9/12/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHRP - Bryce Jenkins

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHRP - Byrce Jenkins


Bryce Jenkins is a right-handed relief pitcher in the New York Mets organization, currently with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Background
  • Born: April 3, 2001, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • Size: 5'11", 175 lbs; bats/throws right/right.
  • Path: Hardin Valley Academy (Knoxville) → Cleveland State Community College (three seasons as a starter) → University of Tennessee (2023, primarily as a reliever). At Tennessee he posted a 5.51 ERA over 16.1 IP with 24 strikeouts in 18 appearances. He also pitched well in the Cape Cod League.
  • Draft: Selected by the Mets in the 17th round (516th overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft; signed for $180,000. The Mets were drawn to his high-spin breaking ball.
Professional Career and InjuryHe debuted in the minors late in 2023 (FCL Mets and Single-A St. Lucie). After the season he underwent Tommy John surgery, which cost him all of 2024 and most of 2025. He returned mid-2025 (rehab in FCL and St. Lucie) and appeared in the Arizona Fall League with the Scottsdale Scorpions. 

In 2026 he has broken out as a reliever: AA/Binghamton - 12-APPS, 4-0, 0.69, 1.15, 13-IP, 5-BB, 13-K

  • Strong numbers overall in the minors (roughly 1.89 ERA, 53 K in 47.2 IP across levels, with a very low WHIP and strong strikeout rate).
  • Dominant stretch with High-A Brooklyn Cyclones (around a 1.99 ERA in ~40 IP before promotion).
  • Promoted to Double-A Binghamton on August 4, 2026. 
He is a late-round, undersized arm who has shown improved command and velocity post-TJ and is climbing the system as a bullpen option.RepertoireJenkins primarily works as a reliever with a fastball-heavy mix plus high-spin breaking balls.Pre-Tommy John (2023):

  • Sinker and four-seam fastball averaging around 92 mph (topping higher at times).
  • Two distinct high-spin breaking balls (routinely 2,900+ rpm; slider reached as high as ~3,020 rpm in St. Lucie). The breakers were similar in velocity and sometimes blended together.
  • He had added a new slider just before the injury. Earlier in college/JUCO he also mixed in a curveball and changeup, but those were less featured once he moved to a bullpen role.

Post-Tommy John (2025 onward):

  • Fastball velocity has ticked up (topped 95.4 mph in the Florida State League in late 2025).
  • Continued work differentiating the two breakers. The slider is still a key pitch (used more frequently in relief), though spin has come in a bit lower in some samples (~2,770 rpm noted in the AFL).
  • Focus on refining the arsenal and command after the long layoff; walk rates were elevated during his limited 2025 return but improved significantly in 2026.

College/scouting notes (pre-pro): Fastball sat low-90s (topped ~94), slider in the high-70s to low-80s with sharp two-plane break and high spin. Mechanics are described as relatively simple and repeatable from a three-quarters slot with some effort. 

Overall profile: Undersized RHP with solid arm strength (now mid-90s), elite-spin breaking stuff that plays as a swing-and-miss weapon, and growing feel for a multi-pitch mix suited to relief work. 2026 has been a big step forward in results and control after the surgery recovery. He remains a developmental arm but is generating positive attention in the Mets system for his recent dominance.





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Tom Brennan - Home Field Advantages - and Disadvantages


IS CITI FIELD ENOUGH OF A METS ADVANTAGE? 

OR IS IT A NET DISADVANTAGE?

MAXIMIZE ADVANTAGE, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY


TITLE OF MY ARTICLE IS BASICALLY…

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE WANTED…

AND HOW ABOUT AN EASIER DIVISION WHILE WE ARE AT IT?

The Mets should hang a HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE WANTED sign at Citi Field.

I am the chief advocate of moving fences in at Citi Field. Y’all know that.

Why? Bottom line?  

I want to maximize home field advantage. 

For a team that misses the playoffs almost every stinking season.

Who benefited from home field advantage? Well….winning teams have…

The 6 division leading teams in baseball through September 9 were:

272-172 at home (100 games above .500)

229-202 on road (just 27 games above .500)

Average those six out, and you get:

45-29 at home.

38-34 on road.

What is that?

An average of +6 wins at home. Distinct home advantage. 

Only Houston, of those 6 teams, was (slightly) worse at home.

The Mets, meanwhile?

34-40 at home.

34-38 on road.

What is that?

Slight Citi home DISadvantage.

So…

Move the stinking fences anywhere you’d like…in or out…or don’t.

What I want (and what Steve and David should want)…

Is a “distinct home advantage”, virtually every year.

Figure it out, gentlemen. It’s your floundering team, not mine.


One place besides fences to start, for an increased team advantage?

Resist geographic and league division assignment “theology”…you see…

I do not care if the Mets are located on the east coast. 

I’d still like them to be in the AL Central or AL West. Why? 

As of Sept. 9?

The combined AL Central record was 41 games below .500. And…

The combined AL West record was 73 games below .500.

That means…

1) The teams in those divisions REALLY SUCK

and 

2) It’s exponentially easier to make the playoffs if you’re in a sucky division.

And doggone it, Mets fans WANT THE PLAYOFFS! Annually.


So…take advantage of this off season to push for home field, and team, advantages, wherever you may find them.

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Reese Kaplan -- Who Else Could Play 2B for the 2027 Mets?


Recently I volunteered that the Mets truly need to consider the value of NOT making Marcus Semien the starting 2nd baseman for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.  Apparently the suggestion to relegate him to either the bench or a contract buyout did not resonate well with many of you.  While it is doubtful that the Mets will admit the roster mistake and bad investment, it still suggests an analysis is needed over who could possibly substitute for the former Texas Ranger keystone specialist.


In House Options

Brett Baty has his supporters and his detractors who either feel he’s just shy of turning the corner before becoming a productive major league hitter versus admitting he’s not panned out as expected and it is time to move on from this bad first round draft pick.  The truth is likely closer to the latter evaluation than the former, but he does have an option still available so major league playing time isn’t his only possible destination.

A.J. Ewing endeared himself to the Mets fans with his energetic play and his lightning speed.  He’s established himself as a center fielder particularly after the dismissal of another David Stearns mistake in Luis Robert.  Ewing can play second base if a center field option evolves to take Ewing’s spot out there (such as Nick Morabito).  He has 56 games of total minor and major league experience there.

Ronny Mauricio has had health issues affect his major league opportunity for playing time.  He has showed decent defense at times and a combination of power at the plate as well as speed in his legs.  In 2026 he’s been primarily at Syracuse   The now 25 year old Mauricio has over 100 games logged at second base including 30 in the majors.  He is hitting .269 with 18 HRs and 52 RBIs in just 252 ABs.  Throw in the dozen stolen bases and it would seem he has multiple weapons given playing time. 

Though hired to be a first baseman, long time infielder Jorge Polanco has nearly as many games at 2nd base as he he has had at shortstop.  With 430 games of experience there he certainly would qualify as a veteran capable of handling the position.  The issue with him is more about his health and his negative WAR output this year which is more likely due to recovery than total collapse like other bad Stearns choices.  Playing between whomever is at first base and Francisco Lindor might be more stressful on his body than would playing first base or at DH.


Outside the Current Roster

There are quite a few second basemen slated to be available as free agents when this season concludes.  Here’s the current list per baseball’s own website with their ages and any notes:

  • Ozzie Albies (30) – $7MM club option
  • Luis Arraez (30)
  • Cavan Biggio (32)
  • Jazz Chisholm Jr. (29)
  • Mauricio Dubon (32)
  • Kyle Farmer (35)
  • Adam Frazier (35)
  • Jonathan India (30)
  • Brandon Lowe (32)
  • Gavin Lux (29)
  • Nick Madrigal (30)
  • Dylan Moore (34)
  • Brendan Rodgers (30)
  • Amed Rosario (31)
  • Gleyber Torres (30)
  • Luis Urias (30)
  • Ildemaro Vargas (35) 

Trades can also be made but right now the David Stearns-led Mets seem to be establishing a pattern of getting the short end of the stick using this approach.

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9/11/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - 2B/CF/3B - Trey Snyder

 


 MACK – Let’s Revisit - 2B/CF/3B - Trey Snyder


Trey Snyder is a 20-year-old shortstop (and occasional outfielder) in the New York Mets’ minor-league system, currently with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. Background and Draft
  • Born September 21, 2005, in Kansas City, Missouri.
  • Attended Liberty North High School in Liberty, Missouri.
  • Standout multi-sport athlete (baseball, football, basketball). In his senior year (2024), he hit .391 with 7 home runs, 36 RBIs, 46 runs, and 22 stolen bases, earning Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year honors. He helped lead the team to consecutive Class 6 state titles earlier in his high school career.
  • Ranked among the top prep prospects in Missouri; committed to the University of Tennessee before turning pro.
  • Selected by the Mets in the 5th round (144th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft. He signed for an above-slot bonus of $1,322,500 (slot value was about $476,200).
Physical Profile and Tools
  • 6'1", 197 lbs; bats and throws right-handed.
  • Scouting notes highlight athleticism, above-average bat speed, line-drive swing with emerging power (exit velocities over 100 mph in high school), solid-average to plus speed, good defensive actions at shortstop (quick first step, soft hands, strong arm up to ~93 mph), and the potential to stay at shortstop or move to second/third if he fills out further. He is viewed as a toolsy, high-upside high school draftee who needs time to develop.
Minor League Career
  • 2024: Limited action after signing—brief time in the Florida Complex League (FCL Mets), then promoted to Low-A St. Lucie Mets (one of the first Mets high school draftees to reach full-season ball the same year). Hit .182 in 6 games.
  • 2025: Full season with St. Lucie (Low-A). In 115 games: .220 AVG, .336 OBP, .288 SLG, 5 HR, 48 RBI, 41 SB. Strong plate discipline and baserunning stood out more than power.
  • 2026: Started the year on the 60-day injured list, rehabbed in the FCL, returned to St. Lucie, and posted a strong stretch (including a hot July that drew attention). Promoted to High-A Brooklyn Cyclones on July 28.
  •  Current: A+ Brooklyn -  129-AB, 38-K, 12-BB, 2-HR, 25-RBI, .264/.324/.341/.665
He remains a developmental prospect with defensive upside at a premium position, speed, and the potential for more power as he matures. ETA estimates have generally pointed toward the late 2020s. 





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Reese Kaplan -- Analyzing First Base Options for 2027


Today marks the start of a series of columns about some roster options and decisions to consider for the 2027 season since the 2026 season ends when the magic number of 6 evaporates any wild dreams of a postseason appearance in 2026.  There are some obvious questions that arise 

One of the primary issues to analyze and debate is what to do at Pete Alonso’s former home at first base since the 2026 odd decision to insert middle infielder Jorge Polanco at that corner spot never really came to fruition due to injury. Many have been tried and not exactly seized the opportunity when it arose.  Let’s start at the top and then work our way through other 2027 possibilities.

Jared Young was one of those under the radar roster additions that no one really noticed nor cared about when it happened.  After all, he was a guy who’d played himself out of both the Cubs and Cardinals as a career minor leaguer and went onto a trial in Korea. He’d always shown 20+ home run power but the batting average number was not usually excellent.

Things really came together for him as a 28 year old castoff for the Doosan Bears in the Korean Baseball Organization.  His brief trial there was indeed impressive.  He hit .326 and slugged 10 HRs with 39 RBIs over the course of 38 games in South Korea.  He had a brief trial with the Mets in 2025 hitting under .200 but providing 4 HRs.  

He wasn’t really on the radar as a 1B option in 2026 with Polanco signed and fringe player Mike Tauchman having the lead spot for a bench role.  However, Tauchman got hurt and all of the sudden Young came into focus as an emergency option.  In Port St. Lucie the belief was still that he would be bench fodder behind Polanco.

As the season began no one really had any expectations but he worked productively and as of September he was a nice line in less than a half season’s worth of ABs with a .266 batting average and having hit 8 HRs with 36 RBIs, even occasionally being inserted to hit cleanup for the last place Mets.  Those numbers are not All Star level but they suggest he is actually a better bench option than originally envisioned.  If he is the starter in 2027 then there are bigger roster problems to address.

Jorge Polanco’s 2026 season isn’t worth analyzing with performance numbers.  He’s been hurt for most of it though he has shown a much stronger pedigree as a hitter than Young.  Given the magnitude of his contract he is likely the higher priority to get the majority of playing time.  The issue is his health history and the question of him being in the less demanding role of DH would likely preserve his ability to play regularly.

This week the Mets test drove failed infielder/outfielder Brett Baty at first base as well.  The now 26 year old first round draft pick has had nearly 1400 major league ABs with a career .230 batting average accompanied by 43 HRs and 154 RBIs but that’s spread over the equivalent of not quite three full seasons worth of playing time.  His versatility is good but he’s not yet shown enough offensive ability to consider him more than a substitute due to injury.

The already forgotten and out of options Mark Vientos has gotten some playing time there as well, but he’s born to be a DH if you want him in the lineup regularly.  He does not meet the run prevention philosophy David Stearns used as justification for his questionable off season moves.

Highly anticipated slugger Ryan Clifford has quickly fallen off the radar as his K rate is way off the charts.  No one denies his power.  In Syracuse this year he has hit 16 HRs and driven in 52 in 387 AAA ABs.  The issue is the 166 Ks.  He was hitting just .173 when he was sent into a development situation.

Newcomer Billy Amick has shown even more power.  Combined between the Mets organization and his former stint with the Twins he has hit 36 HRs and driven in 105 while hitting .228.  He is 23 years old and on the cusp of what should be time to make it to the majors but he’s also whiffing a lot with 145 strikeouts in 408 ABs.

Finally, there are the long term position switch options.  Many feel that the defensively challenged Juan Soto should convert to playing 1B where there is not nearly as much issue with running around the outfield.  He obviously has the hitting talent for that change but his ego may not deal well with being told he’s the Mets equivalent of Bryce Harper.

Similarly, with a huge paycheck being allocated to strong hitting Bo Bichette, some have advocated him crossing the diamond where the defensive challenge at first base might be less noticeable than it is at third.  


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MACK – THOUGHTS & OTHER TIDBITS

 


MACK – THOUGHTS & OTHER TIDBITS

 

Thoughts

 

They just couldn’t help themselves. They had 6th place locked up. Heck, they even was in 5th. But nooooooooooooo… they had to go on a couple of big-time winning streaks  and ruin everything. I guess what’s important here is that Francisco Lindor is not over the hill and Bo Bichette is what we hoped he would be when Stearns locked him up. Still, I’m going to miss that early pick.

 

On 9-6-2026, Christian Scott threw a stat line that has NEVER been thrown before in MLB history. No shit:

4.2-IP, 4-H, 2-ER, 0-BB, 7-K

This dates back to the Cleveland Red Stockings that toured in 1869.

Now, THIS is amazing.

 

I thought Jonah Tong did quite well on Monday. Yeah, there was that home run ball, but he had 16 whiffs, plenty to win a ballgame. The Mets need to leave him on the parent team for the remainder of the season and let him pitch every five games. He needs to start operating internally as a permanent major leaguer. The mental part of this game is big-time and Tong needs to internally become one of the boys.

 

I no longer have any contacts within the Mets organization, so all I have is my opinions. There are specific things I wished would happen between now and opening day 2027. Here are some of them:

1.     I want the direction of this team to be to build a world class team in 2028

2.     I want 2027 to be a year that will be used accomplish this goal

3.     I’ll stay with Francisco Alvarez behind the plate until something better comes along.

4.     I want the front office to begin to convince Juan Soto that his future is either on first base or as a designated hitter.

5.     If Soto won’t play first, I will stay with Jared Young until Billy Amick is ready.

6.     I want Marcus Semien to stop wearing a Mets uniform.

7.     I don’t care who plays second on opening day 2027. This position is Emilien Pitre’s to lose, which could happen pretty quickly if Mitch Voit keeps maturing.

8.     Francisco Lindor is my shortstop. Period; however, I would try to talk him into a little infield practice

9.     I’m taking Bo and his wife to Peter Luger’s every night until he agrees to come back in 2027, Past that, it’s Jefferson Rojas time.

10. Designated hitter is in play. My desire is for Soto to do this as early as 2027. Billy Amick and Corey Collins are future candidates but I might have to go outside here.

11. I’m happy with the Psycho-twins plus Nick Morabito starting in 2027 with D’Andre Smith backing them up. Enter the Aiden twins in 2028, as well as Trey Snyder. Might find your future DH here too.

12. Starter wise, 2027 is McLean, Scott, Thornton, Tong, and somebody. Hopefully, the somebody is someone big. Jonathan Santucci and Jack Wenninger offer up emergency SP6 and SP7 candidates. Past that, it’s either ‘we don’t need anyone new’ or it’s highly fluid.

13. Reliever wise, 2027 offers up Kodai Senga, Jonathan Pintaro, Tobias Myers, Saul Garcia, Dylan Ross, Brian Metoyer, and Ben Simon. Add Carlos Guzman, Bryce Jenkins, and Garrett Stratton in 2028.

 

Promotions

 

RHP Landon Koenig – from FCL-Mets to A-St. Lucie

RHP Gavin Guidry – from FCL Mets to St. Lucie

RHP Justin Hagenman – from 60-day IL to AAA-Syracuse

RHP Gary Gill Hill – from AA-Binghamton to AAA-Syracuse

RHPP Garrett Stratton – from AA-Binghamton to AAA-Syracuse

RHRP Parker Carlson – from A+ Brooklyn to AA-Binghamton

RHRP Ryan Dollar – from A+ Brooklyn to AA-Binghamton

 

Prospect Color Changes

 

Minor Tidbits

 

The hero of the last game of the St. Lucie Mets season were the 11 relievers used in that game that produced 18 strikeouts over 12 innings. Most got one inning each, Brett Banks closed with two thrown. And Luke McNeillie struck out three in his inning. Interesting way to close out a miserable year played in a ton of rain.

 

AAA-Syracuse CF, D’Andre Smith, keeps making a case to become one of the 2027 utility outfielders. On Sunday, he went 2-4, 1-R, HR (4), 2-RBI, and raised his BA to .344 while turning out a 1.003-OPS. You can’t turn your back on a stat line like this one.

 

The Mets #1 prospect, IF/DH Jefferson Rojas, had another impressive day on Sunday: 4-5, 2-R, 9TH Met HR, 6th Met double, 3-RBI. More importantly, his seasonal total was risen to 24-HR and 86-RBI. I’ll take it.

 

A stat crossed my eyes on Sunday night worth noting. The Mets #7 prospect, IF Jacob Reimer, through Sunday, as 18-RBIs in his last 25 games. These are the kind of stats we’ve been waiting for from this young man. Still, as of Sunday, his AA stats are 279-AB, 80-K (28.7%), only 7-HR and 35- RBI and a BA of 237. Reimer will play 2027 as a 23/year old. There still is time, but there may not be room. Oh. By the way… Reimer played first base on Tuesday. Hmm…

 

AAA-Syracuse 1B/DH Billy Amick hit his 36th home run on Tuesday night. That gave him 105-RBI and an .871-OPS. All he has to do is raise that .228-BA to around .240 and the least he becomes is next season’s DH. At best, the Mets first basema.

 

AA-Binghamton 1B Corey Collins continues to wake up late and impress. Wednesday, he belted his 10th home run of the season, going 2-4, R, 2B(5) as well, and raising his seasonal OPS to .942. His multi-team totals now stand at 18-HR and 61-RBI. And, he played LF last night. Love it!

 

AAA-Syracuse SP, Jonathan Santucci, has a long way to go to secure a rotation spot on the Mets, but he threw his 3rd quality start in a row Wednesday night, going 5.0-IP, 5-H, 1-ER, 0-BB, 6-K. That was a 3-start stat line of 15-IP, 5-ER, 19-K. My guess he will begin next season in Syracuse as that emergency SP-6.


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9/10/26

Tom Brennan - FOR THE LOVE OF PETE! And…More Draft Results Blues?

  


OUR ACE NOLAN?  I AM SO GLAD HIS NAME IS NOT PETE MCLEAN


GUYS?  NO MORE PETE TRADES - LIKE, EVER….OK?

OK, so Pete Alonso was dumped, not traded. 

Let’s not quibble. We got Silly Putty Polanco. We are not smiling.

Pete Crow was indeed flipped. (I flipped out at the time).

Thru August 29, with lots of 2026 action left, the 2 had combined to do this:

272 games played, zero games missed.

12.1 WAR

179 Runs

68 HRs

180 RBIs

37 Steals 

NO…MORE…PETE…TRADES…EVER. 

FOR THE LOVE OF PETE!

Meanwhile, the Mets hierarchy? 

They operate on the Peter Principle.

“The Peter principle states that people are promoted to their level of incompetence.”

A front office can become “affront office.” 

Just by dealing away Petes.

Losing those two was an affront to me.


If the Mets had Pete Rose, they wouldn’t have kept him.

Pete Guerrero?  See ya.

Once you sign a Pete, you keep him.

Do not rinse and re-Pete any Pete giveaways. Please.


METS TRADE EVERYONE, WIN EVERY GAME

That Stearns guy sure is SMART. 

He trades everyone, and the Mets then cannot stop hitting and winning.

Brilliant. 

I thought they were tanking, but instead they’ve turned into Sherman tanks!


MORE DRAFT BLUES?

METS PICKED WRONG LEFTY? 

SEEMS SO (SO FAR, AT LEAST)


JONATHAN SANTUCCI 

With the 46th overall pick in the 2024 draft, the Mets picked lefthander Jonathan Santucci, who Mack knows I am a fan of. I think Santucci is mostly Superb.

He is moving up progressively in the minors, but struggling a bit now in AAA. 

He tends to walk a good number of batters. 

He is now 23, and is 4-10, 4.08, with 151 Ks and 63 walks in 115 innings, and a 1.37 WHIP.

BUT…

Four slots later, the Red Sox drafted a lefthander, too….

Payton Tolle, a 6’6”, 250 lefty monster, with the 50th overall pick. 

He quickly graduated from the Red Sox minors.

Tolle, 23, is simply killing it in the big leagues this year:

9-6, 3.15, 137 innings, 159 Ks, 1.08 WHIP!  Wow! Wow! 

So far, it appears the Red Sox made the much better draft choice with Tolle, although Santucci could become increasingly superb and emerge as a big leaguer in 2027.

In fairness, a December 2023 MLB pre-draft ranking had Santucci at # 37, and Tolle at # 87, so the Mets had company in perceiving Santucci to be the better of the two.

Everyone but the Red Sox got it wrong. They “collected their Tolle.”

So far, anyway. 

Santucci may still be the best of the two in the long run. Who knows?

And…his middle name is Joseph…not Pete…thankfully.

Of course, Catholics (and perhaps Santucci was born as one…) are given confirmation names when they make their confirmations.

My father was John Joseph Aloysius Brennan.

So, I am hoping we have a Jonathan Joseph Aloysius Santucci here.

Not a John Joseph Peter Santucci.

Santucci, by the way, threw a very strong 5 innings of one run ball on Wednesday night. 

He is still Superb. Just Superb In Progress.


AMAZING

The Mets gutted their staff as they traded away 5 key pitchers and a hot hitter at the trade deadline.

Collectively those 6 departed players are doing well post-trades. 

Before the gutting trades, the Mets were an abysmal 47-64.

From August 1 through Wednesday, the post-trade Mets are 21-14.

Seemingly impossible turnaround. Amazing.

Then, on Wednesday night, Soto and Benge go 0-9, but they still win a one run nail biter thriller…15-14! 

Love those two point conversions.


GOSH-GOLLY NUMBERS

Last two seasons, Kyle Schwarber has played in 302 games, hit 100 homers…wow…but fanned 400 times. Whoa. 

Numbers unimaginable in Mickey Mantle’s day. 

400 Ks in 302 games?  

Gives real hope to the future success of Billy Amick, I’d say.

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