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.
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.
A recent ESPN survey of 27 MLB insiders pinpoints seven possible destinations for free‑agent right‑hander Tarik Skubal. The Dodgers, Mets and Tigers top the list, with the Yankees close behind, while the Angels, White Sox and Padres are viewed as sleepers. Skubal posted a 12‑7 record, 2.72 ERA and 186 strikeouts in 158.2 innings this season. Insiders project contracts averaging eight years and $355 million (about $44.6 M annually), with most deals falling between $325‑$400 million. The start of free agency is five days after the World Series, but a CBA‑driven lockout looms after Dec. 1.
The 2020 World Series opens with back‑to‑back one‑run games for the first time since 2010, as the Tampa Bay Rays take a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers. Game 1 saw Texas edge St. Louis 3‑2, and the Cardinals returned the favor 2‑1 in Game 2. The last series with consecutive one‑run openings was in 2000, when the Yankees swept the Mets. Only four champions have ever won all four games by a single run—Boston (1915, 1918), the 1972 A’s, and the 1992 Blue Jays. Tonight’s matchup, a must‑win for the Rays, kicks off at 5 p.m. on FOX.
The 2026 World Series heads to Tampa Bay for Game 3 as the Brewers seek a third straight win after 1‑0 triumphs in Games 1 and 2. The spotlight is on former Brewer Freddy Peralta (2‑0, 1.08 postseason ERA) versus Milwaukee left‑hander Robert Gasser (0‑0, 1.00 ERA). Peralta, traded to the Mets then to the Rays, posted a 3.25 ERA in 10 regular‑season starts for Tampa Bay and boasts a 1.14 WHIP in the postseason. Gasser, in his first full rotation role, holds a 3.87 ERA in the regular season and a 0.89 ERA in two playoff outings. The series is tied 2‑0 in favor of Milwaukee, with Game 3 kicking off at 6 p.m. MDT on FOX.
The New York Mets have promoted Mariano Duncan to their coaching staff, appointing him to the newly created role of Major League coach. Duncan, 63, will assist the team’s position players in several areas while also serving as a batting-practice pitcher. He previously worked as the bench coach for the Mets’ Double-A affiliate, the Binghamton […]
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The New York Mets will add veteran Mariano Duncan to their major‑league coaching staff, working with position players, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Duncan, 63, brings 20+ years of coaching experience after a 13‑year MLB playing career with teams like the Dodgers and Yankees. Meanwhile, the Mets have ruled out Kevin Long and Cubs assistant hitting coach John Mallee for the vacant hitting role, leaving director of hitting Jeff Albert as the only remaining open spot. The moves signal a reshuffle of New York’s hitting staff ahead of the offseason.
Francisco Lindor received a prestigious honor on Monday as the New York Mets shortstop was given the Roberto Clemente Award for his work in the community.
New York Yankees World Series champion Mariano Duncan will join the Mets' coaching staff.
The New York Post reports that the New York Mets will add former utility man Mariano Duncan to Andy Green’s major‑league coaching staff. Duncan, 63, joins after seven years in the Mets’ minor‑league system, including stints as hitting coach for the Rookie‑level Kingsport Mets and bench coach at High‑A Brooklyn and Double‑A Binghamton. He’s slated to work with the position‑player group, having coached seven current 40‑man roster players such as Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez. Duncan’s 12‑year MLB career featured two World Series rings (1990 Reds, 1996 Yankees) and an All‑Star nod in 1994. The Mets still have a few coaching slots open ahead of Spring Training.
The Good Phight reviews Jose Urquidy’s surprise impact on the Phillies’ late‑season stretch. Picked up off waivers in September, Urquidy logged two appearances (including a 4 2/3‑inning, six‑strikeout, shutout start against the Mets on Sept. 18) that helped the beleaguered staff and contributed enough WAR to rank in the team’s top ten. While his only scheduled start faltered, the pitcher earned a solid B grade for delivering critical innings when the club needed them. The piece notes his uncertain future with Philadelphia beyond 2026.
Francisco Lindor is announced as the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award winner, joining fellow Mets Gary Carter, Al Leiter, Carlos Beltrán and Curtis Granderson. The honor recognizes his humanitarian service, highlighted by a private visit to teammate Ethan Wilson after brain surgery, where Lindor spent 45 minutes cheering him up. The article underscores Lindor’s character beyond the trophy, emphasizing his quiet dedication to teammates and the community.