-year-old suddenly ranks near the top of the league in Outs Above Average (10) and Defensive Runs Saved (8).
While Arraez wouldn’t be the slugger that most Sox fans covet, he’d still bring a significant boost to Boston’s lackluster offense. He hardly strikes out, consistently gets on base, and comes through with runners in scoring position (.345 avg. with RISP this season).
Like Torres, Arraez is set to hit free agency after this season.
A.J. Minter, RP, New York Mets
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
A.J. Minter has been a bright spot out of the bullpen for the lowly Mets.
The Mets have been a dumpster fire this season, but Minter has been lights out in his 19 relief appearances. The 32-year-old southpaw owns a 1.42 ERA and 0.842 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and just one walk this season.
Contenders can never have enough bullpen help down the stretch, and the Red Sox could use a left-handed reliever after designating offseason addition Danny Coulombe for assignment. Minter would be a rental.
Ryan Jeffers, C, Minnesota Twins
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Ryan Jeffers would give Boston right-handed pop at the catcher position.
The Twins are only three games back in the AL Central and currently tied for the third Wild Card spot, so it remains to be seen whether they’ll sell off pieces ahead of the deadline. If they do, Jeffers would fit in nicely with Boston as a power-hitting catcher who can also DH when needed.
Carlos Narvaez has taken a significant step back after impressing as a Red Sox rookie last season. Connor Wong has bounced back, but his ceiling is limited. Jeffers would be a strong upgrade over both options, though he’s a free agent after this season.
A broken left hamate has limited Jeffers to 39 games this season. He has looked great when healthy, slashing .292/.404/.538 with seven homers and 29 RBI.
AP Photo
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images