Jared Banner steps in as the Baltimore Orioles' new general manager, bringing an outside perspective after years of internal promotions. In his inaugural press conference, Banner—known for his humor and brevity—explains he'll oversee players, coaches, development, and health, while President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias focuses on scouting and acquisitions. Elias praised Banner’s reputation and highlights a small yet growing front office, noting three assistant GMs and upcoming hires. Banner has already contacted manager Craig Albernaz, Cal Ripken Jr., and former stars Jim Palmer and Adam Jones, aiming to blend insights from his stints with the Red Sox, Cubs and Mets. Meanwhile, starter Chris Bassitt earns the MLBPA's Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award.
The New York Mets’ shortstop Bo Bichette is poised to exercise his $42 million player option, keeping him in Queens for the 2027 season. Per a New York Post report, Bichette has a five‑day window after the World Series to confirm the decision. His stay solidifies the in‑field core alongside Francisco Lindor as the Mets gear up for a roster overhaul, including an aggressive pursuit of Japanese power hitter Teruaki Sato by president David Stearns. Manager Andy Green will now juggle Bichette’s defensive assignments while integrating new talent.
New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns flies to Japan immediately after the 2026 season to scout power hitter Teruaki Sato, signaling the club’s serious intent to add the Japanese slugger amid rumored competition from the Yankees. The Mets are also linked to former Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal and are targeting veteran rotation arms like Matthew Boyd, Joe Ryan and Reid Detmers, while exploring first‑base options such as Jake Bauers, Ty France and Paul Goldschmidt. In the bullpen, Stearns prioritizes swing‑and‑miss relievers to back closer Devin Williams, underscoring an aggressive offseason overhaul.
The New York Mets are eyeing a roster overhaul for 2027, with pitcher Tarik Skubal topping their priority list, according to SNY insider Chelsea Janes. While Skubal remains a target, the Mets may also chase another high‑profile starter such as Joe Ryan, Nick Martinez, Drew Rasmussen, or George Kirby. Meanwhile, GM David Stearns has scouted Japanese infielder Teruaki Sato in person, joining the Yankees, Angels, Red Sox and Phillies in the chase. After a disappointing 74‑88 finish in 2026, the club promoted Andy Green to full‑time manager and aims to build around Juan Soto and Bo Bichette.
The Cubs face a massive rotation overhaul after Kevin Gausman, Shota Imanaga and David Peterson hit free agency and options on Matthew Boyd and Clay Holmes likely expire. With injured arms like Justin Steele, Cade Horton and Ben Brown limiting options, President Jed Hoyer says pitching is the offseason priority, but budget constraints will shape the hunt. Five free‑agent targets fit the Cubs’ value‑first mold: Japanese ace with a 1.36 ERA (projected $30‑$60 M/3 yr), former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber (potentially $13 M for one year), groundball specialist Clay Holmes ($22 M/yr), former Cub David Peterson ($10‑$13 M/yr) and veteran Nick Martinez ($20‑$24 M/yr). These deals could anchor Chicago’s 2027 rotation.
After a 9-3 loss to the Dodgers, Mets broadcasters Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling and Gary Cohen faced speculation when Darling hinted he might reassess his SNY contract year‑by‑year. Despite a two‑year deal, Darling later told SNY’s The Mets Pod that he’s “lucky” to be on the booth and will stay as long as the trio and the network want him, emphasizing his desire to see a championship. He also expressed envy of TBS partner Brian Anderson’s World Series viewing. With Hernandez on a three‑year contract, Cohen unsettled, and MLB’s CBA still pending, the trio appears set to remain together for at least the next two seasons.
TV analyst and former Mets pitcher Ron Darling doubts the Mets should splash a record‑breaking $500 million‑plus contract on Tarik Skubal, even if the two‑time Cy Young winner is the league’s top arm. He argues that Skubal, like many elite starters, rarely pitches beyond five or six innings, questioning the value of such a massive deal for limited innings. The Mets, coming off a disappointing 74‑88 season and heading into free‑agency before a Dec. 1 lockout, face pressure from owner Steve Cohen to spend big, but Darling’s caution highlights the risk of overpaying for partial‑game contributions.
Even before the 2026 World Series concludes, speculation links two Tampa Bay Rays pitchers to the New York Mets. SNY’s Chelsea Janes mentions starter Drew Rasmussen and reliever Nick Martinez as potential Mets acquisitions, though she admits the Mets haven’t confirmed interest. Both have 2027 options—Rasmussen a club option, Martinez a mutual option—making a trade possible if Tampa Bay can’t re‑sign them. The Rays just edged the Milwaukee Brewers 4‑3 to avoid a sweep, while the Mets, missing the playoffs, look to boost a rotation that could also target Tarik Skubal.
With Teruaki Sato set to be arguably the most sought-after position player in free agency, the New York Mets look like a team to monitor for the Japanese star.
In the second installment of his Mariners coaching deep‑dive, the author turns to NL East prospects while the AL East and NL Central battle in the World Series. He profiles three under‑the‑radar candidates: Phillies third‑base coach Anthony Contreras, a West‑coast native and former IronPigs manager now possibly available after the team hired Carlos Mendoza; Mets director of defense Tucker Frawley, a former Yale assistant known for his analytical approach to infield play; and free‑agent former Mariners infielder Matt Tuiasosopo, whose PNW roots and recent stint as a Braves minor‑league coordinator could make him a hometown fit. Each profile includes age, current role, and a player quote highlighting their coaching style.
Mark Vientos’s 2024 breakout—27 homers, a career‑high 131 wRC+ and a postseason home run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto—has turned into a cautionary tale. After a steep drop in 2025 (96 wRC+, .702 OPS) he struggled again in 2026, bouncing between DH and first base. He opened strong (.476/.522/.714 in his first 21 at‑bats) but soon slumped to .227/.255/.341, ending the season with a dismal .182/.229/.309 slash line against right‑handed pitchers and just 48 wRC+. Despite modest success against lefties (119 wRC+), his strikeout rate and defensive woes signal the Mets’ former star may never recapture his 2024 form.
The Tampa Bay Rays stay alive in the 2026 World Series as Ben Williamson delivers a walk‑off single in Game Four against the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field on Oct. 27. The post also spotlights Mets news: SNY’s Danny Abriano debates a bullpen rebuild, Carson Benge is the Mets’ Heart and Hustle Award nominee, and Ron Darling addresses his SNY booth future. Across MLB, Jim Bowden ranks the top 40 free agents, Cam Schlittler emerges as a Cy Young contender, Jackson Chourio shines in the postseason, and Aaron Ashby sets a record for the longest scoreless streak by a reliever in postseason history. The article rounds out with a Mets history note and a recap of recent Amazin’ Avenue commentary.
Sportsnaut outlines one trade candidate from each AL Central club ahead of the 2027 season. The Guardians may move outfielder Steven Kwan, a .282 hitter with a career‑high 85 walks in 2026, for corner‑outfield help. The White Sox could flip first baseman Munetaka Murakami, who posted a 20‑home‑run half‑season before a post‑injury dip, despite his $17 million 2027 salary. The Twins might part with right‑hander Pablo López, fresh from UCL surgery but fresh off a 2.74 ERA in 2025, to shed his $18.4 million contract. Detroit’s utility man Javier Báez, after a strong 2025 start but inconsistent 2026 production, is also on the chopping block. Potential destinations include the Cubs, Mariners, Padres, Diamondbacks, Mets, Twins, Blue Jays, Giants, and White Sox.
The Philadelphia Phillies overhaul their coaching crew as Don Mattingly signs a two‑year contract to manage. On Oct. 28, they appoint Peter Fatse as hitting coach with Joe Cronin and Edwar Gonzalez as assistant hitting coaches, and add former Mets manager Carlos Mendoza as a senior advisor. The new trio will focus on improving plate discipline and run production to push the Phillies back into postseason contention, while Mattingly aims to implement a unified offensive philosophy from spring training onward.
The rookie outfielder had an incredible debut season in 2026.
As the Rays chase a World Series title, seven players—Nick Martinez, Cedric Mullins, Gavin Lux, Freddy Peralta, Jorge Mateo, Jake Fraley and Austin Slater—are set to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season. Pitcher Drew Rasmussen and outfielder Taylor Walls each carry club options that could keep them in Tampa Bay for 2027. Peralta, fresh off a breakout year, draws interest from the Angels, Giants and Mets, though he has hinted he’d stay if the Rays meet his value expectations. The article breaks down each contract situation and the roster outlook.
New Orioles GM Jared Banner, a former Cubs assistant GM with stints at the Red Sox and Mets, meets with President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias to outline their partnership. Banner will oversee internal players, coaches, development, performance and health, while Elias focuses on scouting, acquisitions and contracts. Both acknowledge they’ll have “uncomfortable conversations” to drive improvement. Banner praised Baltimore’s fan base and ownership, and pledged commitment to turning recent losing seasons into a contender. He’s already engaged with Orioles legends like Cal Ripken Jr., Craig Albernaz and Jim Palmer.
Cubs assistant hitting coach John Mallee, famed as Pete Crow‑Armstrong’s “baseball dad,” declines a Mets offer and stays in Chicago. Mallee’s bond with the young outfielder has been credited with improving Crow‑Armstrong’s discipline and on‑field performance, a relationship praised by GM Jed Hoyer. While Chicago faces a major offseason rebuild—including a new rotation, catcher and corner outfielders—retaining the full coaching staff, especially Mallee, offers a rare bright spot.
The New York Mets' historic last-out ball from Game 7 of the 1986 World Series is now on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Autumn Glory exhibit in Cooperstown. On Oct. 27, 1986, Jesse Orosco struck out Marty Barrett to secure a 8-5 win over the Boston Red Sox, clinching the Mets' second championship. The ball, loaned by longtime fan Travis Kadish—who bought it at a 2025 auction—joins other artifacts celebrating the 40th anniversary of the series. Visitors can see the ball that landed in Hall of Famer Gary Carter’s mitt, a tangible piece of one of baseball’s most dramatic finales.
As the World Series unfolds, Jay Horwitz revisits Mets legend Cleon Jones, who caught the final out of the 1969 championship. Now 84, Jones channels that historic moment into community work through his Last Out Foundation, rebuilding his hometown of Africatown, Mobile, Alabama. He and his family spend each day repairing roofs, mowing lawns, and beautifying the area that nurtured his baseball dreams. “I owe everything to the people of Africatown,” Jones says, highlighting his commitment to give back where his career began.
Ronny Mauricio’s 2026 Mets season is defined by missed chances and fleeting flashes. After multiple recalls—April 6, April 23, June 25 and September 18—he logged just 25 games (62 PA) with a .220/.258/.441 line, a wRC+ of 91 and a -0.2 fWAR. Injuries, including a fractured thumb on May 3, limited his impact. Highlights include a walk‑off hit in April, a 421‑foot go‑ahead homer versus the Angels in May, and a late surge in September where he posted a .294/.400/.824 slash and three homers in his final two games. Yet the timing fell short of the Mets’ needs.
The Milwaukee Brewers crush the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series, seizing a 3‑0 series lead thanks to an eight‑run fifth inning and a six‑scoreless‑inning performance by rookie Robert Gasser. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Mariners are interviewing former Astros manager Joe Espada and Cubs development chief Jason Kanzler for their next manager, and former Mariner Daniel Vogelbach, now a Brewers hitting coach, is praised for his offensive impact. Additionally, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor earns the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award for community service.
The Brewers steamroll the Rays 10-0 in Game 3, extending their three‑week unbeaten run and eyeing a record postseason winning streak as they move within four wins of the title. Tampa Bay faces elimination, with Freddy Peralta charged with five runs in 4⅔ innings and Griffin Jax slated to preserve the season. Meanwhile, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is announced the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award winner for his charitable work in Puerto Rico and school‑supply initiatives.
Rookie right‑hander Anthony Nunez emerged as a bright spot in the Orioles' chaotic 2025‑26 rebuild. Acquired from the Mets in the Cedric Mullins trade, Nunez made the Opening Day roster after a flawless spring and logged a team‑high 52 bullpen appearances, posting a 4.07 ERA (100 ERA+) and 10 K/9 over the season. His journey—from a 29th‑round Padres pick and Division II two‑way player to a Triple‑A standout with a 0.80 WHIP—showcases his elite fastball, changeup and swing‑and‑miss slider. After early success (1.35 ERA in his first dozen games), hitters adjusted and his ERA rose to 5.67 by May, leading to a brief demotion before he finished the year solidly in Baltimore’s bullpen.
Francisco Lindor receives the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, becoming the fifth Met honored since 1971 and the first since Curtis Granderson in 2016. The award was presented before Game 3 of the World Series, where the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 and moved within one win of their first title. The piece also notes Mets offseason moves, including a new Major League Coach hire, pitching depth needs, and the upcoming MetsGiving Food Drive on Nov. 12.