SAVAGE VIEWS – Projected Offense 2026

For the past few years and prior to the start of the season I have been predicting the offensive outcome for position players. In 2024, I went against the grain and forecast the Mets as going deep into the post-season, and that’s what happened. Last year I did not have good vibes and was uncertain as to how well they would do. And they did not fail to disappoint.

This upcoming season I am once again going against the grain and predict that not only will the Mets win the NL East, but they will do so by a comfortable margin.  Neither the Braves nor the Phillies did much to improve themselves this offseason. We not only have a strong lineup, and a potentially powerful bench as well as a starting staff, if healthy, as good as any team in MLB. Of course, the key is staying relatively healthy

PROJECTED 2026 Name BA HRS RBI Lindor 0.262 24 82 Soto 0.280 40 106 Bichette 0.310 26 110 Polanco 0.265 26 84 Alvarez 0.260 32 80 Robert 0.240 22 76 Baty 0.275 28 75 Vientos / Benge 0.250 28 95 Semien 0.238 16 52 Others 0.220 6 35 248 795

I’m assuming the team averages slightly less than 5 runs per game for the season. That may be a rather conservative assumption. The new approach to hitting seems to be more contact oriented than in the past, therefore we can hope to be more productive in situational hitting. The team has invested a lot in the latest technologies as we now have hitting and pitching labs to help maximize the abilities of a very talented group of players.

Hopefully, this is the year that players such as Alvarez and Baty reach their potential and Benge turns out to be as advertised. Alas, Lindor may be taking a step back. We shall see.

Ray

February 21, 2026

SAVAGE VIEWS – The Right Man

With great fanfare and after a long courtship, the Mets hired David Stearns as president of baseball operations a little more than two years ago. Seems like a lifetime ago. Many fans are questioning whether he is the right person for the job.

Certainly, there have been missteps along the way, beginning with the hiring of Carlos Mendoza as manager. Mendoza’s mishandling of the pitching staff was the prime reason the Mets failed to make the playoffs. His tendency to pull starters early led to an overworked pen that fizzed out due to exhaustion.

 

Also, got to wonder what Stearns was thinking when he signed Jose Siri and Frankie Montas to contracts. The Montas signing for two years at $34 million is especially troubling. Sometimes you wonder if he realizes he is not in Milwaukee anymore.

Now that the winter meetings are over with few positives, the question remains are we heading in the right direction.

Trading away Brandon Nimmo was probably the right move. It opens a roster spot for prospects who are close to being major league ready while improving defense at second base.

While I hated seeing Pete Alonso depart, I could not justify offering him a five-year contract. Hope he does well in Baltimore and helps them take down the Yankees.

I’m really surprised that Edwin Diaz ditched the Mets for the Dodgers. The offers were comparable. Seems the lure of Dodgertown was too hard to pass up. Gosh, I hope he breaks a leg so to speak.

There’s still a lot of work to be done. Signing Devon Williams and Luke Weaver to the pen are moves in the right direction. 

Lots of smoke about the team talking to the Padres to acquire Mason Miller and an outfielder. The cost would be high, but we have good prospects to offer plus young, seasoned veterans such as Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio. Adding Mason Miller would immediately transform the pen into one of the best in the majors.

Losing two hundred RBIs and sixty plus homers from Nimmo and Alonso will not be easy to replace. The expectation is that improvements from Baty, Alvarez and Polanco will make up most of the difference. Also, Carson Benge and Jett Williams will likely make their debuts in 2026. I’m not worried about our offense.

There’s a lot of speculation that the Mets will add a solid starting pitcher over the winter. At this stage, barring trades, we have a lot of bodies, young and old competing for spots.

Here we are with the top farm system and getting better with news that top international prospect Wanry Asigen will be joining the organization. We are being built for long-term success.

Mr. Stearns is doing what he was hired to do: 

• Lowering costs by avoiding long term contracts.
• Building a strong pipeline of prime talent.
• Improving run prevention through a strong defense.
• Developing position players who are more contact oriented.

Personally, I like the direction Stearns is taking the team. We will definitely be a strongly competitive team in 2026.

This is my last column as an 84-year-old. In a few days, I’ll be much older at 85.

Ray

December 14, 2025

SAVAGE VIEWS – LOOKING AHEAD

 

SAVAGE VIEWS – LOOKING AHEAD

I came away from the Prospects Game truly impressed by several Mets players. Those who stood out include Nick Morabito, Boston Baro, Jeremy Rodriquez and Ryan Clifford.  What was interesting is how well our lefty hitting prospects did against lefty pitching. However, one player who stood heads and shoulders above the rest is Carson Benge. He’s got the “it” factor and I would be surprised if he’s not a candidate to play center next year.

Several pitchers opened my eyes. While Josh Tong did not disappoint, I was impressed by the firepower brought by Ryan Lambert and Dylan Ross. Also, Jonathan Santucci looked good.

Following this year’s appearance in the World Series, major decisions will have to be made for next year. Several top prospects will be counted on to make major contributions. 

It’s unlikely that Jeff McNeil, Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo, Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor will be on the roster next year. Our graduating class should include  Jett Williams, Rony Mauricio, Carson Benge, Drew Gilbert and LuisAngel Acuna. There’s a good chance that at least two or three of these guys will make the jump later this year. In addition, I believe Pete Alonso’s demands to remain a Met will result in his signing elsewhere. Ryan Clifford may be ready to take his place.

Recently, there have been suggestions that the Mets do what it takes to acquire Sandy Alcantara from the Marlins. The cost would be huge and will require shedding four to five top prospects to make the deal. I’m on record of passing on this proposal. The Mets have at least half a dozen highly rated pitching prospects making their way through the system. 

Braden Sproat, Blade Tidwell and Dom Hamel all may make their debuts in 2025. Not far behind are Nolan McLean and Josh Tong. Further away are Christian Scott, Jonathan Santucci and Calvin Ziegler. I like our future and think we can remain on top with or without Sandy.

Of course, developing and retaining our prospects means that we can better manage payroll and not be subject to the luxury tax. However, the reality is that at some point we will need to trade prospects to acquire select individuals who can improve our ability to compete with the Dodgers.

It’s a great time to be a Mets fan with the expectation that not only will be making the playoffs this season, but for the foreseeable future.

Ray

March 18, 2025

SAVAGE VIEWS – LET’S MAKE A DEAL

  

SAVAGE VIEWS

This past off-season was notable for the number of proposed deals involving the Mets. As far as I’m concerned, it was good news that none of them came to fruition. What do you think?

LUIS ROBERT – MC NEIL AND PROSPECTS

This proposed deal would have sent Jeff McNeil, Jett Williams, Drew Gilbert and Norm McLean to the White Sox for Robert who is coming off a rather mediocre 2024. While we can agree that Robert is an excellent player, this would have been an overpay.

GARRETT CROCHET – TOP TWO PROSPECTS

This proposal would have the Mets sending Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to the Sox in exchange for a top of the rotation lefty. Eventually he was traded to the Red Sox for four top prospects. I’m never in favor of trading top prospects even for someone as talented as Crochet.

MARCUS STROMAN – BRETT BATY

It had to be a fervent Yankee fan who suggested that Stroman for Baty straight up was a deal that would benefit both sides. It would be trading past performance against future potential with the  Mets taking on Stroman’s salary. Good thing Stearn’s was not born yesterday.

MARCUS STROMAN – STARLING MARTE

On the face of it, not a terrible proposal.  Dollar for dollar it’s a match. Trouble is taking on Stroman and his baggage is not a winning formula.

CLARKE SCHMIDT – LUISANGEL ACUNA

This actually is one trade that I would give serious consideration to with Brazoban included. It seems that Acuna is probably going to be a utility player, long term. His future with the Mets is uncertain. I think the Yankees would be happy to have him. Schmidt would solidify the back end of the rotation.

ERIC FEDDE – BATY AND CARSON BENGE

It had to be a slow day in the newsroom for this outlandish proposal to be made public,

I’ll admit to being old-school and have always been hesitant to trade away prospects unless it’s for a very special player.  Trades for the likes of Gary Carter, Mike Piazza and Keith Hernandez come to mind. 

The Mets farm system is improving to the point at over the next year they will have a surplus of major league ready talent that can be exchanged for top prospects from other teams or to strengthen the current roster. Sometimes the best move is no move.

Ray

March 11, 2025

SAVAGE VIEWS – HALL OF FAMERS, OR NOT

There is always going to be a debate regarding the candidacy of certain players as to whether they are Hall of Fame worthy. We can all agree that players such as Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are on the fast track.  This article will look at the careers, thus far, of four good to very good players whose careers might make them worthy of consideration.

GIANCARLO STANTON

An interesting guy who has had some terrific seasons while having some rather awful years during his 15 years in MLB.  His lifetime BA is only .258, although he has hit 426 homers to date.  His WAR is 44.9 and he has driven in more than 100 runs on only three occasions.  He has always been a defensive liability. While it’s likely he will hit more than 500 homers before he calls it a day, I think his candidacy will fall short.

JD MARTINEZ

JD has had a nice career primarily as a DH during his 14 years. Has a lifetime BA of .284 with a .868 OPS.  Clearly he has been a productive player during his career. In my view a DH has to be extraordinary and sadly JD has not been. Another guy who falls short.

BRYCE HARPER

Bryce has been around for 13 years and is still only 31 years old. With a lifetime BA of .281 and a .910 OPS and a WAR of 50.1, Bryce has had a nice career. He was one of the most highly touted high school players when he was drafted by Washington. He is a solid all around player who currently anchors the middle of the Philly lineup.  He has hit 331 homers thus far and is likely to finish his career with well over 500 home runs. He is on track to be nominated for the Hall.

FRANCISCO LINDOR

For a long time, I did not think Lindor was in the conversation as a potential Hall of Famer.  However, over the past few seasons, he has put himself on track. He is a ten-year vet who seems to get better with age.  A lifetime BA of .274 with an OPS 0f .816 and a WAR of 48.7 suggests he is on the right path. On top of that, he is one of the best shortstops in the game. And he is only 30 years old. A few more seasons similar to the past three will make a lock to make the Hall.

GAMETIME

Time for me to sign off and get ready to watch the Mets vs Bosox.  Another interesting week ahead.

Ray

September 3, 2024

SAVAGE VIEWS – GM FOR A DAY

It’s a special honor to fill the open position of General Manager, at least for a day. My goal is to assemble a team that will contend for a World Series title in 2025.  My approach is rather simple – start with a pitching staff that ranks among the best in MLB.

PARING THE ROSTER

The first move would be to move on from the pitchers who are not part of the future. Reed Garrett, Adam Ottavino, Jose Quintana, Sean Reid-Foley, Luis Severino and Ryan Stanek are the six pitchers that should have a future elsewhere.

As much as I’d like to see the Mets bring back Pete Alonso, I believe his salary demands exceed his value.  If he seeks more than a four-year deal for about $100M, he will likely accept an offer from another team.

Jose Iglesias – another fan favorite who will seek greener pastures elsewhere.  

Harrison Bader – no room for him on next year’s roster.

JD Martinez – No place on the team for a one-dimensional player. While he has been somewhat productive this season and a mentor to the younger players, he will be a year older and presumably less productive. I prefer the DH spot be rotated among several players needing a day off. For example, McNeil, Marte and Alvarez.

KEY ADDITIONS

Corbin Burnes – In order to be truly competitive next year, the first order of business is to strengthen the starting staff.  Corbin automatically becomes the ace.  Also, Scott Manaea should be resigned to a contract not exceeding three years. Imagine a rotation of Burnes, Senga, Scott, Manaea, Peterson and Paul Blackburn bringing up the rear with Brandon Sproat almost ready to step up. This is a group with the potential to go deep in games and relieve the stress on the bullpen.

THE PEN

The bullpen needs to be overhauled. The only players locked in for next year are Diaz, Butto and Nunez. That means at least four players will need to be added. Internal candidates include Tyler Megill, Dom Hamil, Mike Vasil, Danny Young, Huascar Brazoban and Phil Maton. Hopefully Brook Raley will be ready to return. Most likely one or two free agents will be added to the mix.

THE LINEUP

Our wish is to sign Juan Soto to a very long deal. I find it hard to believe the Yankees will let him sign with the Mets. They will probably do whatever is necessary to retain him. Therefore, I am planning for a year with no Alonso or Soto. 

• First Base – Mark Vientos. Mark projects to be a solid hitter with the potential to hit more than 40 homers. His best position is probably first.

• Second Base – Ronny Mauricio. Ronny is a legitimate five tool player with a combination of speed and power. Someone who could steal in excess of 50 bases.

• Shortstop – Franciso Lindor. Lindor has established himself to be one of the top players in the game. At the minimum, we expect another 30-30 season.

• Third Base – Brett Baty. – Baty has served his apprenticeship and is ready to fulfill his role as the third baseman of the future.  Another guy capable of hitting at least 30 homers with solid defense at third.

• Left Field – a platoon of Tyrone Taylor and Jesse Winker. An area that may need to be upgraded. Drew Gilbert will be an option when he is ready.

• Center Field – Brandon Nimmo. Another guy capable of hitting 20-25 homers with a good OBP.  Hopefully, recovers from a mediocre 2024.

• Right Field – Starling Marte. When healthy a productive bat whose spot in the lineup can possibly be challenged by Drew Gilbert.

• Catcher – Franciso Alvarez. The expectation is that he will recover from the “sophomore blues” and become a dynamic player. Another potential 35-40 home run hitter.

• DH – Jeff McNeil. Jeff becomes the super utility player who can play a multitude of positions. Capable of hitting 15-20 homers. This is a rotational spot with Marte, Alvarez and Vientos sharing this role with Jeff.

• Bench – includes Luis Torrens, Taylor or Winker, Luisangel Acuna and a free agent to be signed.

My major concern is lack of depth to fill in for the inevitable injuries sure to occur. Our top prospects are at least a year away from being contributors. It’s going to be an interesting off-season.

Ray

August 27, 2024

SAVAGE VIEWS – PROSPECT OR SUSPECT

The general consensus coming into the 2024 season was that this would be a year of transition for the Mets. It was going to be a period where the team would get younger, get under the salary cap and find out if certain young players were MLB caliber. After all, our starting pitching was suspect, especially with injuries to Senga and Peterson and a very questionable bullpen. Then the Mets made a move that seemed to be counter to their game plan. They plucked JD Martinez out of the bargain bin. That decision relegated Mark Vientos to the minors where he stayed and was called up only because Baty had a poor start.

Imagine if Brett Baty had only been average, Vientos would still be toiling for Syracuse. It was a bonehead call that becomes more evident as the season progresses. The Mets farm system was highly regarded as we began 2024 and gave us cause for optimism for the future. That future is less certain as many of our top offensive prospects have not lived up to their pedigree.

BRETT BATY

The much maligned Baty is having a solid season with Syracuse. He is averaging a homer every 15 at bats with a OPS of around .890. Projected over a full season, that works out to about 45 homers. Seems he has been more successful in getting the ball in the air. He belongs on the team now to take over the third base job inadequately being filled by Vientos. Mark then should take over the DH role.

LUISANGEL ACUNA

I don’t believe Acuna has a future with the big club. His future is probably as a utility guy. While he is a threat to steal a base, his low OBP makes it difficult to envision him making the cut as a full-time player. I think he is trade bait.

DREW GILBERT

It’s been a lost season for Drew as he tries to make it back from another serious injury. So far, the results have not been encouraging. This is a guy we thought would make the jump to the Mets around August 1st.  Right now, 2025 looks like a stretch.

KEVIN PARADA

Kevin was considered to be a top prospect when the Mets drafted him. His hitting ability was considered to be strong with a need to improve defense.  Unfortunately, he has failed to live up to expectations. His defense has improved but he strikes out way too much. He is probably a candidate to be traded, although with the right coaching he might turn out to be a better than average player. His future may be at another position.

ALEX RAMIREZ

Alex is another player whose development seems to have stagnated. He is still only 21 years old and there is a lot of room to grow. I hope the Mets resist the temptation to trade him.

SUMMARY

This has been a year where none of the Mets hitting prospects has had a superior year. Whatever hitting philosophy the Mets are employing in their minor league system is clearly not working. If there is such a thing as a hitting lab, it needs to be refined.

Ray

August 20, 2014

SAVAGE VIEWS – DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

What a difference a week makes – 8 days of bliss to paraphrase Diana Washington. 

A little more than a week ago we were ready to write off the season although we were facing the supposedly easy part of the schedule with the Marlins and Padres coming in. Then we lost the first game to the Marlins and it looked like the fish would win the series until JD Martinez decided to do something he never did before and hit a walk off home run.

To be honest, I am somewhat conflicted. On one hand, I want the Mets to play meaningful games. On the other hand, I do not believe they are world series contenders.  

Having said that, they should consider disposing of those players that are not part of the future. That means JD Martinez, Marte, McNeil and Severino should be made available to the highest bidders. Alonso should also be a goner if he abides by outrageous salary demands. Letting these players go would most certainly demoralize the team. However, it opens up slots for the next generation.

Within the next month, Senza and Scott should be ready to join the rotation. That means at least two current starters must be either be traded or moved to a different role.  For example, Megill seems to lose effectiveness when he hits the fifth inning. He’s an obvious candidate for the pen. Severino has the most value of the remaining starters and would garner the best return.

Dealing JD opens up a spot for Baty to return – we need to find out whether he’s a viable option for 2025.  Acuna has shown signs of life recently and he can take over 2^nd base. Marte is having a good year and will be difficult to replace – I suggest bringing up Ritter as someone who deserves a chance.

It’s remarkable how two or three players can make such a difference.  Alvarez brings a winning attitude and the staff responds when he is behind the plate. Diaz has looked really good recently and his return bolsters the entire pen.  Nunez looks dominant and the pen looks strong once again.

What surprises me is how well Vientos has played third.  I thought his glove would be a liability but that has not been the case. I was never in favor of signing JD but his recent output has been nothing short of amazing. Proves the old adage that hitting is contagious.  We are averaging about 4 ½ runs per game.  Not too shabby when you consider that Alonso, Nimmo and McNeil are all having off years and Alvarez has yet to hit his stride. The optimist would say the best is yet to come.  Currently we are a game and a half out of a wild card spot – certainly within reach.

My point is the Mets are wild-card contenders whether we pare the roster or stay with the status quo.  My guess is that Stearns will make the necessary moves with the future in mind.

Ray

June 18, 2024

SAVAGE VIEWS – April Showers Bring May Blahs

Prior to the series with Tampa Bay, I got to thinking about how the schedule makers had set up the Mets for failure.  Our first 31 games against fairly good teams while the Braves and Phillies got to play almost half of their games against teams like the Marlins, White Sox and Astros.  

Now, after witnessing this weekend’s debacle, teams like the White Sox, Marlins and Astros are lamenting that they have not played the Mets.

When I made my pre-season predictions that the Mets were playoff bound it was based on the assumption that our core players would improve over the lackluster 2023 campaign.  Thus far each has regressed.  None of Nimmo, Lindor, Alonso and McNeil are doing well, although Lindor has picked it up recently.  What’s telling is the inability to produce in clutch situations.  

For example, bases loaded with no outs, we hope that one of the next three batters gets a walk to produce a run since it’s unlikely they will put the ball in play.  Look at last Friday’s game when McNeil failed to hit the ball deep enough to score Alonso who foolishly did not slide feet first.  

I’m a believer that Mendoza will eventually turn out to be a good manager.  But, what was he thinking taking out Garrett on Saturday after retiring one batter and bringing Ottavino in.  I know Otto’s been great this season but that was not the right time to bring him in to start the eighth.  Also, Diaz is not Diaz yet. 

He has not been dominating thus far and has been depending on his slider to get swing and misses.  However, it was predictable that Arozarena would tee off one slider too many after he showed an inability to catch up to fastballs.

Team wide poor defense has defined the team over the first 34 games.  Every single or walk becomes a double with the inability to throw out runners.  Too many balls don’t get caught and then there are the errors of omission.  

There have been throws made to the wrong base or simply hesitating before making a play. While Baty has been playing third like an all-star, he failed to make a couple of key plays in Sunday’s loss.

Why is Wendle still with the team? He has been the worst defender on the team and his bat is weak - a step down from Guillorme. Maybe it’s time to bring up Iglesias.  Wonder if JD is past prime, I guess time will tell. 

In the meantime, Vientos is languishing away in Syracuse. If Mark has no future on this team, perhaps it’s time to trade him.  Or maybe, he’s Pete’s replacement come July.

I don’t remember umpiring being this bad league wide. The inconsistency is maddening.  Batters are confused after seeing a pitch called a ball and the next similar pitch called a strike.  Seems like more umps want to be like Angel Hernandez.

Again, one of my pet peeves is with a free runner in extra innings the first batter is not automatically walked. It just makes too much sense.

Ray 

May 7, 2024

SAVAGE VIEWS – The Mendoza Line

 

THE MENDOZA LINE

It has been a strange start to the season.  

As I write this the Mets are 4-6 and very easily could have won at least two more games.  How improbable was it to beat Morton with Teheran starting and Lindor, Alonso, and Alvarez going a combined 0 for 13.

Four regulars remain under the Mendoza Line after ten games.  Lindor shows little signs of snapping out of it; Alonso had early success by going the other way, but he has abandoned that approach; and McNeil looks as though he might be on the right track. Although I’m not a fan of DJ Stewart, playing him on Monday was the right call since he has been productive at Truist Field in the past.  Just imagine if these guys were simply average or even slightly below average, what our record would be.

Let me do a quick evaluation of Carlos Mendoza. First let me say the front office did him no favors by not sufficiently upgrading the relief corp. It’s hard to understand how Ramirez and Tonkin won spots over Bickford and Garrett.  The notion of keeping a player with no options over a better player with options is ridiculous.  Also, what is being accomplished by farming out Mark Vientos? He deserves a place on the roster over Stewart. 

Carlos Mendoza shows signs of being a very good manager. I like his calm demeanor in the face of adversity.  I’m not sure to what extent the analytics team imposes a starting lineup on him.  But, for the most part, I don’t understand why Stewart was selected as the DH. 

Some questionable moves by Mendoza probably cost the Mets two wins.

·   In the 7-6 loss to the Brewers, five pitchers were used to get 12 outs.  That was an unnecessary waste of BP resources.

·   The ill-timed decision to throw behind Hoskins was not the smartest move.

·   Leaving Wendle in after making a number of on-field changes.  The right move would have been to put McNeil at 2^nd and bring Taylor into the game.

·   Having Baty try to bunt twice in extra innings against a RH pitcher with Marte on deck.

·   Bringing Tonkin in a second time when the game went into extra innings.

·   Taking Houser out after 67 pitches in the first game of a double header.

·   Using seven bull pen arms over six innings in the first game of a double header.

·   The bull pen was therefore depleted resulting in a loss in their next game.

I refuse to join the bandwagon of those who believe the season is over. As the temps warm up so will the bats of the Mendoza group. 

Ray

April 11, 2024

SAVAGE VIEWS – Ray, The Cautious Optimist

 

Gosh, this off-season has not gone as planned.  

We did not make any major free agent splashes.  We knew Peterson would be out until June 1^st at the earliest.  The loss of Senga certainly puts a damper on our outlook.  On top of that our new 100MPH guy is back in Japan. 

However, I did project that the Mets as a playoff caliber team in 2024 and I’m sticking to my guns.  For that to happen, players need to perform like the very talented group they are. 

Last year they scored an underwhelming 717 runs.  To compete they need to increase run production by around 100 runs.  

In other words, nearly every starter needs to outperform 2023.  Here’s the way I see things going.

	Name	BA	HRS	RBI
	Nimmo	0.287	24	73
	Marte/Gilbert	0.270	18	65
	Lindor	0.275	32	105
	Alonso	0.255	48	122
	McNeil	0.312	15	70
	Alvarez	0.240	35	80
	Baty	0.265	26	75
	Vientos	0.250	22	70
	Bader	0.230	12	50
	Bench	0.220	15	110
			247	820

Of course, my assumptions are based on the starting group remaining healthy for most of the season.  My expectations for the baby Mets is for them to produce based on their pedigrees.  I see Gilbert coming up at some point, no later than the All-Star break, to take over for Marte who could lose time to injuries or be a trade candidate.   

It’s going to be an exciting season and hopefully the return of Senga and Peterson boosts what could potentially be a strong rotation.  It’s hard to foresee the makeup of the Pen at this stage but I think we will be okay.

Ray

February 26, 2024