Cowtipper

Jed Lowrie was a better investment.

Probably Algardo Edfonzo, he likely compiled his way to 20 WAR.

Dang! That really sucks! --no one ever

Steve Hargan died. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/steve-hargan-passes-away.html Who was Steve Hargan? Steven Lowell Hargan (1942–2025) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians and his 1967 All-Star season. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he excelled in sports despite his high school not offering baseball, instead showcasing his pitching talent in youth leagues. After being scouted by several teams, he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1961. Hargan made his MLB debut in 1965 and quickly demonstrated promise, highlighted by a standout 1967 season in which he opened with back-to-back shutouts, earned an All-Star selection, and led the American League in shutouts. Across his career he pitched for the Indians (1965–1972), the Texas Rangers (1974–1977), and briefly the Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves in 1977. Although known for strong performances and durability early on, injuries—including arm troubles, an ankle fracture, and later carpal tunnel syndrome—hampered his consistency. He finished his career with an 87–107 record, a 3.92 ERA, and 891 strikeouts. Hargan died in Palm Springs, California, in 2025 at the age of 83.

Jeff McNeil: McNeil's agent, Garrett Parcell, has revealed that his client underwent thoracic outlet surgery shortly after the conclusion of the regular season, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. Parcell said that McNeil already has good range of motion and is expected to participate fully in spring training. Thoracic outlet surgery is a much more serious operation for pitchers, but Parcell did note that the issue caused McNeil discomfort with his swing late in the season. McNeil had a .514 OPS in September after posting an OPS no lower than .742 in any other month. The 33-year-old is tentatively projected to open the 2026 season as the Mets' second baseman, though he offers the versatility to play other positions, if needed. Injury Shoulder. Est. Return 2/1/2026. AJ Minter: Minter (lat) exercised his $11 million player option for 2026 on Monday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. Minter made only 13 relief appearances for the Mets in 2025 before undergoing season-ending left lat surgery in early May. The left-hander is expected to be recovered in time for the start of spring training and will return to a high-leverage role in the Mets' bullpen. Minter could even see some save chances in 2026 if Edwin Diaz departs via free agency. Injury Lat. Est. Return 2/1/2026. Frankie Montas: Montas (elbow) exercised his $17 million player option for 2026 on Tuesday. Montas posted a 6.28 ERA in seven starts and two relief appearances in 2025 and will miss the entire 2026 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, making his option decision an easy one. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2027.

Minor leaguer Jonah Conradt has been released. Mets recently released a minor leaguer named Jackson Cluff.

Nick Madrigal elected free agency. So did ... Omar De Los Santos William Lugo Daniel Juarez Jace Beck Eduardo Herrera Alfred Vega Joe La Sorsa <-- the Pirates are signing him Ty Adcock Joey Meneses Oliver Ortega Yacksel Ríos Matt O'Neill Luis De Los Santos José Azocar Bryce Montes de Oca Gilberto Celestino Luis Moreno Luke Ritter Herrera, De Los Santos and Vega were somewhat promising. I thought Ritter might've been something, too. Released were... Alvaro Matos Fidel Pinango

Well it is technically departing, but it doesn't mean they won't bring him back. And of course technically correct is the best type of correct to be.

Among multiple names electing free agency, notably wunderkind Matt Allan has departed the organization.

I don't see a case for Valenzuela, unless you really emphasize the more intangible and less-stat heavy "fame" and "story" and "legend" angles of the Hall of Fame (a la Catfish Hunter), however I support all the rest and voted for everyone but Valenzuela.

Mets agreed to terms with Brandon Waddell on a major league contract. A.J. Minter and Frankie Montas have exercised their 2026 player options. Mets exercised option on Brooks Raley.

Craig Eaton died. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=eatoncr01 Who was Craig Eaton? Craig Eaton (September 7, 1954 – October 14, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals in 1979. A right-handed pitcher from Glendale, Ohio, Eaton grew up in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, where he attended Lake Worth Community High School. After two years at Miami-Dade College, he was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the 1974 amateur draft but chose instead to finish his degree in marine biology at Florida State University before signing as a free agent in 1979. Eaton made his MLB debut on September 5, 1979, appearing in five games and pitching ten innings with an impressive 2.70 ERA—one of the lowest on the Royals that season. The following year, he was sent to the California Angels to complete a trade involving Willie Aikens and Rance Mulliniks. Eaton spent subsequent years in the minor leagues with the Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Montreal Expos organizations, including stints with Triple-A teams in the Pacific Coast League. His professional career was cut short by a series of knee injuries sustained in an off-season golf accident in 1983, leading to multiple surgeries after the 1984 season. Off the field, Eaton married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Sullivan, in 1977, and together they had four daughters. He later settled back in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Eaton passed away in Jupiter, Florida, on October 14, 2025, at the age of 71. Though his time in the majors was brief, Craig Eaton’s journey reflected a lifelong dedication to baseball, education, and family—marking him as one of the many unsung figures who contributed to the game’s rich tapestry. Terry Ley died. https://www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/TerrenceTerry-Ley Who was Terry Ley? Terrence Richard “Terry” Ley (February 21, 1947 – August 30, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played briefly in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees in 1971 and later in Japan for the Nippon-Ham Fighters. A left-handed pitcher from Portland, Oregon, Ley attended Madison High School before playing college baseball at the University of Oregon and later Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. Ley was initially drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1965 but chose to attend college. He was selected by the Yankees in the third round of the January 1967 draft and signed shortly afterward. He made his MLB debut on August 8, 1971, appearing in six games, finishing the season with a 5.00 ERA and seven strikeouts. After the 1971 season, Ley was involved in multiple trades, moving from the Yankees to the Texas Rangers and then to the Cleveland Indians. Following his U.S. career, Ley played for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball from 1974 to 1975. He made history in 1974 as the first pitcher in NPB to commit three balks in a single inning. Ley passed away in Prineville, Oregon, on August 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Though his major league career was brief, Ley is remembered for his time in both MLB and NPB, as well as his unique place in baseball history.

Both Alonso and Diaz have opted out. Mets decline option on Drew Smith, potentially ending the Mets career of (surprisingly) one of the team's longest-tenured players. Mets bring aboard pitcher Joey Gerber.

Mets acquire pitcher Joey Gerber in a trade. He's done well in limited MLB duty. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/mets-acquire-joey-gerber.html https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gerbejo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-11-04_br

Yes, that's why I said "so far," which makes me technically correct, and technically correct is the best correct to be.

There seems to be a trend toward electing at least one guy per committee lately (last shutout was 2016) and two seems the most common number electees in this most recent run of elections (2017-today) so I expect two will be elected. If more modern guys are on the committee, I could see more lenience toward the steroid guys.

I've been following Wyatt Hee-Wah Asami Young, a Honolulu native, for a few years. His .370/.426/.478 slash line for the FCL Mets his first pro year (2021) enticed me and his .352/.446/.437 line in 19 games for Triple-A Syracuse in just his second year (2022) enticed me even more. He has been a bit inconsistent since then (BAs of .220, 287 and .244 from 2023 to 2025, respectively), but his career OBP is still .359, and he had a .365 mark for Binghamton in 2025. He'll be 26 years old in 2026, so hopefully he goes beyond Double-A, but I have hope for this guy.

Did you forget about him? Christian Scott: Scott (elbow) expects to be a full participant during spring training, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. Recovering from a hybrid Tommy John and internal brace procedure on his right elbow, Scott was scheduled to throw a live bullpen session Tuesday. It was the fourth time he's faced hitters since the September 2024 surgery and the second time he's done so on a five-day schedule. The righty said he's been sitting around 94 mph and touching 96 mph during his bullpen sessions. Scott will now go through a de-loading period before ramping his throwing back up in January. While Scott could be slow-played at the start of spring training following a long layoff, he should be ready to go for the start of the regular season. A spot in the Opening Day rotation is unlikely, but the 26-year-old could be part of the Mets' rotation at some point in 2026. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2026.

With the 2025 World Series now in the rearview, all-time great Clayton Kershaw is officially retired. Very few players truly awe me, but Kershaw was one of them.

It begins: Jesse Winker Ryan Helsley Griffin Canning Ryne Stanek Starling Marte Cedric Mullins Gregory Soto Tyler Rogers all elected free agency. Only one I truly want back is Rogers. Canning might be worth a shot. Marte should be brought back if he's willing to take a reserve role. Mullins is young enough that he still has upside, but he'd need to be in a reserve role (though I think they'd try to shoehorn him in too much, like they did with Tyrone Taylor). No truly major losses so far bodes well for next year.

Since there's so few players left, I think I'll call this project done for now. If anyone catches any stragglers, let me know.

Yeorvis Medina died. https://people.com/yoervis-medina-dead-former-mlb-pitcher-dies-at-37-11841701 Who was Yeorvis Medina? Yoervis José Medina (July 27, 1988 – October 30, 2025) was a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs from 2013 to 2015. Born in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, he began his career in the Venezuelan Summer League (2006–2009) before moving to the U.S. in 2010, where he impressed in the Mariners’ minor league system. Medina debuted in the majors on April 16, 2013, and became a dependable reliever, posting a 2.91 ERA his rookie season and 2.68 in 2014. Traded to the Cubs in May 2015, his performance declined, and he later spent brief stints with the Pirates and Phillies before continuing his career overseas with Senago Baseball Club in Italy and Draci Brno in the Czech Republic. Medina died at age 37 from a heart attack while driving in Naguanagua, Venezuela, on October 30, 2025. He finished his MLB career with a 10–9 record, 3.08 ERA, and 147 strikeouts.

She was still alive?

I like the black ones, because that's what I grew up with. Don't get the City Connect colors. Not seeing the allure of brutalist, bleak grey.

Rob Mallicoat died. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-astros-first-round-draft-pick-dies-after-cancer-battle-10921367c Who was Rob Mallicoat? Robbin Dale Mallicoat (November 16, 1964 – October 19, 2025) was an American left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros between 1987 and 1992. A native of St. Helens, Oregon, Mallicoat was first drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1983 before being selected by the Astros in the first round of the 1984 amateur draft. Standing 6'3" and throwing left-handed, he spent a decade in professional baseball, including minor league stints with teams such as the Osceola Astros and Tucson Toros, and international play in Taiwan. Although he never recorded a Major League win, Mallicoat earned one career save on August 18, 1991, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier in his career, he nearly captured the Florida State League Pitching Triple Crown in 1985, leading the league in wins (16) and strikeouts (179) while finishing second in ERA (1.36). In his later years, Mallicoat was diagnosed with stage IV colon, liver, and lung cancer, from which he passed away on October 19, 2025, at age 60. Remembered as a once-promising prospect and determined competitor, his career bridged both American and international baseball circuits. Mickey McGuire died. https://www.houseofwheat.com/obituary/MC-McGuireJr Who was Mickey McGuire? M.C. Adolphus “Mickey” McGuire Jr. (January 18, 1941 – October 19, 2025) was an American professional baseball player who played as a shortstop and second baseman. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, McGuire spent most of his professional career in the Baltimore Orioles organization, appearing briefly in Major League Baseball during the 1962 and 1967 seasons. Standing 5′10″ and weighing 170 pounds, McGuire batted and threw right-handed. In his limited MLB career, he played 16 games, recording a .190 batting average (4 hits in 21 at-bats), with two runs and two RBIs, and no extra-base hits. Beyond his short stints in the majors, McGuire had a long minor league career from 1960 to 1969, later joining the California Angels’ system and playing for the Tucson Toros, where he hit .349 in 1971—one of his best professional seasons. He finished his career with two years in Japan playing for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp (1973–1974). McGuire died in his hometown of Dayton on October 19, 2025, at the age of 84. Bernie Smith died. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/longtime-mets-prospect-who-debuted-with-brewers-dies-10924190 Who was Bernie Smith? Calvin Bernard “Bernie” Smith (September 4, 1941 – October 18, 2025) was an American professional baseball player best remembered for his spirited play with the early Milwaukee Brewers. Born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Smith attended Southern University and batted and threw right-handed. Standing 5′9″ and weighing 164 pounds, Smith spent eight years in the New York Mets’ minor league system (1962–1969) before being traded to Milwaukee ahead of the Brewers’ second season. He made his Major League debut on July 31, 1970, at age 29, and became a fan favorite for his energy and determination on a young franchise still building local support after relocating from Seattle. In his brief MLB career (1970–1971), Smith appeared in 59 games, hitting .232 with 26 hits, 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs. Before reaching the majors, he was named the 1967 Eastern League Player of the Year while playing for the Williamsport Mets. After retiring, he briefly managed in the minors, leading the 1973 Danville Warriors. Bernie Smith died on October 18, 2025, at the age of 84. Bill Pleis died. https://www.pitmanfuneralhome.com/obituary/William-PleisIII Who was Bill Pleis? William “Bill” Pleis III (August 5, 1937 – October 17, 2025) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins from 1961 to 1966. A left-handed pitcher, Pleis appeared in 190 MLB games, primarily as a reliever, recording a 21–16 win–loss record, a 4.07 ERA, 184 strikeouts, and 13 saves. Standing 5′10″ and weighing 170 pounds, Pleis earned a place in Twins history by securing the franchise’s first win in Minnesota on April 22, 1961. In 1965, he contributed to the Twins’ first American League pennant since moving from Washington, appearing in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and allowing one earned run in one inning pitched during Game 4. After retiring as a player in 1968, Pleis worked as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing players including Jamie McAndrew and Scott Proctor. His son, Scott Pleis, also pursued a career in scouting. Bill Pleis died on October 17, 2025, at the age of 88.