Cowtipper

Suarez got stuck at 49, so we wound up with four guys with 50-plus homers: Cal Raleigh - 60 Kyle Schwarber - 56 Shohei Ohtani - 55 Aaron Judge - 53

Michael A. Taylor has called it quits.

He's improving, but a .254/.313/.435 slash line doesn't really scream "arrived" to me.

Brett Baty—The Mets placed Baty on the 10-day injured list Saturday due to a right oblique strain. Baty departed Friday's game with pain in his side, and further testing revealed he's dealing with a strained right oblique. The Mets are still in the mix for the NL's final Wild Card spot, but they'll have to chase a postseason berth without Baty. The third baseman will be eligible for reinstatement Oct. 7, though it's unclear if he'll require more than the minimum stay. Jared Young was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Injury Oblique. Est. Return 10/7/2025. Tylor Megill—Megill (elbow) had Tommy John surgery Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Megill was looking at alternatives, but undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow was deemed the best path forward for him. Unfortunately for the right-hander, this effectively sidelines him for the entire 2026 season at minimum. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2027.

Hunter Barco was taken by the Mets in the 24th round of the 2019 draft, but didn't sign. He just recently made his big league debut with the Pirates, tossing an inning of scoreless ball, earning the win. In the minors in 2025, he was 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in 27 games (23 starts) between two stops. Jake Eder was taken by the Mets in the 34th round of the 2017 amateur draft, but they didn't sign him. In 2025, he was 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in 8 relief appearances for the Angels. He was 2-9 with a 6.40 ERA in 16 minor league starts, split between three teams, split between the Angels and Nationals systems. Tucker Flint was taken by the Mets in the 36th round of the 2019 draft, but didn't sign. In 2025, he was in the Angels system, hitting .209 with 17 homers, 66 RBI and 17 steals in 120 games between Double-A and Triple-A. Dalton Fowler was the Mets 27th round pick in 2019, but he didn't sign. In 2025, he was in the Rays system, going 1-0 with a 5.28 mark in 24 relief appearances between three low-minors stops. In 29 IP, he had 41 Ks. Jordan Martinson was taken by the Mets in the 11th round of the 2019 draft, but never played in their system. He was with the indy Kane County Cougars in 2025, going 1-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 40 relief appearances; his K/9 was 11.5. Jake Ortega was taken by the Mets in the 28th round of the 2019 draft and played in their system in 2019 and 2021. In 2025, he was with the independent Lincoln Saltdogs, going hitless in 3 ABs. Scott Ota played in the Mets system from 2019 to 2023, having been taken by them in the 10th round of the 2019 draft. He played for the Milwaukee Milkmen in 2025, hitting .264 with 10 homers and 40 RBI in 95 games. Mitchell Senger was taken by the Mets in the 26th round of the 2019 draft and played in their system that year. In 2025, he was 3-3 with a 5.79 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) between two indy league stops. Domingo Tapia played in the Mets system from 2010 to 2016. He played for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in 2025, going 2-0 with a 8.05 ERA in 21 relief appearances.

METS AXE HERGET! Pitcher Booted in Ruthless Roster Shakeup! BATY BREAKDOWN! Young Star Crumbles with Painful Oblique Injury! SIRI SENT PACKING! Mets Banish Outfielder to Syracuse in Stunning Move! DYLAN ROSS CALL-UP SHOCKER! Hard-Throwing Arm Rises from the Minors! LOVE(LADY) LOST! Mets Demote Lefty in Cold-Blooded Cut! JARED YOUNG RETURNS! Outfielder Resurrected from Syracuse to Save the Day!

Suarez walloped #49 ayer.

Wow. Cal Raleigh got to 60 home runs. That's very impressive. Aaron Judge hit a couple and now he's at 51. So now there have been four guys with 50 home runs so far this year: Cal Raleigh - 60 Kyle Schwarber - 56 Shohei Ohtani - 53 Aaron Judge - 51 Suarez is now just two away.

Bob Oldis died. https://www.press-citizen.com/obituaries/piow1289017 Who was Bob Oldis? Bob Oldis (1928–2025) was an American baseball catcher, coach, and longtime scout whose professional career spanned more than six decades. A native of Preston, Iowa, Oldis debuted in the major leagues with the Washington Senators in 1953 and later played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies. Though primarily a reserve, he was known for his defensive skill and clubhouse presence. He was part of the Pirates’ 1960 World Series championship team, appearing in two games as a late-inning replacement. Across seven MLB seasons, Oldis played in 135 games, batting .237 with 56 hits, 22 RBIs, and his lone home run in 1962 against the Dodgers’ Pete Richert. After retiring as a player in 1963, he became a coach for the Phillies, Twins, and Montreal Expos, and later worked extensively as a scout, including many years with the Florida/Miami Marlins. Respected as a baseball lifer, Oldis remained active in the game well into his 70s and 80s. At the time of his death on September 21, 2025, at age 97, he was the second-oldest living former Phillies player.

He did even worse than I predicted: ".201 batting average, 3 home runs, an ego that is 1,000,000 times greater than his baseball ability."

Alberto Baldonado played in the Mets system from 2010 to 2017. In 2025, he played for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, going 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 46 appearances between their minor league club and the big club. Wilfredo Boscán played in the Mets system in 2017. In 2025, he was 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA in 5 games (3 starts) between the Conspiradores de Queretaro and the Rieleros de Aguascalientes in Mexico. Denzel Clarke was drafted by the Mets in 2018, but opted not to sign. In 2025, he's hit .230 with 3 home runs and 8 RBI in 47 games for the Athletics. For their Triple-A club, he hit .280/.430/.411 in 32 games. Ian Krol played in the Mets system in 2018. In 2025, he was 2-1 with a 5.34 ERA in 34 games (1 start) between the Saraperos de Saltillo and Diablos Rojos del Mexico in Mexico. Nate Lavender was taken by the Mets in the 14th round of the 2021 draft. He played in their system from 2021 to 2024. He's with the Rays, but hasn't played all year due to injury. Drake Osborn was taken by the Mets in the 19th round of the 2021 draft. He played in their system from 2021 to 2024. In 2025, he hit .176 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI in 24 games between two stops in the Diamondbacks chain. Jack Wold was taken by the Mets in the 12th round of the 2021 draft. He played in their system in 2021 and 2022. In 2025, he hit .258 with 4 home runs and 26 RBI in 31 games for the independent Brockton Rox.

There should be a 60-homer watch for Cal Raleigh, who stands at 58 right now. But I'm watching 50 homers, because we're on the cusp of seeing a 50-homer season barrage the likes of which we've never seen. So far, the following have 50 dingers in 2025: Cal Raleigh - 58 Shohei Ohtani - 53 Kyle Schwarber - 53 Right on the cusp are: Aaron Judge - 49 Eugenio Suarez - 47 This is already the first season since 2001 with three players with 50+ homers. That year, Barry Bonds (73), Sammy Sosa (64), Luis Gonzalez (57) and Alex Rodriguez (52) reached the mark. So if Judge or Suarez gets to 50, it will also be the first time since 2001 that there were at least four 50-homer guys in a season. And if Judge and Suarez get to 50, then it will be the first time ever that there has been five 50-homer players in the same campaign.

Yeah, I'm not really considering those fine technicalities, I'm thinking more from a free-for-all fantasy baseball angle. An if all options were open angle, as it were. A perfect world where I controlled all the levers, if you will. A situation where the contractual nitty gritty did not play so big a part, that is.

I like Vientos, but he looks more like a high-power, low-average, high-K guy long term. Work him into a trade. Also ditch: Tyrone Taylor Jose Siri Jesse Winker Cedric Mullins Keep: The obvious: Alonso (wasn't so obviously before 2025), Soto, Lindor, Nimmo McNeil if he's willing to fill a super-sub role again Marte as there's clearly more juice to squeeze, if the price is right Torrens Baty & Alvarez as they've both redeemed themselves Mauricio, though he might be worth trading Senger as a minor league option Jared Young as a minor league option Acuna, but make him prove himself The offense is actually still solid, just "snake bit." The prospects are getting there, but Benge, Clifford, Parada and Williams all struggled at Triple-A. This unknown named Omar De Los Santos did well in his AAA trial, so he's on my dark horse watch list. I don't think any of them will be good for Opening Day, but there's a good core there. There's also a good core of veterans from their Triple-A team that I'd bring back, if the players are so willing: Joey Meneses, Gilberto Celestino, Yonny Hernández (surprised he didn't get promoted at all this year), Pablo Reyes. So who do you bring aboard? That's the gamble. I'd put 90% of my energy in improving the pitching and keep the offense largely as is. All the cogs are still pretty good. They have a good mix of youth and veterans. The risk is with THAT many veterans, they might all get old at the same time, which would lead to a very depressing campaign.

It's probably David Stearns' fault.

Mendoza's okay, but I'd like someone with just a tad more fire. I like Mendoza and for a guy who'd never managed at the big league level, or played in the big leagues, he's done pretty well. But might be time to shuffle the deck yet again.

Arismendy Alcantara played in the Mets system in 2019. He hit .243 with 3 home runs and 11 RBI in 15 games for the Aguila de Veracruz in Mexico this year. Daniel Bard played in the Mets system in 2017 and rejoined it prior to 2020, but never played in their system that year. He spent 7 games in the Mariners system in 2025, mostly at Triple-A, going 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA. The 40-year-old can still get Ks, with 9 in 6 2/3 innings. Kellum Clark was the Mets 20th round pick in 2023. He played in their system in 2023 and 2024. He hit .377/.471/.628 with 12 home runs and 70 RBI in 58 games for the independent Rocky Mountain Vibes in 2025. Nabil Crismatt played in the Mets system from 2012 to 2018. In 2025, he is 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 7 games (5 starts) for Arizona. Between Arizona's and Philadelphia's Triple-A clubs, he was 5-6 with a 3.96 ERA in 20 starts. Chase Estep was the Mets 9th round pick in 2022. He played in their system from 2022 to 2023. He hit .307/.374/.450 with 9 home runs, 54 RBI and 20 steals in 98 games for the independent Milwaukee Milkmen. Stephen Gonsalves joined and departed the Mets system before the 2020 season. He was 6-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 37 games (2 starts) for the Charros de Jalisco in Mexico. Zac Grotz played in the Mets system in 2018. In 2025, he played for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico and Charros de Jalisco in Mexico, going 5-6 with a 5.51 ERA in 18 games (16 starts). Brady Kirtner was the Mets 12th round pick in 2023, but he opted not to sign. He played in the Yankees system this year, going 4-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 10.0 K/9 in 35 relief appearances between their Single-A and High-A teams. Christian Little was the Mets 19th round pick in 2023, but he opted not to sign. He played in the Mariners system in 2025, going 1-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 17 starts between their Single-A and High-A team. Jimmy Loper was the Mets 16th round pick in 2022. He played in their system in 2023 and 2024. He was 5-2 with a 4.26 ERA in 44 relief appearances for the independent Lexington Legends in 2025, striking out 84 in 61 1/3 innings. Jackson Lovich was the Mets 19th round pick in 2022, but he opted not to sign. In the Yankees chain this year, he hit .636/.692/.1.000 with 14 hits and 9 RBI in 6 games for their Single-A team in Tampa. Pedro Payano joined and departed the Mets system before the 2020 season. He was 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA in 40 relief appearances for the Tigres de Quintana Roo in Mexico. Christian Pregent was the Mets 10th round pick in 2023. He played in their system from 2023 to 2024. In 2025, he hit .371/.452/.571 with 2 homers and 9 RBI in 10 games for the independent Rocky Mountain Vibes.

Devenski is hopefully just auditioning for a team in 2026 that respects and appreciates his skills and not one run by David Stearns.

I don't even think they're gonna make 100 wins this year.

Still have a fair chance to not be a .500 team.

Ed Acosta died. Historia del Beisbol Panameño | El lanzador chiricano Eduardo “Coca... WWW.FACEBOOK.COM El lanzador chiricano Eduardo “Coca Cola Grande” Acosta, quien jugó en Grandes Ligas con Piratas y Padres de San Diego, falleció el pasado jueves en Estados Unidos. Tenía 81 años y era nativo de Bajo... Who was Ed Acosta? Ed Acosta (1944–2025) was a Panamanian-born Major League Baseball pitcher who played three seasons in the MLB. Born Eduardo Elixbet Acosta in Boquete, Chiriquí, Panama, he batted both and threw right-handed, standing 6'5" and weighing 215 lbs. Acosta began his professional career after being signed by the Houston Astros before the 1967 season. He made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 7, 1970, and later played for the San Diego Padres from 1971 to 1972. In his MLB career, he appeared in 57 games, recording a 6–9 win–loss record, a 4.05 earned run average, and 70 strikeouts. His most active season was with the Padres in 1972, when he pitched 89 innings over 46 games. Acosta also played in various minor and international leagues, including teams in Venezuela and Mexico. He passed away in Los Angeles, California, on September 18, 2025, at the age of 81. Ted Ford died. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-rangers-indians-outfielder-passes-away-2130622 Who was Ted Ford? Ted Ford (1947–2025) was an American Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers from 1970 to 1973. Born Theodore Henry Ford in Vineland, New Jersey, he batted and threw right-handed and stood 5'10", 180 lbs. Drafted 11th overall by the Indians in 1966, Ford began his professional career with the Dubuque Packers and played in the minors until military service in 1968–1969 during the Vietnam War interrupted his career. Ford debuted in the majors on April 7, 1970, with the Indians and later played for the Texas Rangers in their inaugural 1972 season, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 50 runs that year. He returned briefly to the Indians in 1973 before ending his MLB career. Over 240 major league games, he recorded a .219 batting average with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs. After his MLB career, Ford played in the Mexican League until 1982 and later coached youth baseball and at Huston-Tillotson University. He was the grandfather of Darren Ford, who played for the San Francisco Giants. Ted Ford passed away in Austin, Texas, on September 15, 2025, at age 78. Mike White died. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=whitemi02 Who was Mike White? Mike White was an American professional baseball player who appeared in Major League Baseball for the Houston Colt .45s/Astros from 1963 to 1965. Born Joyner Michael White in Detroit, Michigan, he is the son of former MLB outfielder and coach Jo-Jo White. White batted and threw right-handed, stood 5'8", and weighed 160 pounds. Signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1958, White’s early career was nearly ended by a severe knee injury, but he rehabilitated and continued playing in the minors. After stints with the Los Angeles Angels’ farm system, he was drafted by the Houston Colt .45s and made his MLB debut on September 21, 1963. He played primarily as a center fielder, appearing in 100 major league games with a .264 batting average, 27 RBIs, and no home runs. White spent ten seasons in the minor leagues, often playing outfield but also second and third base, with peak batting averages of .324 (San Antonio, 1963) and .333 (Tacoma, 1969). He retired from professional baseball in 1969.

Orlando Calixte played in the Mets system in 2021. He's been with the Chunichi Dragons in 2025, hitting .238 with 2 home runs and 20 RBI in 81 games between their minor league team and the big club. Jose Martinez played in the Mets system in 2021. He is listed as being with the Centauros de La Guaira in Venezuela, but his stats are not readily available. Kumar Rocker was taken by the Mets in the 1st round of the 2021 draft, but didn't sign. With the Rangers this year, he is 4-5 with a 5.74 ERA in 14 starts. Between their Double-A and Triple-A teams, he is 1-0 with a 3.32 ERA in 5 starts. Roel Ramírez, who played in the Mets system in 2021, was 4-2 with a 3.16 ERA in 40 relief appearances for the Toros de Tijuana in Mexico this year. Mallex Smith was signed by the Mets and departed their system before the 2021 season began. Between the Bravos de Leon and Charros de Jalisco in Mexico, he hit .261 with 17 steals in 70 games. Mike Vasil played in the Mets system from 2021 to 2024, having been taken by the club in the 8th round of the 2021 amateur draft. He is 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA in 44 games (3 starts) for the White Sox this year.

Reed Garrett: Garrett has been recommended for Tommy John surgery, but he may delay a decision on that procedure until he recovers from another surgery on his arm, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. The 32-year-old reliever landed on the IL on Thursday, and he appears headed for a lengthy absence. Garrett is already set for surgery to shift a nerve in his pitching arm that's been causing him issues, and he may elect to undergo PRP injections this winter after recovering to see if his elbow can recover without full Tommy John surgery. If he takes that route and still needs to go under the knife, however, Garrett might not be ready to pitch again until the 2027 season. Est. Return 2/1/2026. Tylor Megill: Megill (elbow) is expected to need Tommy John surgery, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. The right-hander is still getting opinions on the best path forward, but surgery on his elbow appears to be the most likely outcome. Megill hasn't pitched for the Mets since June 14, and full Tommy John surgery, rather than a hybrid or internal brace procedure, would sideline him for at least the entire 2026 season. He wraps up the current campaign with a 3.95 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 89:33 K:BB through 68.1 innings over 14 starts. Injury Elbow. Est. Return 2/1/2027. Tyrone Taylor: Taylor (hamstring) is playing in a minor-league rehab game Sunday and could join the team in Chicago ahead of a three-game series against the Cubs that starts Tuesday, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports. Taylor has been on the shelf since Sept. 2 due to a strained left hamstring, but after embarking on a rehab assignment Friday, Taylor is on the brink of returning. Once activated, the 31-year-old will likely be on the short side of a platoon in center field with Cedric Mullins. Injury Hamstring. Est. Return 9/23/2025.

Chris Devenski DFA'd. Reed Garrett to IL.

I remember rooting for him to make the majors. I remember when he was a phantom major leaguer, having been called up and sent down before making his debut. I remember when he was promoted, my cockles warmed. I remember when he was DFA'd and scooped up by another team, gone too soon. Dom Hamel and Blade Tidwell, two of the Mets more well-regarded minor leaguers these past couple years, are no longer with us.