MACK - MY FRIDAY OBSERVATIONS - Kodai Senga, Brandon Nimmo, Carlos Beltran, Raisel Iglesias, Luis Castillo, Edwin Diaz, Francisco Alvarez, Zach McCambley, LuisAngel, Beltran, Peacock

 

What I’m hearing…

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Kodai Senga is attracting trade interest from multiple teams, league sources said. Some clubs view Senga, 32, as an interesting buy-low candidate after he experienced an injury and ended the season in Triple A due to poor performance.

It is unclear, however, how open the Mets would be to trading him, though they’ve had conversations about their starting pitchers, including Senga, people briefed on the talks said.The Mets’ rotation projects as something along the lines of Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, David Peterson and Senga, with Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong and Christian Scott lingering as other intriguing candidates.

The Mets are clearly in the market for help in their rotation, but league sources said it’s more likely they end up with one addition rather than two, given their crowded group — unless there’s some subtraction.

                                                                      Me & Brandon

Mets Top Trade Chip

https://fansided.com/mlb/mlb-trade-rumors-every-team-top-trade-chip-2025-offseason#inline-text-54

New York Mets: Brandon Nimmo, OF

Nimmo has a complete no-trade clause, which could make things slightly harder. However, the Mets’ late-season collapse justifies making some difficult decisions, one of which is their veteran left fielder, who is signed through 2030.

Which team makes the most sense? Milwaukee Brewers. Asking the Brewers to take on what remains of Nimmo’s eight-year, $162 million deal might seem unrealistic, but so did the idea of Milwaukee winning 97 games last year. There’s a championship window in Milwaukee that might be closing, and the Brewers need to take the risk and trade for Nimmo if they can make the finances work.

 

Carlos Beltran

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815977/2025/11/18/baseball-hall-of-fame-2026-ballot-storylines/

Beltrán’s 70-percent solution — Last year was Beltrán’s third spin on this ballot. In his first year, he got dinged by many voters for his high-profile spot on the 2017 trash-can pounders’ roster in Houston. Since then, though, he has jumped from 46.5 percent in Year 1, to 57.1 percent in Year 2, to 70.3 percent in Year 3. So is he now a lock to reach the 75 percent required for election? Here’s what history tells us.

In the six decades since the Hall went to annual voting, eight previous players have cleared 70 percent of the vote within their first three years on the ballot (without being elected). Check out how they fared the next year.

2017      Trevor Hoffman      74.0     Elected

2017      Vlad Guerrero        71.7     Elected

2014       Craig Biggio          74.8     Elected

2010       Roberto Alomar     73.7     Elected

1990       Gaylord Perry        72.1     Elected

1983       Harmon Killebrew  71.9     Elected

1982        Juan Marichal       73.5      Elected

1975        Robin Roberts       72.7      Elected

Seeing a trend? I bet you do. So maybe there are still enough trash-can fanatics out there that Beltrán can’t flip those last 20 votes he needs. But I’ll take the “over.”

 

Acceptable Replacement For Edwin Diaz

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Target- Raisel Iglesias

At first glance, this might seem dubious. After all, Iglesias is no spring chicken at age 35, and last year's numbers were a negative departure from his career norms. But when you dig a little deeper, it actually makes perfect sense for the Mets to take a swing.

Spotrac projects his market value to be a two-year contract worth $8.8 million in AAV. If the numbers are anywhere near that, it's a good deal. He comes at a slight discount due to his age and decline in face-value statistics. He also won't require a lengthy commitment. In addition to the money-saving and flexibility this allows, his actual performance last season isn't as bad as the numbers look.

His ERA+ finished at 3.21, his FIP finished at 3.31, and home runs per 9 finished at 1.1. These were all declines in performance from his previous season. Most of his struggles occurred from April through June, though. He finished the season incredibly strong. In 23.2 innings from the start of August to the end of September, he allowed just one earned run and zero home runs. During that time span, his ERA dropped from 4.62 to his final number of 3.21.

While the overall numbers don't look that great, he was actually one of the best pitchers in the world in recent months. The last time we saw him, he was absolutely rolling. And if the Braves are the team to steal Diaz, it'd be nice to get some immediate revenge.

 

A renewed case for the Mariner’s Luis Castillo

Steven Shrager/Mets 360

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Now 33-years-old right hander Luis Castillo, who is signed through 2027 for a little under $23 million a year, is coming off a season where he started 32 games, ended up with an 11-8 record along with an ERA of 3.54 over 180 innings. Going into the season, even the Seattle sports writers viewed him as closer to their fifth best starter, given the strength of their staff. Castillo still has a no trade clause and might want to stick around to see if the Mariners can make the leap next year. But maybe not.

The Mariners far exceeded expectations last year holding off the Astros, and their offense was much improved over 2024. Last season there were only three AL teams that scored as many runs and only four that had a better run differential. Still a little more offense to support Raleigh would help them repeat as division winners.

What follows is how the five pitchers that were presented in February did in 2025 compared with 2024 shown in parenthesis. As you will note, Castillo had another good season and was a little better than the year before and only Bryan Woo, who was paid a mere $800K, jumped out with huge improvement. The other three did not fare as well with each throwing considerably less innings. It was oddly the offense that carried this team last year despite the predictions that it would be their pitchers doing so.

Luis Castillo; 11-8 (11-12), 3.54 (3.64) ERA, 180 (175) innings, 162 (175) Ks, 46 (46) BB, 2.1 (1.8) WAR, $22.75 M

Logan Gilbert; 6-6 (9-12), 3.44 (3.23) ERA, 131 (208) innings, 173 (220) Ks, 31 (37) BB, 2.1 (2.8) WAR, $7.6 M

George Kirby; 10-8 (14-11), 4.21 (3.53) ERA, 126 (191) innings, 137 (179) Ks, 29 (23) BB, .8 (1.9) WAR, $4.3 M

Bryce Miller; 4-6 (12-8), 5.68 (2.94) ERA, 90 (180) innings, 74 (171) Ks, 34 (45) BB, -.8 (3.4) WAR, $800K

Bryan Woo; 15-7 (9-3), 2.89 ERA, 180 (121) innings, 198 (101) Ks, 36 (13) BB, 4.3 2.4) WAR, $800K

Dodgers free agency targets

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1. Edwin Diaz, RP/CL

2025 stats: 62 games, 28 saves, 66.1 IP, 12 ER, 37 H, 21 BB, 98 SO, 1.63 ERA, 0.874 WHIP

If the Dodgers aren't all-in on spending a massive amount on a lineup addition, they should use that money on the bullpen, which was a weakness in 2025. No right-handed arm on the open market is going to command a bigger contract than Edwin Diaz.

The 31-year-old stumbled a bit in 2024, then bounced right back for the New York Mets in 2025 with his third All-Star bid, 28 saves and 98 strikeouts. There aren't many better relievers in baseball, let alone right-handed options — and Diaz would instantly become the top high-leverage option for a Dodgers team that will surely be contending for a lot of wins in 2026.

Recently named the NL Reliever of the Year for the second time, Diaz has said there's a chance he doesn't return to the Mets next year. Realistically, the Dodgers can give him everything he'd want: a winning team, the established closer role and a hefty contract.

The Dodgers have become baseball's premiere team in pursuing elite talent to fill their needs. This offseason, a trusted bullpen arm is their top need, and there's no better option out there than Diaz.

 Dodgers free agency targets

CLICK HERE

1. Edwin Diaz, RP/CL

2025 stats: 62 games, 28 saves, 66.1 IP, 12 ER, 37 H, 21 BB, 98 SO, 1.63 ERA, 0.874 WHIP

If the Dodgers aren't all-in on spending a massive amount on a lineup addition, they should use that money on the bullpen, which was a weakness in 2025. No right-handed arm on the open market is going to command a bigger contract than Edwin Diaz.

The 31-year-old stumbled a bit in 2024, then bounced right back for the New York Mets in 2025 with his third All-Star bid, 28 saves and 98 strikeouts. There aren't many better relievers in baseball, let alone right-handed options — and Diaz would instantly become the top high-leverage option for a Dodgers team that will surely be contending for a lot of wins in 2026.

Recently named the NL Reliever of the Year for the second time, Diaz has said there's a chance he doesn't return to the Mets next year. Realistically, the Dodgers can give him everything he'd want: a winning team, the established closer role and a hefty contract.

The Dodgers have become baseball's premiere team in pursuing elite talent to fill their needs. This offseason, a trusted bullpen arm is their top need, and there's no better option out there than Diaz.

 

The Mets might’ve cracked the code on their high-upside catcher

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Few catchers in baseball combine Francisco Alvarez’s offensive ceiling with enough defensive potential to stick at the position long-term. Most teams have to choose between bat-first catchers or glove-first ones. The Mets might have someone who can be both.

Even with his defensive shortcomings, Alvarez brings too much impact at the plate to be anything other than a key part of the club’s future. If he continues improving his framing and receiving — areas that often take time — he has a genuine shot at becoming one of the best all-around catchers in the game.

The Mets should feel confident about where this is heading

The thumb injury slowed his season, but it didn’t derail the bigger picture. Alvarez is trending upward, and 2025 served as another checkpoint showing how special his profile can be.

If the Mets surround him with the right coaching and developmental support, they could end up with a middle-of-the-order bat behind the plate — a rarity in modern baseball and a massive advantage for a team with postseason ambitions.

The breakout hasn’t fully arrived yet. But the flashes aren’t fading. They’re becoming more frequent, more convincing, and harder to ignore.

 

MetCast        @MetCastPod

MET CAST TRADE PROPOSAL

 

Thomas Nestico                        @TJStats

Zach McCambley (MIA) was left off the Marlins 40-Man roster and is now eligible for the Rule 5 Draft

McCambley registered an elite 24.3 K-BB% in a relief role across AA and AAA on the heels of a nasty cutter and big sweeping slider. He is a name to watch as the draft approaches

            

Ernest Dove                      @ernestdove

Random young Mets player stat of the day you werent asking for

Mets IF Luisangel Acuna per baseball ref is now through 14 gm played in winter ball

.863 OPS    12 BB / 12 K    4 SB    2 HR    3 Doubles

               Daniel Wexler          @WexlerRules

               Just for context- the VEWL is essentially A+ level baseball, Acuna hit .337/.419/.495 in the same league last winter and an .863 OPS is good for 28th in the league. Acuna can provide value with his legs and glove but we are at the "show me" portion in regard to his bat

 

Codify                    @CodifyBaseball

Seasons with 41+ HR, 13+ RField, >125 games in CF:

Willie Mays (4 times)

Ken Griffey Jr. (2 times)

Andruw Jones

Carlos Beltrán

 Dodgers free agency targets

CLICK HERE

1. Edwin Diaz, RP/CL

2025 stats: 62 games, 28 saves, 66.1 IP, 12 ER, 37 H, 21 BB, 98 SO, 1.63 ERA, 0.874 WHIP

If the Dodgers aren't all-in on spending a massive amount on a lineup addition, they should use that money on the bullpen, which was a weakness in 2025. No right-handed arm on the open market is going to command a bigger contract than Edwin Diaz.

The 31-year-old stumbled a bit in 2024, then bounced right back for the New York Mets in 2025 with his third All-Star bid, 28 saves and 98 strikeouts. There aren't many better relievers in baseball, let alone right-handed options — and Diaz would instantly become the top high-leverage option for a Dodgers team that will surely be contending for a lot of wins in 2026.

Recently named the NL Reliever of the Year for the second time, Diaz has said there's a chance he doesn't return to the Mets next year. Realistically, the Dodgers can give him everything he'd want: a winning team, the established closer role and a hefty contract.

The Dodgers have become baseball's premiere team in pursuing elite talent to fill their needs. This offseason, a trusted bullpen arm is their top need, and there's no better option out there than Diaz.

 

The Mets might’ve cracked the code on their high-upside catcher

CLICK HERE

Few catchers in baseball combine Francisco Alvarez’s offensive ceiling with enough defensive potential to stick at the position long-term. Most teams have to choose between bat-first catchers or glove-first ones. The Mets might have someone who can be both.

Even with his defensive shortcomings, Alvarez brings too much impact at the plate to be anything other than a key part of the club’s future. If he continues improving his framing and receiving — areas that often take time — he has a genuine shot at becoming one of the best all-around catchers in the game.

The Mets should feel confident about where this is heading

The thumb injury slowed his season, but it didn’t derail the bigger picture. Alvarez is trending upward, and 2025 served as another checkpoint showing how special his profile can be.

If the Mets surround him with the right coaching and developmental support, they could end up with a middle-of-the-order bat behind the plate — a rarity in modern baseball and a massive advantage for a team with postseason ambitions.

The breakout hasn’t fully arrived yet. But the flashes aren’t fading. They’re becoming more frequent, more convincing, and harder to ignore.

 

MetCast        @MetCastPod

MET CAST TRADE PROPOSAL

Mets Receive:

- Byron Buxton (CF)

- Joe Ryan (SP)

Twins Receive:

- Brandon Nimmo

- $20 Million (Offsets Salary)

- Brandon Sproat (SP)

- Jacob Reimer (IF/OF, Mets #6 Prospect)

 

 

Thomas Nestico                        @TJStats

Zach McCambley (MIA) was left off the Marlins 40-Man roster and is now eligible for the Rule 5 Draft

McCambley registered an elite 24.3 K-BB% in a relief role across AA and AAA on the heels of a nasty cutter and big sweeping slider. He is a name to watch as the draft approaches

            

Ernest Dove                      @ernestdove

Random young Mets player stat of the day you werent asking for

Mets IF Luisangel Acuna per baseball ref is now through 14 gm played in winter ball

.863 OPS    12 BB / 12 K    4 SB    2 HR    3 Doubles

               Daniel Wexler          @WexlerRules

               Just for context- the VEWL is essentially A+ level baseball, Acuna hit .337/.419/.495 in the same league last winter and an .863 OPS is good for 28th in the league. Acuna can provide value with his legs and glove but we are at the "show me" portion in regard to his bat

 

Codify                    @CodifyBaseball

Seasons with 41+ HR, 13+ RField, >125 games in CF:

Willie Mays (4 times)

Ken Griffey Jr. (2 times)

Andruw Jones

Carlos Beltrán

 

MLB announces new 3-year rights deals with ESPN, NBC, Netflix

Anthony Castrovince                 @castrovince

LOTS TO READ HERE

On the heels of a 2025 season that saw large viewership increases -- including the most watched postseason in eight years and a World Series Game 7 that was the most watched Major League Baseball game in 34 years -- MLB announced Wednesday that it has formed new three-year media rights agreements with Netflix, NBCUniversal and ESPN.

As part of the rights agreements, which cover the 2026-2028 MLB seasons, the league’s longstanding relationship with ESPN will reach 39 consecutive seasons, NBC will return to regularly airing games on its broadcast network for the first time in a quarter century, and Netflix’s engagement with MLB will expand from documentaries to live baseball event coverage for the first time.

Sunday Night Baseball will shift from ESPN, where it aired since 1990, to NBCUniversal, which also secured the rights to Sunday Leadoff and the Wild Card Series in the postseason for NBC and Peacock.MLB announces new 3-year rights deals with ESPN, NBC, Netflix

Anthony Castrovince                 @castrovince

LOTS TO READ HERE

On the heels of a 2025 season that saw large viewership increases -- including the most watched postseason in eight years and a World Series Game 7 that was the most watched Major League Baseball game in 34 years -- MLB announced Wednesday that it has formed new three-year media rights agreements with Netflix, NBCUniversal and ESPN.

As part of the rights agreements, which cover the 2026-2028 MLB seasons, the league’s longstanding relationship with ESPN will reach 39 consecutive seasons, NBC will return to regularly airing games on its broadcast network for the first time in a quarter century, and Netflix’s engagement with MLB will expand from documentaries to live baseball event coverage for the first time.

Sunday Night Baseball will shift from ESPN, where it aired since 1990, to NBCUniversal, which also secured the rights to Sunday Leadoff and the Wild Card Series in the postseason for NBC and Peacock.