In episode 247 of "Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World Series," Chris McShane and Brian Salvatore break down the Mets' latest moves, spotlighting new manager Francisco Lindor’s Roberto Clemente Award and revisiting the impact of Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. acquisitions. They also share music picks—Tropical Fuck Storm’s "Inflatable Graveyard Vol. 2" and The Tubs’ "Hard Life"—and invite listeners to subscribe, review, and submit questions via email or Patreon.
After three years out of the majors, 36‑year‑old right‑hander Robert Stock returned to the New York Mets on August 2, 2026 and delivered a surprisingly solid stretch. In seven starts and one relief appearance (30.1 innings), he posted a 5.93 ERA but a much better 3.92 FIP, limiting home runs to two and walking just 15 batters. Highlights include a 4.1‑inning, one‑run effort against the Padres on Aug. 19 and a 5.1‑inning shutout versus the AL pennant‑winning Rays on Aug. 31. While age and middling strikeout numbers raise doubts about a 2027 rotation spot, Stock’s grit and occasional gems make him a viable swingman or bullpen depth option for a Mets club still searching for stability.
The New York Mets claim former Angels utility infielder Kyren Paris off waivers, ending his seven‑year tenure with Los Angeles. Drafted in the second round in 2019, Paris appeared in 88 MLB games from 2023‑26, posting a .510 OPS with seven homers and 17 RBIs. He logged eight hitless at‑bats for the Angels in 2026 before being dropped amid a crowded outfield featuring Mike Trout, Wade Meckler, Jose Siri, Josh Lowe and Bryce Teodosio. The move opens a roster spot as the Angels, fresh off their first 100‑loss season, begin an active offseason reshuffle.
Bo Bichette exercises his $42 million player option, securing his spot with the New York Mets for the 2027 season and keeping the door open to opt out again next year. The move follows his three‑run RBI double against the Pirates on Aug. 9, 2026. In related roster moves, the Mets claim infielder Kyren Paris, designate Cristian Pache, and eye pitchers Tarik Skubal and Clay Holmes in the offseason. The brief also notes NL East options, free‑agent news, and a 2015 Mets World Series milestone.
The Bleed Cubbie Blue post celebrates October 30 in baseball lore, kicking off with the Cubs’ 2016 Game 5 comeback win over Cleveland (3‑2) and a nod to Roe Skidmore’s birthday. It then strings together historic moments on this date: Sandy Koufax’s 1963 NL MVP and Cy Young win; Catfish Hunter’s 1974 AL Cy Young award; John Montefusco’s 1975 NL Rookie of the Year; President George W. Bush’s 2001 ceremonial first pitch and the Yankees’ 2‑1 Game 3 win; Texas Rangers’ first World Series victory in 2010 (4‑2 over the Giants); Boston’s 2013 6‑1 clincher; New York Mets’ 2015 Game 3 triumph; Washington’s 2019 Game 7 championship (6‑2 over Houston); Atlanta’s 2021 Game 4 win (3‑2 over the Astros); and Texas again in 2023 Game 3 (3‑0 vs. Arizona). Each entry cites key scores, players and awards, offering a rapid-fire timeline for fans.
Bo Bichette elects to stay with the New York Mets by exercising his $42 million player option, sidestepping free agency amid the looming lockout. The decision, praised by former GM Jim Duquette, bolsters David Stearns’ roster, slotting Bichette alongside Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor in the top of the lineup. After a shaky rookie season in Queens, Bichette finished strong, hitting .281 with a .772 OPS over his final 114 games and mentoring younger talent like A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge. With the Mets finishing last in the NL East (74‑88) in 2026, Bichette’s commitment secures a core for a hopeful 2027 campaign.
Bo Bichette will likely exercise his $42 million player option for the 2027 New York Mets, securing a second year after a mixed 2026 campaign. The short‑term deal came after the Mets missed out on Kyle Tucker and traded Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, positioning Bichette to protect Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. He rebounded from a slow .213/.271/.229 start to finish at .260/.312/.390 with 18 homers, 78 RBIs and a 96 wRC+ over 160 games. With a lockout looming, the guaranteed salary is a safe choice, setting the stage for a busy offseason ahead of the December 2 lockout.
Bo Bichette opts to stay with the New York Mets for 2027 by exercising his $42 million player option, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon. The 28‑year‑old, who posted a .260 average with 18 homers and 78 RBIs after a rough start to his lone season in New York, also retains a matching 2028 option. His decision gives the Mets, who finished 74‑88 and last in the NL East, a chance to improve while Bichette can reassess his market value next offseason. The move underscores the Mets' offseason planning ahead of free agency.
The Toronto Blue Jays announced eight players entering free agency on October 29, 2026: Shane Bieber, Patrick Corbin, Yimi Garcia, Max Scherzer, Paul Sewald, George Springer, Jameson Taillon, and Luis Urias. Only six clubs have more free agents, with the Braves and Yankees each listing ten names, and the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, and Diamondbacks each posting nine. The post also notes other departing Jays such as Chris Bassitt and Travis d’Arnaud, while Bo Bichette opts to remain with the Mets via his $42 million option. Fans are invited to suggest which free agents the Jays should pursue.
The Mets claim 25‑year‑old infielder/outfielder Kyren Paris off waivers from the Angels, while designating outfielder Cristian Pache for assignment. Paris, a former second‑round pick, posted a .147/.238/.272 line with seven homers and 11 steals in 263 MLB plate appearances, but impressed in the minors last season with a .274/.384/.458 slash, 13 homers and 24 steals across Double‑A and Triple‑A. He faces a final option year and could be waived again before Opening Day. Pache, a depth‑first prospect, struggled with a .181/.242/.273 career line and is likely to clear waivers and seek minor‑league free agency. The Mets must cut three more players from their 40‑man roster by Monday.
Coming off a disappointing 2026 season, Bo Bichette is staying with the New York Mets as he looks to rebound next year.
Two-time All-Star Bo Bichette exercises his player option to stay with the New York Mets for the 2027 season, securing a $42 million salary. He forgoes an early opt‑out on his three‑year deal, retaining the ability to leave after ’27 or trigger another $42 million option for the contract’s final year. Bichette posted a league‑average .260/.312/.390 line with 18 homers in 696 plate appearances last season, earning mixed defensive reviews at third base and a WAR ranging from just under one to two, according to FanGraphs and Baseball‑Reference.
After the Twins eliminated his position, long-time Twins scouting executive Deron Johnson joined Derek Falvey in the Mets' front office.
The 2026 Major League Baseball season officially came to an end Wednesday night, with the Milwaukee Brewers capturing their first World Series championship in franchise history after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games. It was a World Series matchup between two small-market clubs that don’t have the financial resources to compete with big spenders like the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, and Red Sox in free agency.
The Mets’ 2026‑27 offseason kicks off with free agents filing on Oct. 29 (none for New York) and free‑agency opening Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. ET, alongside the 60‑day IL reinstatement deadline for Tylor Megill, Reed Garrett and Jorge Polanco, and Bo Bichette’s player‑option decision. Key MLB deadlines follow: Nov. 17 Qualifying‑Offer acceptance and Rule 5 protection, Nov. 20 non‑tender deadline, and Dec. 1 CBA expiration triggering a lockout. The GM meetings in Las Vegas (Nov. 9‑12), Owners meetings (Nov. 17‑19), Winter Meetings (Dec. 7‑9), Draft Lottery (Dec. 8), Rule 5 Draft (Dec. 9) and arbitration exchanges (Jan. 8) are all slated, though many may be postponed by the lockout. Award dates run from the Gold Glove announcement on Nov. 1 to the MLB Awards show on Nov. 11, highlighting Mets finalists like Luis Torrens, Nolan McLean and Carson Benge.
The 2026‑27 free‑agent outfield market lacks a megastar like Soto or Tucker, but several proven bats could boost a lineup for $20‑30 million. Corner outfielders Randy Arozarena (.281/.381/.484, 26 HR, 79 RBI) and Seiya Suzuki (.270/.368/.473, 26 HR, 86 RBI) top the list, offering consistent production and true outfield experience. More affordable options include Ian Happ and Taylor Ward, while Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato (.306/.383/.609, 39 HR) and former breakout Jake Bauers are listed as backup corner‑outfield candidates despite being infield primaries. Center‑field focus lands on Daulton Varsho, who seeks a one‑year prove‑it deal after a down season. The article breaks down each position’s top free agents and provides stat cards for quick evaluation.
Zach Agnos proved more valuable than spectacular for the Colorado Rockies in 2026, posting a 0.1 rWAR over 91 innings—the most he’s ever thrown. The versatile right‑hander logged three starts, two saves and countless multi‑inning relief outings, ending with a 5.93 ERA and 1.51 WHIP. After a rough March‑June stretch (8.21 ERA), he surged in July‑August, allowing just six earned runs in 27.1 innings (1.98 ERA) before regressing in September (8.76 ERA) as fatigue set in. Highlights include a five‑scoreless‑inning start on May 21 against Arizona and two early‑season saves versus Houston and the Mets. Agnos' mixed performance raises questions about his durability and future role.
The Bluebird Banter piece celebrates two former Blue Jays—right‑fielder Jesse Barfield’s 67th birthday and knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey’s 52nd. Barfield, a 1977 draftee who spent nine seasons in Toronto, ranks near the top of several franchise leaderboards, earned two Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger and an All‑Star nod, and was famed for his cannon‑arm and outfield assists from 1985‑87. Dickey, acquired from the Mets in a blockbuster trade, logged four Jays seasons (49‑52 record, 4.03 ERA) with mixed starts but helped the club reach the 2015 and 2016 playoffs, posting notable postseason outings. Both players are remembered for their unique contributions and remain active voices in baseball lore.
The Just Baseball piece grades every New York Mets player after a disastrous 2026 campaign that landed the club in last place in the NL East. Catcher Francisco Alvarez receives a C‑, noting flashes of power but defensive inconsistency, while backup Luis Torrens earns a B for strong defense and a late‑season offensive surge. First baseman Jared Young surprises with a B grade, posting a .266 slash line and stellar right‑handed splits. In contrast, Mark Vientos (F) and Marcus Semien (F) flop, with Vientos seeing minimal production and Semien delivering subpar offense and defense. Shortstop Francisco Lindor lands a C+ after a slow start and calf injury, despite 21 homers. The grades highlight key underperformers and a few bright spots, setting the stage for the Mets’ offseason moves.
Orioles right‑hander Ryan Helsley exercises his $14 million player option, securing a spot with Baltimore through the 2027 season before re‑entering free agency next winter. The decision follows his two‑year, $28 million contract signed after a rough finish to his 2025 campaign with the Mets. Injuries limited Helsley to just 15 1/3 innings in 2026, and he ended the year on the 60‑day injured list with elbow discomfort, making the option a foregone conclusion.
The Chicago Cubs have restructured assistant hitting coach John Mallee’s contract to prevent him from joining the New York Mets, keeping the veteran behind the plate after rumors of a move surfaced. Mallee, now in his fifth season since returning to Chicago, helped young outfielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong blossom into a star and is praised for blending analytics with player‑focused communication. The club also faced coaching turnover, with pitching coach Chris Bosio not renewed, bench coach Dave Martinez leaving for the Nationals, and assistant hitting coach Eric Hinske heading to Anaheim. Mallee’s willingness to adapt and set aside ego has made him a rare retained coach in a role where turnover is common.
The New York Mets’ acquisition of former All‑Star second baseman Marcus Semien has backfired in 2026. After a trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to Texas, Semien posted a career‑low 74 wRC+, the worst of his career, and saw his defense collapse, losing range and slipping from Gold Glove form. His -0.5 fWAR made him one of the team’s least valuable position players, even trailing Mark Vientos and Jorge Polanco. The article argues the trade was driven more by salary relief and Nimmo’s departure than any expectation of Semien’s rebound, and his performance has become a symbol of the Mets’ underwhelming season.
The Milwaukee Brewers win the 2026 World Series, and the Yankees, Mets and Phillies immediately shift to 2027 planning. Free agency opens Thursday, Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. ET with a five‑day exclusive negotiating window, followed by open market signings on Nov. 2. Key offseason milestones include award announcements (Gold Glove on Nov. 1, MVP on Nov. 12), the non‑tender deadline (Nov. 20), CBA expiration (Dec. 1), and the Winter Meetings (Dec. 7‑10) featuring the draft lottery and Rule 5 Draft. The clubs face crucial decisions: Yankees weigh closer David Bednar and pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, Mets assess Bo Bichette and target Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, while Phillies consider contracts for Alec Bohm, Luis Arraez and promote prospects Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford.
The Milwaukee Brewers capture their first-ever World Series title, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 5‑0 in Game 5 on Oct 28, 2026, with catcher William Contreras hoisting the MVP trophy. Meanwhile, the Mets' offseason chatter includes missed coaching moves, speculation on targeting pitcher Tarik Skubal and reliever Teruaki Sato, and former Met Zack Wheeler earning NL Comeback Player of the Year. Additional MLB notes cover Braves’ Owen Murphy, a possible Jake Irvin move for the Nationals, and a look at Mark Vientos’ slump.
Sportsnaut outlines one likely trade target from each AL West club ahead of the 2027 season. The Astros could move 35‑year‑old first baseman Christian Walker—who’s hit 25+ homers for five straight years—if a team like the Diamondbacks, Guardians or Tigers bites. The Rangers may flip left‑hander MacKenzie Gore, whose 2026 season posted a 4.58 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, to suitors such as the Marlins, Mets or Tigers. Seattle’s durable right‑hander Logan Gilbert, a $15 million man with a 3.60 ERA over 2021‑26, might be dealt if the Mariners choose a rebuild, with the Cubs, Diamondbacks or Padres in the mix. Oakland’s catcher Shea Langeliers is also flagged as a potential mover. Each player’s contract status and recent performance fuel the speculation.