MACK - Let’s Get To Know – John Spikerman, Luke Gabrysh

 

John Spikerman

John Spikerman (born April 2, 2003, in Houston, TX) is a switch-hitting outfielder (primarily center field) who was recently traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the New York Mets.

High school: Starred at Lake Creek High School in Texas (named District 20-5A MVP as a senior).

College: Played at the University of Oklahoma (Sooners). He had a strong junior season in 2024: .367/.429/.542 with 3 HR, 32 RBI, and 11 SB in 42 games (missed time with injury). Overall college career slash: around .313/.423/.451 with solid speed and contact skills.

Drafted by the Phillies in the 3rd round (100th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft; signed for an under-slot $672,500 bonus.

Physical profile: 6'0", 190 lbs, Bats: Switch / Throws: Right. Elite speed (70-grade on the 20-80 scale), good range and instincts in center field, plus arm.

He has dealt with several injuries (hamate bone in college, hamstrings/lower leg, shoulder, and ankle in pros), limiting his games played.

2024 (Low-A Clearwater): Limited to 17 games — .226/.360/.323, 7 SB.

2025 (across levels): 62 games — .224/.355/.319, 3 HR, 30 SB.

2026 (High-A Jersey Shore + rehab): ~32 games — .252/.423/.330, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 18 SB in limited action (missed time with ankle injury but returned late July).

Career MiLB (approx.): .232 AVG, 3 HR, 55 SB in ~375 AB. He shows strong on-base skills, high steal success rate, and gap power but very little home run pop.

Strengths: Double-plus speed, baserunning threat, plus defender in center (can handle all three outfield spots), improving contact/approach after swing adjustments.

Weaknesses: Below-average power (30-grade), needs to stay healthy, hit tool still developing against better pitching.

Projection: Often viewed as a high-floor backup/outfield depth piece with upside for more if the bat progresses; his speed gives him a solid floor.

He's a classic speedy, athletic center fielder prospect whose development has been slowed by injuries but who brings high-end running and defense tools. Keep an eye on his health and power development in the Mets system.

 

Luke Gabrysh is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher (born April 16, 2003, in Wilmington, Delaware) in the Philadelphia Phillies organization (as of mid-2026 data; note a reported trade to the Mets around early August 2026).

He stands 6'3" and 200 lbs, throws right, and was drafted by the Phillies in the 15th round (No. 462 overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Saint Joseph's University (where he was primarily a reliever with modest college stats).

College: At St. Joe’s, he appeared in 40 games (mostly relief) with an 8.13 ERA but showed strikeout ability.

His big breakout came in the 2024 MLB Draft League with the Trenton Thunder (closer role): 1.42 ERA, 23 K in 12⅔ IP with elite command.

Pro career: Signed for $100K. The Phillies converted him to a starter.

In 2025 (mostly Low-A Clearwater, brief High-A Jersey Shore): 7-4, 3.33 ERA in 78.1 IP.

He is viewed as a depth arm with upside—not a top prospect, but one who has impressed internally with his pitchability, spin, and development.

Repertoire

Gabrysh features a five-pitch mix from a lower three-quarters arm slot (noted similarity to Aaron Nola in some looks). He throws strikes at a solid rate, spins the ball well, and has added velocity/depth since pro ball.

Fastballs (primary weapons): Sinker (often his go-to/favorite; high usage ~49% in one 2025 sample): Sits 93-96 mph (up to 97-98), with good arm-side run/sink. Effective for weak contact and grounders.

Four-seam fastball: 94-98 mph with carry/ride. Velocity has ticked up (averaged ~94 in 2025, up to 96+ in spring 2026).

Sweeper/slider (high-spin; big horizontal movement, 80-84 mph range, 2600+ rpm possible): Key pitch from his Draft League days; generates swings and misses.

Hard slider (added in pro ball): Weapon vs. lefties for weak contact/swing-miss.

Cutter (mentioned in some arsenals, ~88 mph): Bridges pitches.

Changeup (~87 mph): Used vs. lefties for separation/fade.

tjStuff+ data from 2025 Low-A showed above-average or better marks on most pitches (sinker ~98, cutter/4-seam ~102, slider ~103). He holds velocity well over outings and has good extension.

Overall, Gabrysh profiles as a potential back-end starter or multi-inning reliever with his strike-throwing, multi-pitch arsenal, and improving stuff. His ceiling depends on refining command and limiting hard contact/HRs as he climbs.

MACK - OPEN THREAD - BROOKS RALEY TRADE

 

BROOKS RALEY IN HIS PRE-METS DAYS

The New York Mets have traded RP Brooks Raley to the Philadelphia Phillies.  

In return, they received OF John Spikerman and RHP Luke Gabrysh

MACK - Let’s Get To Know – Zach Franklin, Gabe Davis

 

Zach Franklin is a right-handed relief pitcher (born October 27, 1998).

He is 6'1", 198 lbs, and was drafted in the 10th round (299th overall) out of Missouri in 2023.

As of 2026, he is primarily a high-leverage reliever/closer prospect

Franklin is known for a funky, deceptive delivery with a very short arm action (often compared to throwing a shot put), which enhances his swing-and-miss ability despite mostly average raw movement on secondaries. He leans heavily on his fastball and has posted strong strikeout rates in the minors (career ~12-13 K/9).

His arsenal (primarily from college/pro scouting reports around 2023–2025):

Fastball (primary pitch, ~mid-90s, up to 97–98 mph): Often described as a four-seamer with solid results and "hop." He has also used a sinker/two-seamer shape. He throws it frequently (e.g., ~2/3 of pitches in some Triple-A outings) and relies on it heavily for effectiveness, even if velocity isn't elite.

Splitter / Split-Changeup: A key secondary offering (mid-80s). It has worked well against lefties despite average movement metrics, contributing to deception and weak contact.

Breaking ball (slider/cutter/curve hybrid): Low-80s to mid-70s range depending on the grip/variation. Scouting notes describe it as hard to classify—it can move like a cutter/slider but with curve-like shape. It has generated high whiff rates and is a swing-and-miss weapon. He has also been noted throwing a more traditional slider and occasional curveball.

He has shown solid strikeout stuff across pitches but has had command/HR issues at times (especially in tougher environments like Triple-A). His profile fits a late-inning reliever or closer role, needing primarily two strong pitches to succeed at the MLB level.

 

Gabe Davis is a 22-year-old (born Oct 21, 2003) 6'9", 234 lb right-handed pitching prospect.

He was drafted in the 5th round (137th overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State and signed for $587,500.

2026 Minor League Stats (as of early August 2026)

Overall: 0-5, 5.81 ERA, 18 GS, 62 IP, 70 K, 24 BB, 1.50 WHIP.

High-A (Winston-Salem): 0-0, 2.63 ERA, 27.1 IP, 33 K, 7 BB, 1.06 WHIP (strong debut).

Double-A (Birmingham): 0-5, 8.31 ERA, 34.2 IP, 37 K, 17 BB, 1.85 WHIP (struggles with more homers and contact).

He has limited innings history due to college injuries (shoulder, collarbone)

Davis has premium stuff wth significant projection tied to his massive frame, downhill plane, and arm talent. When synced, it plays as high-upside; command and consistency are the main hurdles.

Fastball (primary, grade ~60): Sits 94-97 mph, touches 100 mph. Features mild armside run, high spin, and steep downhill angle from his height/extension. Velocity doesn't always dominate due to occasional flatness, but it has life and plays up at times.

Slider (best secondary, grade 55-60): Tight upper-80s (up to 92 mph). Power slider with hard movement; can tighten into a cutter. A legitimate bat-misser when located.

Changeup (grade ~45): Mid-80s with fade/tumble at times. Inconsistent/reliable but a useful third pitch.

Curveball (occasional, grade ~40): Low-80s (around 80 mph), used sparingly.

Scouting Profile Summary: Huge upside as a power arm with starter traits, but long levers make sync/command challenging (control grade ~40). Many evaluators see him as a potential high-leverage reliever (FB/SL combo) if starting doesn't stick.

 

MACK - Let’s Get To Know – Aiden Smith, Emilien Pitre, Gary Gill Hill

 

Aidan Smith (born July 23, 2004) is a 22-year-old outfielder (primarily center field) in the New York Mets organization.

High School: Lovejoy HS in Lucas, Texas. He had a strong senior year and impressed at the 2023 MLB Draft Combine (hitting balls up to 104 mph and over 400 feet).

Drafted: 4th round (124th overall) by the Seattle Mariners in 2023. He signed for $1.2 million (well over slot) instead of attending Mississippi State.

6'2"–6'3", 190 lbs, right-handed batter and thrower. Athletic with plus speed, a strong arm, and projectable power.

2023: Made his pro debut in the Arizona Complex League and briefly in Low-A with the Modesto Nuts.

2024: Strong full-season debut split between the Mariners (Modesto) and Rays (after the trade). He hit around .288/.401/.473 with 11 HR, 33 doubles, and 41 SB in 97 games at Single-A, showing a good approach and tools.

Traded to Rays: In July 2024 as the key piece (along with RHP Brody Hopkins) in the deal sending OF Randy Arozarena to Seattle. He was viewed as a high-upside center fielder.

2025: Moved up to High-A Bowling Green (Rays). Posted a .237/.331/.388 line with 14 HR and 41 SB in 102 games, but with a higher strikeout rate (~31%). He dealt with some swing adjustments and contact issues but showed power/speed combo.

2026: Started the year with hamstring issues (missed time, rehab in lower levels). Split time mostly in High-A and some Double-A - power and speed flashes but continued strikeout concerns.

Scouting Profile and Outlook  -  Smith is a well-rounded toolsy outfielder with plus speed (good base stealer), a strong arm, and improving power. He projects as an everyday outfielder with potential for more if he improves contact rates and manages strikeouts (a noted area for growth). Defensively, he's a good fit in center with range and instincts.

He has been ranked as high as a top-100 overall prospect and a top-15-ish guy in the Rays system before the most recent trade. His ETA is around 2027–2028.

 

Émilien Pitre (full name: Emilien Joyal Pitre) is a Canadian professional baseball infielder, primarily a second baseman (with some shortstop experience), in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

Born: October 4, 2002 (age 23 as of 2026) in Repentigny, Quebec, Canada.

Bats/Throws: Left/Right.

Height/Weight: 5'11" / 185 lbs.

Draft: Selected by the Rays in the 2nd round (No. 58 overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Kentucky. He signed for a bonus of about $1.52 million.

Pitre grew up in a Montreal suburb and stood out for his baseball skills (he didn't play hockey, which is uncommon for the area). He played college baseball at Kentucky, where he showed strong contact skills, plate discipline, and gap power. In his junior year (2024), he hit .298/.419/.506 with 9 home runs. He also performed well in the wood-bat Cape Cod League, which helped boost his draft stock.

The Rays were aggressive with him post-draft, starting him in Single-A Charleston (RiverDogs) in 2024, where he hit .299/.402/.403 in a short 21-game stint.

2025 (High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods): Solid full-season debut with a .268/.356/.393 slash line, 9 HR, 14 SB, good walk rate (11.6%), and a 121 wRC+ (above league average). He showed contact ability, speed, and improving power.

2026: Continued progress in Double-A.  Strong early results including multi-hit games. As of mid-2026, he's viewed as a top-30ish prospect in the Rays system (ranked around No. 22–28 in some updates).

Playing Style and Outlook

Pitre is a contact-oriented hitter with plus speed and solid defense up the middle (rangy at 2B/SS). He doesn't project as a big power guy but has enough pop for gaps and occasional homers, plus strong on-base skills. Scouts note his polish, baseball IQ, and makeup—he's often described as a "self-made" player.

 

Gary Gill Hill (full name: Gary Anthony Gill Hill) is a 21-year-old right-handed starting pitcher (born September 20, 2004, in New Rochelle, NY).

He stands 6'2" and weighs 160 lbs. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 6th round (194th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of John F. Kennedy Catholic HS in New York, signing for $597,500.

Limited innings in 2023 (mostly FCL Rays, brief Low-A stint) due to inexperience and a biceps tendinitis issue. He showed promise with a lively arm but needed refinement.

Breakout 2024: At Low-A Charleston (Carolina League), he posted a strong 4-4 record with a 3.15 ERA over 108.2 IP, 105 strikeouts, and improved control (1.11 WHIP). He earned post-season All-Star honors.

2025: Full season at High-A Bowling Green (South Atlantic League): 7-8, 3.82 ERA in 25 starts (136.2 IP), 107 K. Solid but with some homer issues.

2026: Split between High-A and Double-A Montgomery (Rays), going 7-3 with a 4.49 ERA in 20 starts (108.1 IP). He represented Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (pitching them to their only win of the tournament and helping secure a 2030 spot).

Overall minors (through 2026): 19-20, 3.99 ERA in 81 games (mostly starts), 394.2 IP, 338 K, 1.26 WHIP. He has shown durability for his age and steady strikeout ability, with improving command.

He ranks as the Rays' No. 26 prospect (MLB Pipeline) and has been viewed as a high-upside arm who has exceeded early expectations thanks to maturity and buy-in on adjustments.

Hill shifted from a lower/sidearm slot toward upper three-quarters. This boosted velocity, added depth to offspeed pitches, and improved consistency. He added strength (gained ~20 lbs in one offseason) and refined his delivery for better carry and tunneling.

Hill features a four-pitch mix (sometimes described with variations as five offerings) of mostly average-to-above-average stuff.

Scouting grades (2026): Fastball 50, Cutter 50, Slider 50, Changeup 45, Control 55, Overall 45.

Fastballs (primary weapons, 93-95 mph, touch 96-97): Pair of fastballs — a four-seamer (flatter, used up in the zone for whiffs/carry) and a two-seamer/sinker (run, induces grounders, especially in on righties or away to lefties). Velocity and separation improved post-arm-slot change.

Cutter (upper 80s): Sharp, short movement; acts as a bridge pitch. Good for running in on lefties or away from righties; generates weak contact.

Slider/Slurve/Sweeper: Bigger-breaking version with sweep/lateral movement (evolved over time). Effective against righties; can vary shape for different looks. One of his better secondary options.

Changeup (mid-80s): Good fade and separation; used to steal strikes and exploit lefty splits. Quick arm helps sell it.

He throws from a repeatable upper three-quarters slot that creates good depth on breakers and off-speed. The arsenal is "kitchen sink"-style with multiple fastball and breaking variations, allowing him to attack both sides of the plate and tunnel pitches effectively. He has shown strong strike-throwing ability and the ability to pitch deep into games.

Strengths: Athletic, projectable frame with room to add strength; advanced feel for a young pitcher; improving command and pitchability.

Areas to watch: Consistency of velocity deeper into starts, limiting homers, and refining execution against higher-level hitters.

Hill is seen as a potential mid-rotation starter or better if he continues progressing. His development path (high school to pro adjustments) and Rays' player development track record make him an intriguing prospect now with the Mets.

MACK - OPEN THREAD - HUASCAR BRAZOBAN TRADE

 The New York Mets have traded RP Huascar Brazoban to the Chicago White Sox for AAA RHP Zach Franklin and AA RHP Gabe Davis.

Franklin is 27/years old and has pitched entirely this season for AAA-Charlotte, going 2-2, 4.37, 1.12, in 33-games, one start. He has pitched  45.1 innings, produced only 14-BB but struck out an impressive 60 batters. Throws a mid-90s fastball.

Davis is 22/year old and has had 18 starts for the White Sox combined A+/AA minor league teams. Combined stat line is: 0-5, 5.81, 1.50, 62.0-IP, 24-BB, 70-K.

Paul Articulates - A renewal of hope

The MLB trade deadline is upon us.  At 6pm EDT today the deadline will arrive and all deals will be final.  The decks will have been reshuffled, and the buyers will renew their drive to a championship while the sellers will renew their hopes for a brighter future.

Of course, it is always better to have hope now than hope for the future, because there are so many variables in baseball that can change the expected future into something else.  Injuries, performance regression, or just the inability of prospects to achieve once at the next level are factors that are difficult to predict, but devastating to aspirations.

And so we find our beloved New York Mets, sellers at the deadline, grasping the straws of hope that some of the return they get for dumping established talent will become brighter talent in the seasons to come.

I don't enjoy watching a team dismantled, but then again I didn't enjoy the quality of baseball being demonstrated by the current team.  To turn the page from what has been over 13 months of disappointing results is a blessing.  Unfortunately, the next few months will only be a training ground for the remaining players as they work to prove that they should be the building blocks for the next great team.  As of this morning, the Mets are not only 19 games under .500, but they are also a weaker MLB team with the arms that have been relinquished.  

Of all the players received in trades for David Peterson, Freddy Peralta, and AJ Minter, none are realistic projections for the majors in 2027.  The group includes a single-A infielder, two high A position players (OF, corner IF), and three AA players (pitcher, two IF).  They add depth and competition to the minor league rosters.  If any of them bedazzles, they will be promoted to the next level, but with some maturing time there it is unlikely that any would see MLB action until the 2027 call-ups in September at best.

There are still deals in the making as of the time this article is published.  The Mets still have some very attractive candidates to offer for potential returns that surpass recent trades.  Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver are both players that could attract significant offers.  With four catchers on the Mets' 40-man roster it is possible that Alvarez or Torrens could be dangled in front of the suitors.

In the end, the team will have parted with some underperforming veterans and their salaries for some organizational depth and maybe a few bright prospects.  Then the post-season free agent period will open with the possibility to build out a competitive team.

For now, the team will play out the remaining 49 games and the fan base will begin to build renewed hope for the next season.  That's what we do as Mets fans - hope for a brighter future.

Reese Kaplan -- Without a Catcher You Have a Lot of Passed Balls

Writing a day or more ahead of east coast USA calendars it’s sometimes difficult to write things in a timely manner.  Right now as I sit here starting to write it is Sunday morning on the other side of the world which corresponds to Saturday evening in New York.  Many things could happen between now and the Monday morning scheduled posting time so I realize that some of what I describe could change between now and then. 

One of the names being bandied about by frustrated Mets fans is shopping Francisco Alvarez around to see what he could bring in return in a trade.  The feeling is somewhat understandable given his injury history and his defensive inconsistency.  Others bemoan his lack of home run power after having posted as many as 25 home runs in his 2023 rookie season.  Since then he’s had seasons of 11, 11 and thus far in 2026 he's clubbed 12. 

What people are not noticing nor appreciating is that he went from a .209 season’s batting average back then to a career mark of .235.  With power and average defense you could likely live with that batting average because catchers with rare exception are not middle-of-the-order hitters.  This year, however, he’s up to .254 which is a roughly 40% improvement over his previous efforts.  If the trade off from high power and low average to moderate power and higher average is real, then the team and the fans should be satisfied with that. 

Some folks also seem to dismiss what he’s done without giving any credit to his young age of 24.  Many rookies are just taking their first crack at the big leagues at this age and Alvarez has already had nearly 1200 ABs.  The potential to become an even more effective hitter is most definitely there and the defensive aspects of his game should also continue to evolve.

For the folks advocating trading away Alvarez are advocating that Luis Torrens become the number one catcher.  On a defensive basis Torrens is indeed one of the better receivers in the game.  The problem is that although he’s just 30 years old, he’s had nearly 1300 ABs in the majors and owns a not very impressive .220 average.  For reference the Mets have employed good glove/no bat catchers in the past like Charlie O’Brien whose arm and glove really did not make up for his lifetime .221 average in a career that spanned 15 years.  Yes, if you have sufficient offense in the rest of your lineup then it is possible to live with that kind of balsa wood bat.  Unfortunately the Mets offense is one in which a two run gap sometimes feels like a certain loss.

If the Mets wanted to try to trade Torrens it would be a loss of quality but not as big a loss as Alvarez would be.  A backup catcher, no matter how good he is, will not generate a top prospect in return.  For minimal pay with an improving bat it would be wiser for Alvarez to become part of the corps of players that indeed comes back for 2027 and beyond. At ages 25 through 30 he could blossom. 

Open Thread - Peralta traded to the Rays

 

It was just announced that Freddy Peralta has been dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Emilien Pitre and right-handed pitcher Gary Gill Hill.

Your thoughts on the return?

SAVAGE VIEWS – STILL BREATHING

HERE I GO AGAIN!

It’s been a couple of months since my last post and I have a few thoughts I would like to share.

THE SEASON AS INTERPRETED BY RAY

Great Scott, If we can put all Bichette aside, the Mets went on a “spending Benge” during the offseason and only have Polanco, Peralta and Jr. Roberts to show for it. And let’s not forget Williams…moves that have us all feeling a bit Baty. Raley do you get so little for big bucks. At this stage we understand the need to McLean our Holmes to bring in prospects that will be Taylor made for our future. 

Mark my words, we need to do a better job of Vientos prospects than we have in the past. The next few days will be interesting as we Weaver our way through different scenarios. One positive is the expected moves will open up roster spots for Young players such as Morabito. You can bet your Alvarez that we are on the way to better things. 

After August 3^rd, the best we can hope for is to be a Thornton the sides of playoff contenders. Heyman, even well-known sports writers have little clue on ten ways to fix this team. Soto summarize, let me enjoy a Lindor milk chocolate bar and let others worry about making us competitive next year.

DEFENDING DAVID STEARNS

It seems that the majority of Mets fans would not be unhappy if Stearns was replaced. He was a well-regarded baseball executive when he was hired away from the Brewers. During his short tenure as POBO, he is doing the job he was hired to do. Some accomplishments:

·      Streamlined the front office to a more efficient operation

·      Improved the Scouting Department

·      Incorporated advanced technological systems including state of the arts pitching and batting labs

·      More attention being paid to player developmentThere have been missteps along the way including hiring of Carlos Mendoza as manager, signing Frankie Montas and dealing away some 20 prospects for questionable returns. The farm system has regressed this year but we understand that growth is not linear. My expectation is that the Mets will have a top-rated farm system next year as the team reaps the rewards of four consecutive quality drafts plus a handful of prospects acquired in trades. Pre-season we thought we had a playoff caliber team. No regrets about losing Nimmo and McNeil. In retrospect wish we had signed Alonso, although many of us balked at giving him 5 years.This year alone the team has five rookies performing at a high level. Next year we might see another two or three joining our team. And the future looks bright as lower level players mature over the next two to three years.

In my opinion Stearns is keeper and by this time next year many of those who want him replaced will be singing his praises. Don’t forget, if he is replaced it will result in setting back the timetable.

WAIT ‘TIL NEXT YEAR

It’s been proven time and time again that the key to a strong season is pitching and defense. The starting rotation looks strong with McLean and Scott maturing and hopefully Thornton earning a role. The question remains as to who will occupy the remaining two-three slots. The guess is Tong, perhaps Manaea and a free agent or acquisition in a trade. 

The outfield is set with Soto, Ewing and Benge. The catching combo of Alvarez / Torrens is as good as any and expect Lindor and Bichette to return to career norms. Clearly the first and third base positions need to be significantly upgraded. I should mention I believe both Ewing and Benge improve markedly in year two.

To count us out will be a mistake.

Ray

August 2, 2026