Mack's Mets - Hot Thread

The “Hot Stove” season is winding down, and there have been many MLB trades and free agent acquisitions which have possibly re-shaped the competitive landscape. 

This is our final installment of the Hot Thread feature.  We hope you have enjoyed it, and judging by the numerous great comments, it seems like a worthwhile series that we will re-institute next year.

Today we will look at the moves that have been executed so far and determine if there are any left to go.  Give us your impressions in the comments below.

Key additions for the Mets:

Signed Free Agents: Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette, Luis Garcia, Luke Weaver, Devin Williams, . 

Traded for: Freddy Peralta, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Tobias Myers, Yordan Rodriguez, RHP Joey Gerber.

LHP Nate Lavender was returned from Tampa Bay after not meeting rule 5 criteria.

Signed elite international prospect Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen ($3.9M bonus) and several more.

Key subtractions for the Mets:

Lost in free agency: Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso, Tyler Rogers, Ryne Stanek, Ryan Helsley, Cedric Mullins, Nick Madrigal, Gregory Soto, Drew Smith.

Traded away: Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, LuisAngel Acuna, Jett Williams, Brandon Sproat, Truman Pauley.

Traded LHP Franklin Gomez, to Cleveland Guardians for IFA money and RHP Cooper Criswell to Seattle for cash.

Released: Frankie Montas, Richard Lovelady, Brandon Waddell. 

Who is left out there? 

Market holdouts include Luis Arraez, Eugenio Suarez, Harrison Bader, Austin Hays, Nathaniel Lowe, Framber Valdez, and Zac Gallen.

Old Mets favorites like Jose Iglesias, Wilmer Flores, Starling Marte, Mark Canha, Griffin Canning, and Michael Conforto are available. 

Dom Hamel was DFA'ed by Texas. 

Full MLB list here. 

This week’s questions:

1. Is there room on the Mets roster for Luis Arraez and/or Austin Hays?

2. Now that the Mets have signed Peralta, is their starting rotation strong enough to begin the season?  Do they hold off on other major acquisitions until the trade deadline to gauge the progress of their re-build?

3. Should the Mets re-sign Dom Hamel and/or Griffin Canning on a minor league deal?

 

Mack's Mets - Hot Thread

 

We are in the “Hot Stove” season, where every conversation centers around the latest news in MLB trades and free agent acquisitions.  

Often we will include a feature where our writers discuss what is happening, but this year we want more involvement from the readers.

We have combined two traditional features, “Hot Stove” and “Open Thread”  into this year’s “Hot Thread” which will run every Tuesday at 6:00am EST.

Considering the recent market activity and knowing your team’s needs, what would your next move be?  Hope we have sparked your interest! Tell us in the comments below.

Last week’s transactions:

Mets signed elite international prospect Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen ($3.9M bonus) and several more.

Tampa Bay Rays traded RF Josh Lowe to Los Angeles Angels for RHP Chris Clark and LF Gavin Lux. 

Chicago Cubs signed free agent 3B Alex Bregman. 5 yrs, $175M.

 Colorado Rockies signed free agent RHP Michael Lorenzen.

St. Louis Cardinals traded 3B Nolan Arenado and cash to Arizona Diamondbacks for RHP Jack Martinez.

Miami Marlins traded LHP Ryan Weathers to New York Yankees for CF Brendan Jones, OF Dillon Lewis, 1B Dylan Jasso and SS Juan Matheus.

Pittsburgh Pirates traded RHP Chase Shugart to Philadelphia Phillies for IF Francisco Loreto.

St. Louis Cardinals signed free agent RHP Ryne Stanek. 1 year, $3.5M.

Last week’s rumors:

The Yankees have dug their heels in on the Bellinger negotiation and have provided their best and final offer.

Reds star Elly De La Cruz turned down record contract extension. 

Who is left out there? 

Big name position players like Cody Bellinger, Eugenio Suarez, and Harrison Bader are still out there.  Pitchers Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen also remain.

Old Mets favorites like Jose Iglesias, Wilmer Flores, Starling Marte, Mark Canha, and Michael Conforto are available. 

Full MLB list here. 

This week’s questions:

1. The Yankees seem to have stalled in the Bellinger negotiations (5yrs, $160M).  Do the Mets sweep in with a sweeter offer for him?

2. The Braves have lost newly acquired starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to injury.  Do the Mets offer LuisAngel Acuna for some starting pitching talent?

3. Should the Mets try to get Harrison Bader back on a one year deal?

 

Mack's Mets - Hot Thread

We are in the “Hot Stove” season, where every conversation centers around the latest news in MLB trades and free agent acquisitions.  

Often we will include a feature where our writers discuss what is happening, but this year we want more involvement from the readers.

We have combined two traditional features, “Hot Stove” and “Open Thread”  into this year’s “Hot Thread” which will run every Tuesday at 6:00am EST.

Considering the recent market activity and knowing your team’s needs, what would your next move be?  Hope we have sparked your interest! Tell us in the comments below.

Last week’s transactions:

Cubs signed 3B Alex Bregman. 5 years, $175M.

Miami Marlins traded RHP Edward Cabrera to Chicago Cubs for RF Owen Caissie, SS Cristian Hernandez and IF Edgardo De Leon. 

Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent 1B Ryan O'Hearn. 2 yrs, $29M.

  

New York Mets sent CF Ji Hwan Bae outright to Syracuse Mets.

Cleveland Guardians traded LHP Justin Bruihl to St. Louis Cardinals for cash.

Detroit Tigers traded RF Justyn-Henry Malloy to Tampa Bay Rays for cash

Los Angeles Angels signed free agent RHP Kirby Yates. 1 year, $5M.

Last week’s rumors:

Ketel Marte has been taken "off the market" by Arizona.

The Red Sox may be interested in Seattle 3B Eugenio Suarez now that they have lost Bregman. 

Who is left out there? 

Big name position players like Bellinger, Bichette, Realmuto, and Eugenio Suarez are still out there.

Old Mets favorites like Jose Iglesias, Wilmer Flores, Starling Marte, Mark Canha, and Michael Conforto are available. 

Full MLB list here. 

This week’s questions:

1. The Mets outrighted Ji Hwan Bae to Syracuse.  Does this mean that they are making room for a big acquisition?

2. The Cubs have picked up Edward Cabrera, who was sought after by several teams.  Does this take them out of the running for Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez?

3. The addition of Polanco is sort of scaring a lof us at first. Now that Ryan Clifford has cut his strikeout % to around 25%, do you see him having any chance of playing first in Queens this season?

4. Gotta ask you flat out about your thoughts of Kyle Tucker becoming the Mets left fielder. A do or a don't?

 

 

   

Mack's Mets - Hot Thread

We are in the “Hot Stove” season, where every conversation centers around the latest news in MLB trades and free agent acquisitions.  

Often we will include a feature where our writers discuss what is happening, but this year we want more involvement from the readers.

We have combined two traditional features, “Hot Stove” and “Open Thread”  into this year’s “Hot Thread” which will run every Tuesday at 6:00am EST.

Considering the recent market activity and knowing your team’s needs, what would your next move be?  Hope we have sparked your interest! Tell us in the comments below.

Last week’s transactions:

Toronto signed 3B Kazuma Okamoto. 4 years, $60M. 

Marlins acquired LHP Kade Bragg from the Minnesota Twins for 1B Eric Wagaman.

Chicago Cubs signed RHP Hunter Harvey. 1 year, $6M.

Yankees signed IF Ahmed Rosario. 1 year, $2.5M.

Dodgers traded LF Esteury Ruiz to the Marlins for RHP Adriano Marrero. 

Houston Astros signed free agent RHP Tatsuya Imai. 3 Years, $54M.

San Francisco added RHP Adrian Houser on a two-year, $22 million contract.  Also signed RHP Tyler Mahle to a 1 year, $10M deal.

Last week’s rumors:

Several clubs (Mets, Yanks, Cubs) interested in Miami RHP Edward Cabrera.

The Pirates are interested in Seattle 3B Eugenio Suarez.

Who is left out there? 

Big name position players like Bellinger, Bregman, Bichette, Realmuto, and Eugenio Suarez are still out there.

Old Mets favorites like Jose Iglesias, Tomas Nido, Wilmer Flores, Starling Marte, and Michael Conforto are available. 

Full MLB list here. 

This week’s questions:

1. The Cubs have really stocked up on pitching this year.  Are the Mets done?  Should they step up to get Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez or Zac Gallen?  Or should they wait out the market?

2. If Mark Vientos is included in a trade package, who is your leading candidate for DH? 

3. Griffin Canning was released earlier by the Mets.  Should they consider re-signing him since he is still available?

Mack's Mets - Hot Thread

We are in the “Hot Stove” season, where every conversation centers around the latest news in MLB trades and free agent acquisitions.  

Often we will include a feature where our writers discuss what is happening, but this year we want more involvement from the readers.

We have combined two traditional features, “Hot Stove” and “Open Thread”  into this year’s “Hot Thread” which will run every Tuesday at 6:00am EST.

Considering the recent market activity and knowing your team’s needs, what would your next move be?  Hope we have sparked your interest! Tell us in the comments below.

Last week’s transactions:

Miami Marlins signed RH reliever Pete Fairbanks. 1 year, $13M. 

Baltimore signed RH reliever Zach Eflin. 1 year, $10M.

White Sox signed LH reliever Sean Newcomb. 1 year, $4.5M

Cubs signed RH reliever Jacob Webb. 1 year, 1.5M with second year team option for $2.5M.

Last week’s rumors:

Mark Vientos has been linked to trade rumors on numerous sites.

The Mets have met with RHP Framber Valdez.

The Mets could try to trade for more international bonus pool space before the next signing period opens.

Who is left out there? 

Big name position players like Bellinger, Bregman, Bichette, Realmuto, and Eugenio Suarez are still out there.

Old Mets favorites like Tomas Nido, Wilmer Flores, Starling Marte, and Michael Conforto are available. 

Full MLB list here. 

This week’s questions:

1.  The relief pitcher market seems to have heated up recently.  What is next for the Mets? With Fairbanks getting $13M, is it too pricey to get another middle inning guy?  

2.  Jarred Kelenic is an available free agent.  Should the Mets try to get the once-coveted prospect back on a lowball offer after he failed last year in Atlanta 

3. It's not just the failure of David Stearns to sign a big name. It seems to be every GM's failure.  Do you think this is a classic group agent stall?

 

 

 

Mack's Mets Feature: Hot Thread

  

We are in the “Hot Stove” season, where every conversation centers around the latest news in MLB trades and free agent acquisitions.  

Often we will include a feature where our writers discuss what is happening, but this year we want more involvement from the readers.

We have combined two traditional features, “Hot Stove” and “Open Thread”  into this year’s “Hot Thread” which will run every Tuesday at 6:00am EST.

Considering the recent market activity and knowing your team’s needs, what would your next move be?  Hope we have sparked your interest! Tell us in the comments below.

Last week’s transactions:

Jeff McNeil traded to the A's for Cuban pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. 

White Sox signed Japanese power-hitting 1B Munetaka Murakami to a two-year $34M contract.

Texas signed Alexis Diaz to a one year contract.  The younger Diaz brother is still under team control and is arbitration eligible. 

Detroit signed Kelly Jansen to a one-year contract. 

The A's signed Mark Leiter to a one-year contract. 

The Phillies acquired LHP Kyle Backhus from Arizona and swapped LHP Matt Strahm for RHP Jonathan Bowlan from Kansas City.

San Diego re-signed pitcher Michael King to a three-year contract. 

Minnesota signed free agent 1B Josh Bell for one year at $7M.

The Red Sox have acquired first baseman Willson Contreras from the Cardinals for RHP Hunter Dobbins.

 Last week’s rumors:

Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte have been linked to trade rumors on numerous sites.

The Mariners may be interested in re-signing Eugenio Suarez.

This week’s questions:

1. With many relief arms signing over the last week, who are the Mets going to target to strengthen their pen?

 2. With first basemen starting to sign contracts over the last week,  are the Mets going to stand pat and cobble together a solution with Polanco and McNeil or will they land a big name to play 1B?

 3. Where do you rank the priority for the Mets to acquire a third baseman?

Mack's Mets Feature: Hot Thread

 

We are in the “Hot Stove” season, where every conversation centers around the latest news in MLB trades and free agent acquisitions.  

Often we will include a feature where our writers discuss what is happening, but this year we want more involvement from the readers.

We have combined two traditional features, “Hot Stove” and “Open Thread”  into this year’s “Hot Thread” which will run every Tuesday at 6:00am EST.

Considering the recent market activity and knowing your team’s needs, what would your next move be?  Hope we have sparked your interest! Tell us in the comments below.

Last week’s transactions:

Mets signed free agent Carl Edwards Jr. to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

Arizona signed Michael Soroka one-year, $7.5M contract.

Pittsburgh traded RHP Johan Oviedo, LHP Tyler Samaniego and C Adonys Guzman to Boston Red Sox for CF Jhostynxon Garcia and RHP Jesus Travieso.

Tampa Bay signed Cedric Mullins. 1 year, $7.5M.

          The Washington Nationals sent RP Jose Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners, in exchange for pitcher Issac Lyons and catcher Harry Ford

                             Thomas Nestico                     @TJStats

                             Harry Ford (acquired by WSH) is a catching prospect with a great sense of the zone        and solid power. Scouts believe he has the tools to be an above-average catcher, yet his framing and blocking results have been well below average

                             Ford is my #62 Prospect in MLB

Harry Ford

C/DH/LF    5-10    200    RHH    FA 2032

MLB:

    2025:    0.0-WAR    6-AB    .167

MiLB:

    2025:  AAA – 458-PA, 16-HR, 74-RBI, 74-BB, .283/.408/.460/.868

Highly touted professional baseball catcher known for his elite athleticism, speed (uncommon for catchers), and plate discipline.

High School:

Graduated from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he was ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the 2021 MLB Draft class by MLB.com. He committed to Georgia Tech before turning pro.

MLB Draft:

Selected by the Seattle Mariners in the first round (12th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft, Signed for a $4.366 million bonus.

Prospect Rankings:

Entered 2025 as the Mariners' No. 6 prospect and No. 95 overall (Baseball America). Ranked as the No. 7 catcher prospect league-wide. MLB Pipeline had him as the No. 4 in Seattle's system and No. 40 overall earlier in the year.

Scouting profile:

Ford's scouting profile emphasizes his "unicorn" status: explosive bat speed, plus arm strength, and 60-yard dash times around 6.50 seconds—elite for a catcher. He's versatile enough to play outfield or DH if needed, with a contact-oriented swing that prioritizes on-base skills over raw power (though he has 20+ HR potential).

Minor League:

2021 (Rookie - ACL Mariners): .291/.400/.436, 16-for-55 in 19 games.

2022 (High-A Modesto): .274/.425/.423, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 23 SB in 104 games. Named MiLB.com Organization All-Star; No. 93 overall prospect.

2023 (Double-A Arkansas): Strong on-base showing; awarded Dan Wilson Community Service Award for Everett AquaSox.

2024: Continued development at Double-A/Triple-A.

2025 (Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers): Excelled with .283/.408/.460 slash line, 16 HR, 74 RBI, 7 SB in 97 games. Named top prospect in the Pacific Coast League by Minor League Baseball.

MACK –

Followed this guy extensively when he was in school. He was blocked in Seattle by Cal Raleigh, who is signed through 2030, so any decent return would have been a good one… which Ferrer is. He needs to desperately work on his D Game, or he is going to windup as a DH only for the Nats. 

 

Last week’s rumors:

Pittsburgh has offered Kyle Schwarber a four year deal. 

Many teams are showing interest  in former Padres' right-handed pitcher Michael King.

Several teams are interested in trading for second baseman Ketel Marte. 

This week’s questions:

1. With newly acquired Marcus Semien the heir apparent for 2026 Mets' second baseman, what would you do with Jeff McNeil?

2. With newly acquired Marcus Semien the heir apparent for 2026 Mets' second baseman, what would you do with LuisAngel Acuna?

3. The relief pitching market is still wide open.  Would you still go aggressively after Edwin Diaz, or take a broader look at the relief options with Devin Williams already locked up?

Mack's Mets feature: Hot Thread

We are in the “Hot Stove” season, where every conversation centers around the latest news in MLB trades and free agent acquisitions.  

Often we will include a feature where our writers discuss what is happening, but this year we want more involvement from the readers.

We have combined two traditional features, “Hot Stove” and “Open Thread”  into this year’s “Hot Thread” which will run every Tuesday at 6:00am EST.

Considering the recent market activity and knowing your team’s needs, what would your next move be?  Hope we have sparked your interest! Tell us in the comments below.

Last week’s transactions:

Raisel Iglesias recently re-signed with the Braves for one year at $16M.

Baltimore Orioles signed Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28M contract.

      The Cubs agreed to terms with Phil Maton. 2 years, $14.5M.

 

Last week’s rumors:

Fifteen MLB teams showed interest in signing Helsley before he chose the Orioles. 

The Phillies are far from a deal with Kyle Schwarber as many teams show interest 

This week’s questions:

1.  Okay... Helsley is lost. Let's say Diaz dances to another team too. Who, in your opinion, should the Mets go after outside the organization... or, who should they name from within?

2.  How high should the Mets go to ensure that Diaz forgets his dancing shoes and stays in NY?

3.  So, Schwarber isn't a lock for the Filthies. Is he someone the Mets should go after. and, if not, what are your thoughts, going forward, on the 2026 Mets first baseman?