Pete Alonso is the centerpiece of the New York Mets offense, something on display in the Bronx the last two days. Obviously when he mashes two home runs, the team is likely to win, like the 9-3 win on Tuesday. His biggest hit was an early inning single to the opposite field; a small sign that things may be turning around. Then momentum appeared as the following day’s starting pitcher and his hot streak ended almost immediately.
On Wednesday, Alonso looked lost with runners on base, flailing at sliders near his shoe tops. Jose Quintana couldn’t keep runners off the bases with the Yankees bashing pitches the opposite way and taking advantage of the multiple fielding mistakes by Mark Vientos. Starting the rookie 1B/DH at 3rd base is one way Buck Showalter is showing me that the mindset has moved towards the future. Hopefully it’s one without Max Scherzer after the August 1 trade deadline.
Pundits have crowed about the amount owed to the elderly starter, but money is not a factor for Steve Cohen, owner of the Evil Empire 2.0. He’s already shown a willingness to pay for prospects with the last two deals (Eduardo Escobar & Trevor Gott). Yes, those combined and doubled weren’t as expensive as Scherzer’s salary, but those are calculations for regular folk to worry about.
The money needed to move Mad Max to another mound to stop around isn’t mine and it won’t cause Cohen to lose sleep. It’s also a move that needs to be made regardless if radio callers foolishly feels like they can contend for a wild card spot. I’d rather see David Peterson fail with his command than another Scherzer start without his good slider.
This would remove an over the hill starter from the 2024 roster. Yes; it would mean the team will likely need to sign another high-priced free agent over the winter, but it wouldn’t be someone who’s used 2023 to prove the game has gotten past him. But I’m likely alone in wanting to move on from Max. So while Max may remain a Met after the deadline, here are four more not likely to be as lucky.
Omar Navarez
With his experience, strong defense and some history as a capable offensive option, Narváez profiles as one of the league’s better backup catchers. And with Tomas Nido waiting in the wings, his addition now seems like it’s a forward thinking addition of a valuable chip for whatever is needed. What the Mets need is high-level prospects from an opponent’s minor league system and whether they’re going for it or not, Navarez’s time in a Mets uniform seemingly depends on what someone else is willing to give up.
Tommy Pham
Remember when every Mets fan wanted Tommy Pham released to clear space for anyone that wasn’t named Pham? Those days ended quickly after the 34-year old famously was told about the analytics that were keeping him on the bench. Since being told about his numbers against different armed pitchers, Pham has smashed everything while playing in all three outfield positions. That versatility and his free agency status next year makes him the most obvious player on the move. According to Eno Sarris of The Athletic, Pham ends up in LA to assist with the Dodgers’ right-handed hitting OF depth.
Mark Cahna
According to Eno Sarris of The Athletic, while Pham is the hardest hitting outfielder available; Cahna is easily one of the best defenders with a +5 DRS, which is better than Adam Duvall (-2 DRS), Tyler O’Neil (-2), and Randal Grichuk (-4). Cahna had three outfield assists at Fenway Park and would have had a highlight reel catch on Wednesday if not for the fan in the stands wearing a 1980s Mets gray road jersey with ‘New York’ in script.
There’s a movie script where Cahna continues to explore Manhattan restaurants as an unassuming patron and finds his one true love. But since he’s been married for nearly a decade, I’ll assume his wife will be OK with the new city that claims the rest of Cahna’s contract, minus the bulk that Cohen pays for a slightly better minor leaguer.
Adam Ottavino
The failure of the slider across baseball has been well documented, but an everyday occurrence when viewing the Mets’ bullpen. Ottavino depends on that pitch and without it, he’s been up and down after moving up the chain of command when Edwin Diaz when down in March. He was destined to be the 7th inning guy and with a player option for next season at $6.75 million with no buyout; it’s quite possible he returns to that role in 2024. But it’s also possible that Cohen buys him out and Ottavino ends up with any potential contender looking for bullpen help; which means any team in the league.
There are very few teams in the league that had the money to pay Justin Verlander and with a large option attached to next season; it’s highly unlikely that Cohen eats both aged starter’s salaries. Between the two, I’m rooting for last year’s AL Cy Young who’s just as disappointed with this season as any Mets fan.
“Look, we had high expectations. Obviously, we are not rising to that yet. But they’re still showing up. They’re still cheering (and) the fans have been great. You can tell they’re still rooting. They want us to win. The boos are just the frustration. We’re all frustrated. We want to win just as much or more than anyone else.”
This year, the possibility of winning meant paying Verlander to replace the departing deGrom. The current Met must be pleased his wife is able to find work easily in NYC. Recently, the former SI swimsuit model served as the star of Donna Karan Holiday 2022-2023 campaign. The photo series by David Roemer shows Upton with the classic skyscraper background, something not readily available in Arlington or Phoenix. What Cohen sold was what NYC offered as well as a long-term plan for success built on longevity from within.
“That’s what he’s said. And he’s done nothing but be true to his word. … If this year doesn’t end up going the way we all would like it to have, I don’t think that changes the long-term goal.”
If the Mets move all five players listed above, they could still compete for the final wild card. It would require obvious improvements to the lineup that start the same way the column did. Pete Alonso is the centerpiece of the Mets’ offense. As he goes, so goes the team’s chances at a late-season run and that’s the truth.
Upcoming series: Washington Nationals at New York Mets
Thursday, July 27 - 7:10 pm
Kodai Senga (7-5, 3.27 ERA) vs. Josiah Gray (7-8, 3.45 ERA)
Friday, July 28 - 7:10 pm
Max Scherzer (8-4, 4.20 ERA) vs. MacKenzie Gore (6-7, 4.37 ERA)
Saturday, July 29 - 7:10 pm
Carlos Carrasco (3-4, 5.82 ERA) vs. Patrick Corbin (6-11, 5.01 ERA)
Sunday, July 30 - 1:40 pm
Justin Verlander (5-5, 3.24 ERA) vs. Trevor Williams (5-5, 4.47 ERA)
- Mets 2024 Preview - Get Ready And Be Patient - March 28, 2024
- Edwin Diaz Shines In Spring Debut - March 11, 2024
- Mets notes From spring's first pitch in Florida - February 26, 2024
