The quiet before the storm...
The Mets will enjoy their final day of the All-Star break before returning to action on Friday. Plus, some photos and quick thoughts on the second half ahead.
What’s Up with the Mets? ⚾️
The Mets will enjoy their final off-day of the All-Star break today before returning to action on Friday with a series against the Marlins
New York claimed LHP Alex Young off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds
Young, 30, has only appeared in three games in the major leagues this season but owns a 3.72 ERA with a 4.85 FIP and 125 ERA+ in 66 appearances since the start of 2023
RHP Kodai Senga could return to the Mets in time for next week’s series against the Braves (NY Post)
Roster Moves 🗞️
LHP Alex Young optioned to Triple-A Syracuse
LHP Tyler Jay designated for assignment
Down on the Farm 🌾
All Mets minor league affiliates are off until tomorrow during the MLB All-Star break
Today’s Game 🗓
The Mets are off until tomorrow during the MLB All-Star break.
Quick thoughts on the second half, and some photos… ✍️
To say that it’s been a wild ride for the Mets so far in 2024 would be quite the understatement. As chaotic and up-and-down as its all been, though – even reaching a point where I had all-but given up on the season in May – it is oddly pretty in line with what I originally wrote in our preseason predictions post here on Just Mets…
I think this will be a fairly up-and-down year, with peaks and valleys and lots of fun moments. With a crop of youngsters waiting the in the wings, there is also the potential that there is an exciting infusion of big-time prospects later this season as well. Ultimately, I expect that if things don’t go horribly wrong for the team that they will find themselves playing, yes, meaningful games in September.
What lies ahead for this Mets team is going to be incredibly fascinating. After ripping off a 21-9 stretch in June and July, can they maintain their hot play for even longer? Have they truly turned the corner? How “in” is this front office and who are they going to acquire at the trade deadline?
One this for sure is that this team is going to have to look far and wide into ways they can bolster this bullpen in a major way. Despite the recent addition of Phil Maton, multiple relievers need to be acquired for these Mets to make a legitimate run – it remains their one glaring area of weakness right now.
If this team is able to fortify their bullpen, their rotation (especially with the impending return of Kodai Senga) and lineup should be strong enough to remain competitive for the postseason. Though I will add that if Starling Marte is going to be on the shelf much longer, and honestly even if he does wind up returning, that the Mets could benefit from seeking out an additional outfielder, as well. They’ve gotten some nice moments out of Tyrone Taylor, but one of D.J. Stewart or Ben Gamel is starting most games right now, and that simply hasn’t been working out too well.
At times it will be frustrating, perhaps even heartbreaking, but man does this second half have the potential to be exhilarating, as well. I, for one, am excited to see what happens next. Until then, let’s enjoy this final day of the All-Star break in peace before the war starts back up again tomorrow.
While we wait, here are some 35mm film photos that I captured at Citi Field earlier this season in a match-up against the Cubs…
Around the League 🚩
The Dodgers and Orioles are interested in making a blockbuster trade for Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (MLB.com)
C Martín Maldonado was reportedly designated for assignment by the White Sox (Rosenthal)
The Rangers, 7.5 games out of a playoff spot, are still “hoping” in be in a position to be buyers at the trade deadline according to GM Chris Young
Nice photos