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Mets allegedly hire Johnny Washington as major league co-hitting coach
The New York Mets are set to add Johnny Washington as a co‑hitting coach, according to sources cited by Joel Sherman. Washington, who most recently served as the Braves’ farm system hitting coordinator, replaces Jeff Albert’s former director‑of‑hitting role and will share duties with Troy Snitker and assistant Rafael Fernandez. Washington’s résumé includes stints as the Padres’ first‑base coach (2017‑18), their hitting coach (2019), a KBO hitting coach for the Hanwha Eagles (2021), the Cubs’ assistant hitting coach (2022), and the Angels’ hitting coach in 2023 before being dismissed earlier this year. The move signals the Mets’ push to revamp their offense for the 2026 season.
Mets International Free Agent Profile: Jyun-Yue Tseng
Mets scout Jyun-Yue Tseng, a 24‑year‑old right‑handed reliever from Taiwan, becomes an international free agent after a dominant stint with the CPBL’s Fubon Guardians. The 5’8”, 150‑lb pitcher posted a 1.57 ERA with 25 saves in 2026, complementing a flawless World Baseball Classic showing (2 scoreless innings, 1 save). Known for a low‑to‑mid‑90s fastball that can touch the high‑90s and a standout splitter, Tseng’s high‑three‑quarters arm slot and flat release create deceptive vertical movement despite average spin. His consistent yearly ERAs (as low as 1.22 in 2023) and Rookie of the Year award make him a compelling, albeit undersized, MLB prospect.
Mets Morning News: Mets hire former catcher A.J. Ellis as strategy coordinator
The New York Mets have added former San Diego Padres catcher A.J. Ellis to their major‑league staff as a strategy coordinator, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Ellis joins a roster that may still be shaping its 2027 rotation, with pending decisions on pitchers like Tarik Skubal. The hire arrives amid broader offseason moves across the NL East, including the Braves retaining their coaching staff and the Orioles eyeing trades involving Pete Alonso.
Mets reportedly add A.J. Ellis to major-league coaching staff
The New York Mets are adding former catcher A.J. Ellis to their staff as a major‑league strategy coordinator, according to sources cited by The Athletic. Ellis joins from the San Diego Padres, where he served as a special assistant since 2019 after an 11‑year MLB career that included stints with the Dodgers, Phillies, Marlins and Padres. Known for mentoring younger players, Ellis replaces a vacant coaching slot alongside the promotion of Mariano Duncan, while the Mets still seek a new hitting director.
Mets International Free Agent Profile: Kaima Taira
Mets International scout profile spotlights Kaima Taira, the 5'8" right‑hander from Ishigaki who rose from a high‑school outfielder to a dominant NPB reliever. Drafted by the Saitama Seibu Lions in 2017, Taira hit 99 MPH in 2020, joining an elite six‑player club. He earned Pacific League Rookie of the Year (2020) and set a new NPB record with 39 consecutive scoreless innings in 2021, finishing the season with a 0.90 ERA, 21 holds and 20 saves. After COVID‑related setbacks, he reclaimed the closer role in 2022 and earned a second All‑Star selection. The piece details his progression, stats and potential as a free‑agent asset for the Mets.
Mets Morning News: More salary cap nonsense
The Mets Morning News roundup covers the offseason buzz around New York, from Anthony McCarron's bold predictions for the Mets and Yankees to Tim Britton and Will Sammon's take on the Mets' pitching priorities and pursuit of Japanese free agent Teruaki Sato. It notes Alec Bohm’s free‑agent status, the Yankees brushing off criticism, and the Rays’ post‑World Series letter from owner Patrick Zalupski. MLB’s new CBA proposal to phase in a salary cap and floor by 2028 sparks opposition from the MLBPA. Highlights include ESPN’s top‑50 free‑agent list, Erik Neander’s plan for Drew Rasmussen in 2027, and notable staff moves with the Mariners hiring Jason Kanzler and David Bell exiting the Blue Jays.
A Pod of Their Own, Episode 295: Roster management
In episode 295 of the all‑women‑led "A Pod of Their Own" podcast, the hosts discuss several Mets‑related topics: Bo Bichette’s option for 2027, a 40‑man waiver wire shuffle, Nolan McLean’s Gold Glove award, and Carson Benge’s Rookie‑of‑the‑Year finalist status, while also mourning former pitcher Jerry Koosman. They then shift to the Brewers finally ending their World Series drought and examine MLB owners’ political contributions. The episode wraps with a “Walk‑off Wins” segment where each host shares personal highlights of the week.
Xzavion Curry wasn’t an X-Factor for the 2026 Mets
Despite a chaotic career path, right‑hander Xzavion Curry surprised the New York Mets in 2026. Signed to a minor‑league deal in May after flailing with the Marlins, Rockies and a Mexican League team, Curry posted a 4.74 ERA in 49.1 Triple‑A innings before his July call‑up. In the majors he logged nine appearances (one start) with a 5.48 ERA over 21.1 innings, but excluding a disastrous three‑inning, six‑run outing against Baltimore, his MLB ERA drops to 3.44. He led Syracuse’s rotation with a 3.36 ERA in 72.1 innings and struck out 41. At 28, Curry’s odd‑ball season may earn him another year in affiliated baseball.
Mets Morning News: Carson Benge, NL Rookie of the Year finalist
Carson Benge, who set a Mets rookie hits record with 156 and helped the team beat the Phillies 10-3 on September 19, is named a National League Rookie of the Year finalist. The offseason buzz includes Mets GM David Stearns’ minor acquisitions—claiming Jack Anderson and Pierson Ohl and signing reliever Christian Cairo—while the club moves ticket sales up to Nov. 12. Around the NL East, Chris Sale and Cristopher Sánchez are Cy Young finalists, and Jhoan Duran makes the Reliever of the Year list. The article also notes several award finalists, free‑agency speculation, and a nod to Mets history.
Carson Benge named a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year Award
Carson Benge joins Sal Stewart (Cincinnati) and JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis) as the trio of National League Rookie of the Year finalists, with the winner set for MLB Network on Nov. 9. Benge, the Mets’ 23‑year‑old outfielder, posted a .321 average and .896 OPS in his last 48 games, logged a historic 20/20 season and led the majors in Arm Value. Stewart logged 32 homers and 111 RBIs, the most by a rookie since 2019, while Wetherholt topped NL rookies with 4.6 fWAR despite an IL stint. The Mets haven’t had a ROY finalist since 2023 and no position‑player votes since 2020.
Mets make a series of small moves on first afternoon of free agency
The Mets officially open free agency by adding infielder Christian Cairo (one‑year split deal) and claiming right‑handers Jack Anderson and Pierson Ohl off waivers, then quickly DFAing Cairo and new signee Kyren Paris. Cairo, a 25‑year‑old former Phillies Triple‑A player, posts a .233/.361/.314 line in Triple‑A. Anderson, 27, logged 12.1 MLB innings in 2026, while Ohl, also 27, missed 2026 after Tommy John surgery. Outgoing pieces include RHP Philip Abner and LHP Cameron Weston (claimed by Orioles and Marlins), first‑baseman Eric Wagaman (free agency) and Cristian Pache (sent to Triple‑A). Reinstated from the 60‑day IL are Tylor Megill, Reed Garrett and Jorge Polanco.
Sandy Alderson on Hall of Fame ballot for contemporary era
The National Baseball Hall of Fame places longtime executive Sandy Alderson on the Contemporary Era ballot. Alderson rose from private attorney to Oakland Athletics general counsel in 1981, became GM and guided the A’s to three straight World Series (1988‑1990) and a 1990 pennant. He later served as MLB’s EVP of baseball (1998‑2005), CEO of the San Diego Padres (2005‑2009), and became the New York Mets’ GM in 2011, extending David Wright, acquiring Zack Wheeler and drafting Jacob de Grom. His moves helped the Mets reach the 2015 World Series and earn him Executive of the Year honors. He shifted to team president in 2022 before moving into an advisory role.
Jerry Koosman, dead at 83
The baseball world mourns the loss of former New York Mets left‑hander Jerry Koosman, who died at 83. A key figure in the Mets' 1969 World Series championship and 1973 NL title, Koosman posted a 140‑137 record, a 3.07 ERA and 53.6 bWAR over 12 seasons with New York. He earned All‑Star nods in 1968‑69, won 21 games in 1976 and finished second in Cy Young voting that year. His number 36 was retired in 2021 after his 1989 Hall of Fame induction. Koosman is survived by three children and four grandchildren.
The Mets shouldn’t sign Tarik Skubal
Despite Tarik Skubal’s staggering résumé—two Cy Young Awards, a pitcher Triple Crown, a 2.47 ERA since July 2023 and a projected $350‑500 M contract—the author argues the New York Mets should pass. Skubal’s injury history (flexor tendon surgery in 2022, elbow procedure in 2026, plus a 2016 Tommy John) raises red flags, and data show pitchers who hit 20+ pre‑30 fWAR typically add only about 11 fWAR after 30. Coupled with a shifting CBA, the Mets face high risk for a costly free‑agent ace.
Mets Morning News: Golden Goodbye
The Mets mourn the loss of Hall of Famer Jerry Koosman, the left‑handed pitcher who secured the 1969 World Series title, who dies at 83. The organization, via Steve and Alex Cohen, hailed his irreplaceable role in the championship team. Meanwhile, Nolan McLean becomes the Mets’ first Gold Glove winner since 2014, and the club begins early free‑agency projections ahead of the December 1 lockout. In the NL East, the Nationals look to maximize Connolly Early’s 2027 upside, while the Braves see Mauricio Dubón and Matt Olson add Gold Glove honors. MLB announced the 2026 Gold Glove winners on ESPN, and a quartet of KBO/NPB players were posted.
Mets Arizona Fall League Review: Week Four
In Week Four of the Arizona Fall League, the Surprise Saguaros struggled, posting a 12-9 record with heavy losses to Salt River (20‑4, 11‑2) and a rain‑canceled game on Oct. 30. Key contributors included Cole Mathis (10 games, .150/.306/.250) and Boston Baro (.214/.421/.357 with a homer), while pitcher Calvin Ziegler posted a rough 22.50 ERA over 4 innings. Standout arms Ryan Lambert and Brendan Girton maintain spotless ERAs, but overall the team’s offense and starting pitching lag behind rivals.
Nolan McLean wins Gold Glove
Nolan McLean becomes the first rookie pitcher to capture a Rawlings Gold Glove, winning over Michael McGreevy and Chris Sale. In 31 starts (179.2 innings) he posted a +4 DRS (fifth among pitchers), 16 putouts, 24 assists and allowed only eight stolen‑base attempts, while posting a 3.5 fWAR and Rookie‑of‑the‑Year buzz. The Mets also had finalists Carson Benge (right field) and Luis Torrens (catcher), though Torrens lost the glove to Gabriel Moreno. The awards were announced on ESPN, with fan voting for the Platinum Glove open through Nov. 5 and the ceremony set for Nov. 6.
The 2026-27 Amazin’ Avenue Offseason Plan Contest (AAOP)
Amazin' Avenue announces the 2026‑27 Offseason Plan Contest (AAOP), inviting fans to craft a realistic Mets payroll strategy for 2027. Submissions must be titled "AAOP:" and posted in the Feed, with an optional Google Doc link, and a PDF uploaded via JotForm by Saturday, Nov 14, 11:59 PM. The 2027 payroll cap is $330 M, with luxury tax thresholds at $248 M, $288 M, and $308 M influencing judging. AI‑generated content is banned, and entries are judged on readability, creativity, and realism. Resources include arbitration salary tables, Spotrac, and MLBTR for free‑agent data.
Dylan Ross was cleared for takeoff in 2026 but did not fly
After a breakout 2025 in Triple-A Syracuse (2.17 ERA, 80 Ks), right‑hander Dylan Ross struggled in 2026. He began the season on the injured list, debuted poorly for the New York Mets, and posted a 6.94 ERA in 36.1 MLB innings. Recalled on September 1, Ross threw a scoreless seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays but was sent back to Syracuse, where he improved to a 3.53 ERA over 7.2 innings. Overall, his Triple‑A numbers slipped to a 6.34 ERA, with a troubling 7.6 BB/9 rate and nine home runs allowed. Despite elite swing‑and‑miss stuff, his command woes raise questions about his major‑league future.
Mets Morning News: Fall back option
The Mets morning roundup highlights offseason moves and historical notes. Danny Abriano weighs the pros and cons of adding pitcher Tarik Skubal, while MLB.com’s Will Leitch ranks the Mets fifth among clubs seeking their first World Series since 1998. Key free‑agency updates: the Orioles decline Luis Robert’s $20 million option, making him a free agent; the Rays exercise Drew Rasmussen’s $20 million option, a franchise record; and the Padres drop Nick Pivetta’s $14 million clause. The article also notes former Astros GM Dana Brown joining the Braves as a senior scouting advisor and revisits a 1972 trade that sent Gary Gentry to Atlanta. A photo of Luis Robert Jr.’s solo homer on Aug. 18 caps the piece.
MJ Melendez was a microcosm of the offseason
MJ Melendez’s 2026 Mets stint epitomized the team’s uneven offseason. The 27‑year‑old former top‑100 prospect, released by Kansas City after a down year, posted a .191/.315/.350 slash line with a 91 WRC+ for New York, primarily as a bench player. In April, his 191 WRC+ shone amid the Mets’ league‑low 77 WRC+, but his production nosedived to 54 WRC+ in May and 71 WRC+ in June, leading to a demotion to Syracuse. Melendez became a free agent in October, likely eyeing a minor‑league deal. His brief flash of value mirrors the Mets’ inconsistent 2026 campaign.
Daniel Duarte turned his career around in 2026
After a career‑threatening elbow injury that kept him out for 2024 and 2025, right‑hander Daniel Duarte erupts in 2026. He signs a minor‑league deal with the New York Mets, shines for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic—retiring Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber in order—and earns a call‑up after 12 solid outings with Triple‑A Syracuse. Duarte records seven straight scoreless appearances for the Mets, repeats a nine‑game scoreless streak later, and posts career‑best marks: 26.8% strikeout rate, 24.3% hard‑hit rate and a 2.88 xERA. A September hamstring injury ends a breakout year that could cement his bullpen role for 2027.
Mets Morning News: Celebration in Milwaukee
The Mets Morning News spotlights the Brewers' historic World Series win, with Milwaukee holding a victory parade on Oct. 30, 2026. The piece hints at Mets offseason moves, naming free-agent pitcher Teruaki Sato and noting the Braves' signing of 17‑year‑old Cuban catcher Anthony Calderon. It also recaps league-wide roster moves: the Marlins pick up Sandy Alcántara’s 2027 option, the Nationals lose hitting coach CJ Gillman to Seattle, and the Astros hire former Cardinals assistant GM Randy Flores. Finally, it recalls Tom Seaver’s second Cy Young Award on this date in 1973.
Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World Series, Episode 247: The Calm Before the Storm Before the Calm
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.
Back in Stock: Robert’s return was quietly one of the Mets’ best stories of 2026
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.
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