Reese Kaplan -- Will the Mets Sign Anyone From Japan for 2027?

When it comes to free agents from across the Pacific the Mets have not exactly had consistent All Star level performances from any of the few they’ve sampled.  As a review, do you remember the names Norichika Aoki, Shintaro Fujinama, Ryota Igarashi, Kaz Matsui, Daisuke Matsusaka, Hideo Nomo, Kodai Senga, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Hisanorki Takahashi and Masato Yoshii?  For a team that fans perceive as averse to signing Japanese ballplayers, the fact is that with the 15 who have had Mets contracts they have actually signed more pitchers and hitters from the NPB than any other team in baseball.  The difference is they haven’t gone all-in for the true top notch options when they were available. 

This year there are a number of players being posted from Japan that might indeed inspire the Mets to fork over some money and a contract.  Let’s take a look at the Pacific Rim quintet:

Recently posted by his Nippon Ham Fighters ballclub, diminutve Hiromi Itoh is looking to make the switch to the Major Leagues as he enters his age 29 season.  The numbers he has posted in Japan are solid but not eye popping.  Bear in mind that many people perceive statistics from NPB to be something akin to AAAA and expect a downfall of sorts in MLB.  Take a look, however. Itoh has a career winning record of 65-51 with an ERA of just 2.92.  His WHIP is a respectable 1.185 and his control has been superb.  He strikes out 8.1 batters per 9 innings pitched while walking just 2.1.  He looks to be a viable middle of the rotation starter option for interested bidders. 

Slugger Teruaki Sato is already well publicized here and throughout baseball off season coverage.  After winning the league’s MVP award in 2025 he followed it up in 2026 with a Triple Crown.  Yes, he strikes out too much.  That affliction is common to most power hitters.  Also, where he’d play is still a question with some experience in the outfield, at third base and a handful of game at first.  The Mets obviously need help at that latter position.  The questions are, of course, what will Sato cost and how long a contract will he demand?

The Seibu Lions posted the option for MLB free agency for portly little righthander Kaima Taira.  Turning 27 for the 2027 year, Taira has posted some mighty impressive numbers in Japan.  This past season he finished with a minuscule 1.36 ERA for the season, striking out about a batter per inning pitched while going 12-5 with a 0.959 WHIP.  That’s some ace caliber stuff.  For his career he has a winning record of 37-24 with a 1.78 ERA.  The concern is his physique which will alarm some baseball purists.  At just 5’8” tall he weighs nearly 220 pounds.  Think of a pint-sized Bartolo Colon.  The concern is that he will endure either injury or fatigue that will limit the number of innings he can pitch.

NPB and MLB veteran Shota Imanaga is available to the highest bidder.  Turning 34 in the upcoming season, the lefty has pitched effectively for the Cubs for three seasons.  His record over that span is 35-21 and he owns a career ERA of 3.45.  Last year he earned $22 million and chances are that will be the starting point for salary negotiations.  You’d have to weigh MLB experience against middle of the rotation performance to determine if the money he’ll command is justifiable.

Slugger Seiya Suzuki is also likely departing the Cubs after turning in a very solid offensive season.  He hit .270 with 26 HRs and 86 RBIs while earning $19 million.  At age 32 going into the 2027 season he’s a good but not great fit for the 5th or 6th spot in a contending team’s batting order. His arm has been solid as an outfielder but unless the Mets are planning to convert Juan Soto into a DH there doesn’t appear to be a good fit.  

MACK - Deep Dive - IF - Kyren Paris

 

The Mets picked up on waivers, infielder Kyren Paris, from the Los Angeles Angels.

Paris (born November 11, 2001; turns 25 in November) is a right-handed hitting/throwing former second-round pick (55th overall) by the Angels in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Freedom High School in Oakley, California. He debuted in the majors in 2023 and has primarily been a utility player capable of playing second base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions (stronger defensively in the infield).⁠

Key stats and background

MLB career (through 2026, mostly with the Angels): .147/.238/.272 slash line, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 11 SB in 88 games / ~263 plate appearances, with a high ~38% strikeout rate.⁠

2026 MLB: Limited to 8 games (0-for-15, 8 strikeouts, 3 walks). He spent most of the year in the minors.

2026 minors: Strong showing, roughly .274/.384/.458 with 13 HR and 24 steals between Double-A and Triple-A (including a strong Triple-A stretch around .307/.427/.554 with power and speed).⁠

He was out of minor-league options after 2026, so the claiming team faces a roster decision (keep him or risk losing him on waivers again before Opening Day).

Paris was out for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season on September 15, 2026, due to a fractured right index finger.

He was placed on the 10‑day injured list (retroactive to September 15), with recovery expected to take 3–4 weeks, leaving him more than enough time to be ready for 2027.

MACK – Three more possibilities for Mets first pick

We continue with three more players that easily could be available when the Mets pick in the first round of the 2027 draft.

 

Chase Fralick, C/1B, Auburn

21/yrs. old – 6-2/230 - LHH

2026 – 20-HR, 61-RBI, .314/.420/.649/1.069

Offense wise, increased his homer output from 4-HR in 2025 to 20 last year. Slightly open stance. Controlled leg kick with balance. Above average bat-to-ball skills. Feel for the barrel.  Excellent pitch selection. Swings at right pitches. Raw power and bat speed grew in 2026. Strong wrists with real bat speed.

Defense wise, strong big-bodied backstop. Defense remains a question mark, but it improved last season. His framing metrics are a tad underwhelming. Faces questions regarding athleticism. Raw arm strength. Could wind up a first baseman.

Me?

I really want nothing to do with another catcher with defensive issues. Sure, this guy can hit, but I'm not going to waste one of my first picks on a one-dimensional player. Pass.

 

Grant Westphal, OF, Blue Valley HS (Kan.)

6-2/205 – LHH

Potential 5-tool player

Offense wise, high-exit velocities. Loud contact. Sets up slightly spread. Waggles hands before loading. Turns quick and creates flatter path. Has added muscle, thus, added power. High contact rate. Tons of doubles. Projects as an above-average hit tool at next level. Exit velocity +107. High OPS.

Defense wise, should stick in center. Plus runner in outfield. Average arm strength.

Me?

Again, do I use one of my first picks on someone that has limited ability. There is very little power here. May come, but I thought May was a month after April. Pass.

 

Aidan King, RHP, Florida

20/years old – 6-2/205 

2026    -           16-ST, 8-2, 3.21, 1.03, 87.0-IP, 19-BB, 92-K

Two excellent seasons in a row, pitching to college’s best.

Fastball already up to 97, with carry. He adds to this a high-spin slider (late bite) and effective 85-changeup. The 3-pitch mix is already developed. All three grade out above average. Fastball consistently fills zone. Expect the team that drafts him to add a fourth pitch here.

Excellent delivery. Moves well down the mound with quick, whippy arm. Repeats delivery well. Starts to lose a little control when he tries to pitch with increased velo.

Great, young arm for someone.

Me?

King is on a short list of college starters that I would consider picking in the first round. Yes, there are more talented pitchers this draft than him, but we still have no idea when the Mets will pick.

If it's 1.10 and below, pick this guy.

 

Tom Brennan - Mets Prospects #6 - #10; ELEVEN Times; Clemente Award Thoughts

 

THE LOWER HALF OF MY TOP 10!

Continuing on with my Top 30 prospects, this article encompasses #6 thru #10a, with 4 hitters and 2 hurlers. Why 6 players? Read on.

6) Aiden Robbins (hitter)

I like this 2026 drafted guy (3rd round, #92 overall) a lot. 

Apparently, he was ranked 29th best overall prospect, but slid down to the Mets to #92. Hopefully, the 62 teams between #29 and #91 will find out that they royally screwed up in passing on Rockin’ Robbins.

A full 2027 season will show us much more clearly just how good he’ll be. 

He did very well in his pro debut. 

In 26 games, .281/.378/.458, with 5 HRs and 18 RBIs, including going 6 for 19 in a brief Brooklyn cameo. 55-rated power. 

Robbins is a 6’2” 205 righty slugger. 

Future Mets starting outfielder? Hopefully. 2028? Possibly.

7) Wandy Asigen (hitter)

The Magic Wand at age 16 (yes, he turned 17 in early August) played few games in 2026, hampered supposedly by leg issues. 

Hopefully, he will be the best guy in this entire prospects list in 3-4 years. 

He had just 61 at bats, while the DSL’s 3 hit leaders each had 55 HITS.

But he was thought of as perhaps the most advanced offensive player in his year’s international population of Central American teeny boppers. He snapped up a sizable signing bonus of $3.9 million.

A left-handed hitter, with exit velocities at times above 110 mph, amazing for an 16 year old, and a strong hitting approach.

A above average runner who may be able to remain at shortstop. 

Listed at 6’0”, but at his age, will he still be at 6’0” in 2027? 

Or taller?

Perhaps a growth spurt? And perhaps MANY more at bats.

8) Elian Peña (hitter)

Bonus Baby Elian Pena did great in the very hitter friendly FSL at age 18, but the Mets promoted him and he hit .164 in far more challenging High A Brooklyn. 

No lefty should be allowed to hit in the Brooklyn Gulag Park. (He does switch hit, but most of those ABs are lefty ABs against predominantly righty pitching staffs.) 

Former Met Ike Davis hit exactly zero HRs while compiling 239 plate appearances with the Cyclops crew. 

The same Ike hit 32 HRs with the Mets 4 years later. 

Pena hit zero homers in 77 Brooklyn PAs. Consider me NOT SURPRISED.

Also, Elly P’s D needs work (27 errors in 101 games mostly at SS).

I expect exponential growth at age 19. He likely must return to Brooklyn.

I wish they’d just start him out in Binghamton. Tougher pitchers, easier park.

9) Carson Wiggins (hurler)

This newly drafted 6’5” 215 lb uber fireballer (27th overall in the 2026 draft) will excite Mets fans by 2028.  

How can he not, with his first name being Carson?  

He did not pitch as a pro yet, as he was finalizing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. 

He has a 70 rated fastball (what?) AND a 70 rated slider (what!).  

BOOYAH!  I LOVE POWER ARMS! 

A future ace or a power closer? Time will tell.

10) Jack Wenninger (hurler)

Jack should someday be a solid righty pitcher for the Mets, probably at some point in 2027. A 2026 season of some ups and downs for the 6’4”, 210 righty, but the talent is there. He had a 4.54 ERA in AAA (did worse in the second half) and walks were a bit too high, but he fanned 123 in 115 innings. He allowed 16 HRs, which long ball rate he will have to lessen. 

He will be 25 in 2027, and the righty with a 55 rated fastball should be a bullpen call up during 2027, and perhaps a future potential SP 5. 

I rank Jonah Tong #1, Jon Santucci #2, and Wenninger #3 in the starter arms race. Wiggins #4, for now.

But, I am not quite done.

10a) Nick Morabito (hitter)

I was sure when I started my list in mid-September that Nick would surpass his rookie limits, so I left him off.  But they spoon fed him playing time, so he had insufficient at bats to lose his rookie status. 

Nick thus still has 2027 as his rookie season. So I added him back on the list at 10a.

Ignoring his early season first call up failure (0-11, 9 Ks), after returning in August, Nick went a solid 8 for 30, with 2 doubles and just 7 Ks to go with 3 walks. Nifty D, too.

Very solid for the righty hitting speedster (172 minor league thefts in 414 games) that everyone got a MLB glimpse of. Modest power, and almost a walk every two games as a minor leaguer, including 57 in 114 AAA games in 2026).

He is the likely 4th or 5th Mets outfielder next season.

He also made nearly $200,000 in his limited MLB roster time, so that’s gotta feel great. No call up, no moolah.

I doubt he will play enough to be a realistic ROY 2027 contender. 

But he ought to at a minimum be a real Mets asset in 2027.

CONCLUSION: 

Lots of high ceiling talent with this fivesome, plus one. 

The first four (6-9), to be objective, have collective pro experience that is quite limited so far. Thus, the range of their 2027 outcomes has more than average uncertainty.

ELEVEN TIMES!

I saw a David Samson video, noting that starting pitchers have thrown 50 or more pitches at 100+ in a single outing eleven times since 2008. 

Wow!

But wait…then he refined it…the eleven times were ALL in 2026. 

Amazing! 

But wait…he refined it again….all eleven times were by Jacob Misiorowski! 

What? That’s inhuman, dude.

He was the 63rd pick in 2022. 

The Mets picked 52nd, snatching Blade Tidwell. 

Tidwell in the majors is 2-3, 5.40, with just 56 Ks in 72 IP.

All after the Mets traded him away while he was a sputtering prospect. 

Me?

I’d gladly trade my entire 6 thru 10a prospects above to get Misiorowski. 

But I doubt the Brewers would take all of the Mets’ top 10 prospects for him.

I hope someone in the Mets org got fired for that gigantic draft miss.

P.S. I asked AI “would you trade Jacob M for all of the Mets’ top 10 prospects.”

The answer was not a surprise…

No, the Brewers would not trade Jacob Misiorowski for the New York Mets' top 10 prospects.

• Superstar Ace Status: Jacob Misiorowski established himself as a young, hard-throwing ace and a Cy Young candidate for the Brewers, contributing 6.8 WAR during the 2026 season.
Value Over Unproven Depth: Trading an established, elite young Major League ace who is under team control for a package of minor-league prospects—even a deep top-10 group—carries too much risk for a small-market contender like the Brewers that constantly fights to win its division.
Precedent: The Brewers prefer trading away players nearing free agency (such as past deals involving Freddy Peralta) rather than parting ways with cornerstone young cost-controlled aces like Misiorowski.

Also, I read the following about Miz:

In the modern Statcast tracking era (since 2008), no starting pitcher has thrown as hard or as consistently in triple digits as Jacob Misiorowski. 

Key Velocity Facts for Jacob Misiorowski

Record Velocity: He reached 105.5 mph on a pitch, setting the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher in the Statcast era.
Triple-Digit Volume: He has shattered historical starter records by throwing hundreds of pitches at 100 mph or faster, far exceeding prior high-volume starters like Hunter Greene.
Fastball Average: His average fastball velocity sits at 99.6 mph, leading all major league starters.
Historical Caveats: Fans and analysts frequently debate pre-Statcast legends like Nolan Ryan or Bob Feller, whose speeds were measured differently (often from the front of the plate rather than modern release-point radar/Statcast tracking), meaning direct apple-to-apples comparisons are impossible. However, among accurately tracked starters, he stands alone.

What I do not understand is why they cannot calculate Nolan Ryan retroactively.  There is plenty of footage of him from behind, facing towards the plate. Why can’t those velocities be measured?

CLEMENTE AWARD THOUGHTS

Winning the Roberto Clemente award is prestigious and good.

But would you rather have player #1, or player #2, on your team?

PLAYER 1

21 HRs, 49 RBIs, .225.

PLAYER 2

99 XBH, 49 HRs, 152 RBIs, .328.

Player #1 is Francisco Lindor, the smiling 2026 Clemente Award winner

Player #2 is ultra bad boy Albert Belle, 1998, slugger extraordinaire 

I’m going with Uncle Albert, folks. Scowls, incorrigible snarls, and all.

He’d be the Bell of my ball, due to his electrifying output.

Mack – A Baseball Strike Primer

 

I asked an ‘expert’ to update us on the impending baseball strike:

 

It’s not a players’ strike that’s impending—it’s a widely expected owners’ lockout of the players when the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expires.⁠

The five-year CBA (agreed in March 2022 after a prior lockout) ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 1, 2026. MLB is expected to lock out the players immediately afterward if no new deal is reached, freezing major-league activity (no free-agent signings, trades, or player access to team facilities). This mirrors the 2021–22 lockout, which lasted 99 days and delayed the 2022 season start by about a week without canceling games.⁠

The 2026 World Series just ended (Milwaukee Brewers defeating the Tampa Bay Rays), so the offseason and free agency are underway. A free-agent signing frenzy is possible in the coming weeks before any freeze. Top free agents include names like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Michael King, Seiya Suzuki, and Randy Arozarena. Opening Day for 2027 is scheduled for March 24.⁠

Core Dispute

Owners (led by Commissioner Rob Manfred) are pushing hard for a salary cap (and floor)—their strongest effort since the 1994–95 strike that canceled the World Series. Their proposal includes a 2027 cap around $245.3 million (with a floor near $171 million) and limits such as a player maxing out at 15% of a team’s payroll. They argue it would reduce payroll disparity between big- and small-market teams.⁠

The MLB Players Association views a hard salary cap as a non-starter. Players want expanded free agency and arbitration rights, a near-doubling of the major-league minimum salary, more revenue sharing from high-revenue teams, and taxes on low-payroll teams. Negotiations have been ongoing since roughly May, but the sides remain far apart on the main economic issues, with little sign of a deal by the Dec. 1 deadline.⁠

Outlook

A lockout on/around Dec. 1–2 is the strong consensus expectation across reporting.

Talks could drag; some analysts suggest serious progress might not come until spring training is threatened or later, raising the possibility of delayed or missed 2027 games (unlike the shorter 2021–22 stoppage). A prolonged fight evokes the damaging 1994–95 strike.

Other topics on the table include potential season-length changes (e.g., a proposed 154-game schedule), postseason tweaks, amateur draft/entry rules, and more.

Free agency and other offseason business can proceed normally until the CBA expires.

The situation is fluid but tense, with both sides digging in. The 2027 season’s full schedule is at risk if the lockout lasts deep into spring. Check major sports outlets for the latest proposals or statements from Manfred or the union as December approaches.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the main positions in the current MLB CBA negotiations (as of late October 2026), based on the opening and subsequent proposals from both sides. The core fight is over economics and competitive structure, with a hard salary cap as the biggest

Owners / MLB Want

Hard salary cap and floor: Cap around $245.3 million (luxury-tax payroll basis) and floor around $171.2 million for 2027. High-spending teams (e.g., Dodgers, Mets, Yankees) would need to cut payroll significantly; low-spending ones would have to increase it. Includes limits such as a player maxing out at ~15% of a team’s payroll.⁠

50/50 revenue split of baseball-related revenue (similar to other major sports), with an escrow system to enforce it. Players currently receive more than 50% under existing definitions, so the union views this as a reduction.⁠

Centralized/equal sharing of local media revenues to reduce disparity and help address blackouts, plus broader revenue-sharing reforms to support small-market teams in meeting the floor.

Restrictions on free agency and contracts: Limits on contract length (e.g., proposals for 5–6 year maxes depending on whether a player stays or leaves) and total value; elimination or changes to deferrals in some proposals; potential formula-based systems instead of traditional arbitration.

Other structural changes: Possible shorter regular season (e.g., 154 games), postseason tweaks, international/amateur draft reforms (including restrictions on younger players), and measures aimed at competitive balance and franchise values.

Rationale: Address large payroll gaps, improve consistent competitiveness for small markets, control costs, and boost long-term team valuations. Owners cite “unprecedented unanimity” on pursuing a cap.⁠

Players / MLBPA Want

No hard salary cap — this is a firm non-starter. They view it as institutionalized collusion that suppresses salaries, reduces player freedom/movement, makes contracts less fully guaranteed (via escrow), pits players against each other, and ultimately benefits owners’ profits and franchise values more than competitive balance. They point to the recent low-payroll World Series (Brewers over Rays) as evidence the current system already allows competition.⁠

Much higher minimum salaries: Near-doubling to $1.5 million in 2027 (rising toward $2.2 million by 2031). Higher floors for arbitration-eligible players (e.g., at least $3 million).⁠

Expanded free agency and arbitration access: Free agency after 5 years of service for players age 30+, expanded “Super Two” eligibility (more players reaching arbitration a year earlier), and related service-time protections against manipulation.

Soft payroll floor / “Competitive Integrity Tax”: Penalty on teams that fail to reach a minimum payroll (proposed around $150 million initially), to force spending rather than pocketing revenue-sharing money.

More revenue sharing to small-market clubs: Guarantee every low-revenue team a minimum (e.g., ~$240 million annually), with stronger incentives/bonuses for winning or making the playoffs, and rules ensuring money is spent on the roster. Raise the luxury-tax (Competitive Balance Tax) threshold significantly (e.g., to $300 million initially).

Eliminate the qualifying offer and related free-agent signing penalties (draft-pick compensation), which the union sees as a drag on the free-agent market.

Larger pre-arbitration bonus pool (e.g., from $50 million to $180 million) and other gains for younger/mid-level players, plus roster flexibility improvements.

Rationale: Preserve and strengthen the free-market system that has driven high player earnings, get younger players paid earlier, incentivize real competition (punish tanking/low spending), and share more revenue without artificial salary ceilings.⁠

Key Context

The sides have been meeting regularly since spring/summer 2026 but remain “worlds apart” on the core economic issues. Owners’ proposals are largely contingent on accepting a cap system; the players reject that foundation entirely. Secondary issues (scheduling, draft, etc.) have been discussed but are secondary until the money is resolved.⁠

Both sides have framed their positions as better for fans and the long-term health of the game. A lockout is widely expected when the current CBA expires on December 1 if no deal is reached.

Tom Brennan - Inherited Runners Scored and Other Pitcher Trivia

Austin Warren 

Just a quick article here:

Yes, I want Tariq Skubal, too, but that is not the subject of this article.

Diversity of articles is our strength.

This is about the Mets 2026 bullpen. The Mets did pretty well in 2026 with regards to their bullpen, no matter how much complaining we may hear about it, and all the more stunning when you consider how many solid relievers they traded away at the trade deadline and which were replaced with unproven minor leaguers.

The Mets pen went 36–26, with a 3.76 ERA, and 5.3 Wins Above Replacement and a decent 31 of 49 in saves. The WAR stat was one of the top 10 in baseball. 

The Nationals and one other team both had bullpen war exceeding -3 in 2026. Had the Mets had a horrible bullpen like one of those teams, we certainly would’ve been screaming loudly and with full justification.

So, all in all, I think the Mets had a relatively successful bullpen in 2026. And, given the trades, and the injury to closer Devin Williams, I think the pen had a remarkably good year all in all. Add in that anticipated help from prospects Ryan Lambert and Dylan Ross in 2026 really never materialized, and even more impressive. David Stearns and Mets managers should get credit where credit is due here.

Not allowing inherited running runs to score is quite a talent. The Yankees had a guy named Brent Headrick, who inherited 54 runners and only allowed 8 to score. Darned impressive.

The Mets? I was having a little trouble finding the stats so I queried AI.

Austin Warren allowed one of 22 inherited runners to score. Nice!

Toby Meyers allowed four of their team to score, as did Jonathan Pintaro

Nate Lavender allowed three to score, all coming on one base is loaded hit. Otherwise he was sensational.

Daniel Duarte allowed three of 10 inherited score.

Jeffry Yan allowed 5 of 9 to score. We weren’t leaving for joy over that ratio

I do not know how many inherited runners Devin Williams had to try to prevent from scoring, but according to AI he only allowed one inherited runner to score.

Finally, Dedniel Nunez inherited two runners and neither scored, and according to AI, in his career, he has allowed only two of 18 inherited runners to score, which is pretty impressive.

I give the pen a B Grade for 2026.

HBP STATS

The Mets are often baseball piñata’s when it comes to having their hitters get hit by pitches. Not in 2026, though. 

The Mets, who almost always are leading the major leagues or are close to it in their hitters, getting nailed by pitches, came in 28th with just 50 HBP.

The Mets pitchers hit 79 opposing batters. Make of that disparity what you will.

Interestingly, the Chicago White Sox lead all of baseball in both batters being hit by pitches, and their pitchers hitting other teams’ batters. That must’ve been fun to watch.

OK, checking out here. Have a great day. But first….

MACK’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME PICTURED HERE IS VERY CONVINCING

I do hear Unsubstantiated rumors that Mack is going out trick-or-treating as Steve Cohen. 

Mack does realize that he will be paying a hefty luxury tax on the excessive amount of candy that he receives as a trick-or-treater. But Mack views it as a necessary cost of doing candy business.

I’m going out as John Candelaria, the Candyman. Because the Candyman can, and so can I.

Reese Kaplan -- A Pitcher Who Might Be Better Than Tarik Skubal

Let’s get the elephant out of the room first.  Tarik Skubal is a terrific and dominating pitcher who will command arguably the most expensive long term contract ever handed out to a pitcher in the long history of baseball.  He deserves it.  With multiple Cy Young Awards and youth on his side he’s going to cash in big time and deserves it.

Now pretend you are the Mets front office with a plan.  I know, I know...planning and the POBO don’t usually fit into the same sentence but for once let’s give Mr. Stearns the benefit of doubt that after finishing dead last in 2026 with baseball’s highest payroll he really does need to do something to change the course and fortunes of his employer.

Depending on who you believe Skubal is likely looking for somewhere in the $40-$50 million per year salary for anywhere between 6 and 10 years. At worst case you’re looking at a half a billion dollar pitcher.  Given what the Mets already have obligated to pay for 2027 and beyond it is highly unlikely they will want to be in that payroll stratosphere.  Given the sweep out of the postseason it is entirely possible he returns to the Dodgers on that kind of deal anyway. 

So if Skubal is off the table for reasons of financial prudence and his likely desire to want to go into a winning organization what then can Stearns do to help the Mets?  We’ve already covered the likelihood of mutual opt-out candidates in Michael King and Clay Holmes, both of whom not only have shown the ability to pitch effectively in New York but also combined would likely only exceed the cost for Skubal alone by a margin along the lines of a pair of Tylor Megills.  That’s a good way of spreading your risk while not bankrupting your team on a guy whose arm injury could cripple your growth for a year or more at a time.

Unfortunately rumors are already starting that while Holmes is likely indeed to try to cash in by exercising his opt out, reports are surfacing that the Mets are not interested.  Please tell all Mets fans that this leak is merely someone’s speculation and not grounded in reality.  No word on King has surfaced as of yet.

Another top tier hurler who could likely be had for the right trade price is Tampa Bay Rays’ ace prior to Freddy Peralta, Drew Rasmussen.  For a guy whose career is in need of an adrenaline shot for his publicity, the fact he’s likely at the $20 million rate in his final year before free agency for the 2028 season suggests he might be the right fit here for a number of reasons. 

First, the fact is that the Rays routinely ship out players before they lose them to free agency to reinforce their roster depth.  Since they just lost the Series then that move is even more likely to occur.

Second, the former Brewers executive seems to have a legitimate obsession with not doing any creative thinking and instead relying on people he knew well from his time in the midwest.  Do the names Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams and Tobias Myers ring any bells for you? Well, many many not realize that the guy we associate with Tampa Bay actually began his minor league career with the Brewers in 2020. 

Now how good is the twice injured but currently healthy Rasmussen?  For his career (not just this past season but a span of over seven years) is just 2.83.  By contrast, Skubal owns a 3.02 over the same amount of seasons.  Huh???

This season for the Rays Rasmussen has a 16-6 record, a 2.67 ERA, a minuscule WHIP of 0.913 to lead the league, and struck out over 9 per 9 IP while walking well under 2.  It would appear he is indeed a reasonable alternative to the much more heralded Skubal and far less cost.

MACK - Mets Hire Deron Johhson as a 'Special Assignment Scout'

 

The Mets made a significant move on October 29^th, hiring super-scout, Deron Johnson as a ‘special assignment scout.

He first started in baseball as an undrafted player, out of St. Mary’s College. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played three minor-league seasons as an outfielder (1988–1990), posting a career .225/.291/.370 line in 113 games.⁠

He then served as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator at the University of San Francisco (1992–1993) and also worked as a high school hitting coach.

Johnson joined the Minnesota Twins in January 1994 as a Northern California area scout. He advanced to West Coast supervisor (from 1998) and was promoted to scouting director in September 2007, a role he held through the 2016 season (overseeing nine amateur drafts). Notable first-round picks during his tenure as director included Aaron Hicks (2008), Byron Buxton (2012), Kohl Stewart, Nick Gordon, and Tyler Jay.⁠

In December 2016 he moved to senior advisor of scouting, continuing to evaluate amateur, professional, international, and minor-league talent. He also worked as an advance scout for postseason series at times. The Twins parted ways with him in September 2026 after 32 years, eliminating the senior advisor position amid organizational changes.⁠

This new job with the Mets follows his departure from Minnesota and connects him with former Twins executive Derek Falvey’s orbit in New York.⁠ He is regarded as an experienced traditional talent evaluator with deep West Coast and amateur scouting roots.

MACK –

Is it a good move? Short answer is yes. Any addition of someone with this much experience will add to the draft brain trust.

Does me carry any weight under the Cohen/Stearns thumb? Short answer is, does anyone?

How successful was he in all those years with Minnesota? Short answer, not much. Johnson was with the Twins from 1994 to 2026. They never won the World Series once while he was with them (note… they won in 1991, 1987, and 1924 when they were the Washington Senators (Ray was their bat boy).

Still, it’s a good move.

Reese Kaplan -- Restructuring the Cellar Dwellers Starts Next Week

Word has filtered out that even hitting coach prospects for the Mets want nothing to do with the cellar dwellars in Queens.  Retread Kevin Long opted out of consideration as did Cubs assistant hitting coach John Mallee.  The story being spun on Long was that it was mutual but the fact is that when team coaching personnel have no burning desire to work for the Cohen/Stearns structured environment then at some point people need to ask the obvious question, “Why not?”

Going into the 2027 season is challenging on a number of fronts.  First, no one knows how long the season will be with a lockout over the CBA negotiations being written in Sharpie on everyone’s baseball analysis paperwork.  As a result, the jobs needing to be filled won’t show dividend until baseball actually begins. 

The next set of questions that arise concern the players currently on the roster not exactly earning their keep.  Some are easy to identify like Marcus Semien, Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga and Jorge Polanco who are all being paid quite handsomely to produce numbers more reminiscent of replacement players than ones deserving 8 figure annual paychecks.

Then there are the younger but still unestablished players who are young enough to remain in baseball but who do not necessarily have anything more to show the Mets.  This list would include Mark Vientos, Brett Baty and injury-plagued Ronny Mauricio.  Of this trio you could make the positional versatility argument for Baty or extend the “He’s never had a real starting player opportunity” argument for Mauricio.  Vientos has pretty much shot himself in the foot as he can’t run, can’t field and hasn’t hit enough even to assign him as a DH.  A new hitting coach isn’t likely going to convert these guys from wannabes to wunderkinds. 

The pitching staff is almost as much a mess as is the offense.  Assume for the moment that the starting rotation would include Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton.  After that it gets much less appealing with possibilities including Manaea, Senga, recovering Tylor Megill, unestablished Jonah Tong and disappointing Tobias Myers.  Yeah, it would appear some outside help is indeed needed.

The bullpen is almost as difficult to feel confident in its potential.  Closer Devin Williams is coming off his second straight disappointing season in New York between both clubs.  Then come the 2026 newcomers to the club like Nate Lavender, Daniel Duarte, Jonathan Pintaro, Austin Warren, Chayce McDermott, Jefry Yan and Cionel Perez, as well as more familiar faces like Dedniel Nunez and Justin Hagenman.  There’s the great Senga question given his much more impressive bullpen numbers than his starting shriek fest.  The club very much misses solid arms like Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban.  

With the World Series ending this week it is shortly going to be time to see who posts for free agency by opting out of contracts or whose employers simply let them walk away.  The front office should be looking for bats and arms in almost equal number.