u/TobycooklynNY

Going to be hard to beat Weatherholt but, given his defense and slowing climbing OPS he could potentially place 2nd over Stewart and Rumfield.

David Stearns has a lot to fix with the mess he has created. That said, baseball is a weird sport. And if there’s a season next year, there is still a possibility Mets can be competitive and win at least a wild card if the right moves are made.

The question is obviously, can we trust Stearns to make the right decisions?

Yes, because he built a team that has been a sustainable winner in the Brewers and they had only one losing season (not counting Covid year) with him as POBO.

No, because Milwaukee is not New York and he doesn’t have what it takes to win here.

Yes, because the Mets system, young talent and future financial flexibility is actually in a better place from when he took over.

No, because he’s shown he will not do what it takes to invest long term in a legit starting pitcher.

Yes, we all understand Lindor wants to stay here and has NTC with Mets. But, Stearns has proven to us he doesn’t care about sentimentality when he let Alonso walk and traded Nimmo.

Lindor will be 33 next year and there have been very few shortstops in MLB history who have been productive at that age. This year, Lindor will have played the least amount of games in a season (outside of Covid-2020) since his rookie year. That said, his production in the 2nd half will show he still has a bat that could help an offensively challenged team.

There will be teams that line up with the Mets for a trade & after the deadline, Stearns has accumulated a list of middle infielders who can potentially have an impact on the team as soon as next year.

At the very least, I would expect Lindor to begin getting reps at 2B next year & to be showing up at DH to try to limit his time on the IL.

Will Lindor get traded? I’d say it’s 50/50. But, this offseason will probably be the last time Stearns could potentially move him given his $ owed and age.

1. Reid Detmers (SP) -Angles didn’t trade him (although there were serious rumors he was traded to Cubs) & he has 2 years of control. Cost would be high but, Mets are now positioned to pay the cost.

2. Drew Rasmussen (SP) -Rays are notorious for trading players in final year of their arbitration eligibility. Stearns drafted Rasmussen when he was running the Brewers.

3. Adrian Morejon (RP) - Mets will have some serious BP construction to do this OS and Morejon has been a solid piece in Padres BP last few seasons. Big key he’s a free agent and only going to be 28 in February.

4. Trevor Megill (RP) - Mets and Brewers have made deals 2 out of 3 last offseasons & Mets desperately need BP pieces. Megill is a pending FA after the ‘27 season. He’s also 32 and at peak value.

5. William Contreras (C) - yes this is the least likely player Mets will acquire this offseason. But Contreras will also be in the final year of arbitration and will be a free agent after next year. I would rank him as number 1 target for Mets next offseason considering Stearns acquired him in past.

His decision has major ramifications of what Mets roster could look like next year.

But don’t be surprised if Stearns pivots and ends up holding onto Weaver and perhaps even one of Peralta or Holmes. He could still end up giving them a QO and having them be part of rotation next year.

Today is an interesting day for Mets starter. Andy Green has stated Mets expect Peralta to pitch today. While nothing seems imminent it certainly seems like Peralta will be moved at deadline.

Do Mets really let him pitch risking potential injury?

Keep an eye on two teams who need starting pitching but don’t have enough for Skubal. Astros and Padres.

According to Jim Duquette, the Mariners are very interested in Luke Weaver & San Diego Padres are interested in Clay Holmes.

Jon Heyman also noted other teams (outside of Brewers) have shown more interest in Freddy Peralta.

According to Jeff Passan, the Mets have been engaged with Brewers regarding SP Freddy Peralta

Clay Holmes pitched 4IP allowing 0ER in rehab last night. Multiple teams were on hand to scout including: Yankees, White Sox, Phillies, Rays, Diamondbacks, Rangers and Dodgers

On The Show Podcast, NY Post reporters Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman speculated about Yankees interest in both Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes

Pat Ragazzo reported Mets scouts were seen at AA Cubs game yesterday. Among potential players of interest would be OF/3B Jefferson Rojas #2 Prospect

The Athletic also predicts Luke Weaver to end up in Texas, while Jim Bowden says the Mets have been engaged with Chicago White Sox on Luis Torrens.

The Tampa Bay Rays. They have been searching for a catcher for some time now. Alvarez fits their budgetary concerns. They have multiple catching prospects Mets could ask for along with other near ready MLB arms.

One of the biggest problems this franchise has had is the constant turnover in FO/MGR. They won’t have sustained success until they established continuity at top.

That said, the run this team has been on over last year plus is so bad, regardless of what Cohen says publicly, I think it’s safe to say, Stearns will not survive another year of this level of ineptitude.

Having 2 SPs, 4 BP arms, 2 OFers and possibly one under 25 controllable catcher as trade chips and a sellers market is the perform storm for Stearns to rebuild his own stock and set the organization on the right path moving forward.

Will he sink or will he swim? Whatever happens these next 10 days will define his future as the leader of this organization.

Peralta will still net a decent return b/c he’s been a very consistent pitcher throughout his career, is owed very little $ btwn now and end of year, & he’s considered a great clubhouse presence throughout the league.

Holmes is unlikely to sign an extension and will be sought after by teams. He’s likely to get a good return.

Weaver will have value given his additional year of control.

Robert Jr surprisingly will be sought after by teams who think there is still untapped talent.

Holmes and even Peralta can be resigned in offseason.

Minter/Raley will be sought after by many teams.