Padres

Should the Mets target Grisham?

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It seems like a lot of players had a shitty 2022 and Trent Grisham wasn’t an exception to that category, Unfortunately, that might factor him into being the odd man out of the Padres lineup for the 2023 campaign.

With Fernando Tatis Jr moving to the outfield due to the acquisition of Xander Bogaerts, the Padres could opt to move Grisham to the bench.

Grisham slashed an abysmal .184/.284/.341/.626 in 2022, which could very well work in the Mets favor if he’s on the block. With every single team looking to get their hands on prospects Fransisco Alvarez and Ronny Mauricio, the Padres have no right asking for either in this potential trade.

Obviously, Grisham has had a better career than his last year would suggest, however not so much so. His career slash line is .222/.316/.395/.711 while averaging 20 home runs per every 162 games played.

Via BaseballSavant.com

While all that is great, what he would bring to the table for the Mets most importantly is solid outfield defensive options. He’s the best in the league when it comes to OOA (Outs Above Average), with a top tier ranking for outfielder jump and an above average arm.

The Burleson, Texas native was drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft. That particular draft was headlined by shortstops Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman.

This wouldn’t be the sexiest acquisition, but how sexy can you get when it comes to a fourth or even fifth outfielder.

So even though I don’t see him getting 500 at-bats in this Mets lineup, they could find 300 for him. Especially with a manager like Buck Showalter calling the shots.

Mets Have Best Prospect in MLB

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Listen, Francisco Alvarez is the real fuckin’ deal (Pardon my language, I’m dealing with a whole heap of depression and must take it out on my writing). The good folks over at MLB.com have updated their Top Prospects List, and yes, our Francisco is topped off at the number one spot.

There’s no telling how great of a career this youngster can have, especially once he’s completely comfortable in handling calling a major league game. That’s probably where the true test lies, knowing your pitchers, knowing your opponents, creating a game plan.

However, it’s so clear that we’re not the only ones aware of this tank sized catcher that’s about to take over a majority of the catcher’s duties going forward (Just my opinion, no official word has been released).

He’s hit at every level, except for his short stint with the actual big league club. However, his MiLB slash line is .274/.384/.526/.910 in 895 at-bats, just about two seasons of MiLB ball.

It’s no surprise to me, it shouldn’t be to any other Mets fans at all. But the cool thing is, now the rest of the league is starting to hear and learn about Alvarez, and I just don’t think they’re ready for this beast.

Bellinger opts to sign with Cubs

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I’m not sure if the New York Mets front office had their hopes set on signing former MVP Cody Bellinger, especially with the tremendous amount of uncertainty surrounding outfielder Brandon Nimmo. However, if they did, you can consider those hopes and expectations to now be crushed.

Bellinger, a true lefty that plays first base, as well as all three outfield positions, has inked a one year deal with the Chicago Cubs.

Bellinger’s deal is worth $17.5M however, he will be paid $12M for the upcoming 2023 season. The deal is equipped with a mutual option for 2024, as well as a $5.5M buyout, which will likely be utilized instead of the mutual option for the following season.

Poll: Who will be in the Mets rotation?

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With Jacob deGrom gone, the Mets have a big pair of cleats to fill. So, who should the Mets acquire for their 2023 rotation? Vote below or on Twitter.

Mets have a huge hurdle in the Padres series

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No one has it easy when it comes to scheduling in the playoffs. Every team there has the makings to whoop ass and that’s what they’re going to try to do. Regardless if it’s the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Cleveland Guardians, that team is trying to send their opponents home packing in search of that illustrious World Series ring.

With all that said, the San Diego Padres have made huge strides in the past few years till as recent as this past August, when they acquired the MVP caliber outfielder Juan Soto. While Soto’s services did not come cheap, it’s all in effort to walk home as champions.

Soto has struggled a bit initially since joining the Padres, as the outfielder possesses a .236/.388/.390/.778 slash line in 52 games. However, he has turned it around in the past two weeks as he’s been hitting .309/.424/.545 in last 55 at-bats.

Another big name that found his way on the Padres is closer Josh Hader. Hader, much like Soto, struggled quite a bit when first joining the friars however has been better as of recently.

The left-hander hasn’t given up a run in his last 6.1 innings pitched. While this isn’t a long stretch, you’re definitely going to want your closer finding rhythm before your playoff run… perfect timing for Hader and the Padres.

This is a star-studded squad. Even with the self-inflicted loss of Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres are just as dangerous as the Yankees in the late 90’s.

And while Max Scherzer is one of the best pitchers in the league, Friday night’s contest won’t be an easy task for the veteran ace.