Mets Roundup, Oct 29: Lindor's Clemente Win, Rookie Award Hopes, Strawberry's Drought Talk

[Grand Central Mets]

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers Francisco Lindor's Clemente Award win, standout performances by Benge, McLean, and Ewing, Darryl Strawberry's thoughts on the team's title drought, David Peterson's free agency prospects, Tarik Skubal's contract considerations, and the case for re-signing Clay Holmes over Robby Ray.

• Lindor wins 2026 Clemente Award, in spirit of his idol and countryman (MLB.com). Notes how Francisco Lindor won the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, highlighting his philanthropy, including over $1 million in donations to his alma mater, disaster relief efforts, and mentorship programs, following in the footsteps of his idol, Roberto Clemente.
• These Mets made their case for recognition this awards season (MLB.com). Notes that the Mets have a strong case for postseason individual awards, highlighting Benge's late-season surge with a .472 batting average, 20 home runs, and a .776 OPS, McLean's defensive excellence with five top-10 defensive runs saved and eight stolen base attempts, and Ewing's rookie record of 25 stolen bases.
• Darryl Strawberry ‘heartbroken’ over Mets’ 40-year title drought — but he’s not losing faith in team (New York Post $$$). Notes Darryl Strawberry's disappointment over the Mets' 40-year World Series drought, recalling his 1986 championship with the team and his decision not to watch the current Fall Classic unless it features New York baseball.
• Former NY Mets player has a chance to be a more coveted free agent than we ever thought (Rising Apple). Notes that David Peterson's improved performance with the Cubs, including a 3.70 ERA and 1.0 fWAR in 80 innings, has positioned him as a valuable free agent despite his struggles with the Mets and his age, though he is unlikely to return to New York.
• Could Tarik Skubal Be An Exception to Long-Term Pitcher Deals? (Metsmerized Online). Notes that David Stearns has not followed a strict three-year contract rule, citing examples like Kyle Tucker and Lorenzo Cain, and argues that the Mets may be hesitant to offer Tarik Skubal a long-term deal due to medical concerns, despite his strong recent performance and comparison to elite pitchers.
• NY Mets predicted to pass on Clay Holmes, where they shouldn't spend the money instead (Rising Apple). Argues the Mets should re-sign Clay Holmes instead of pursuing Robby Ray, noting Holmes' 3.26 ERA in 2023 and 18.6% walk rate, while Ray's 2026 19.9% K-rate, 38.2% ground-ball rate, and 12% walk rate make him a poor fit.