Cowtipper

More expanded hints: Original #1: A slick-fielding infielder from Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, this player was the second major leaguer from the island and later represented the Netherlands in both the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics. He appeared in just 10 games for the Mets in 1998 after previously winning a World Series with the Marlins. Expanded: Born in Curaçao, this infielder moved to the Netherlands as a child and eventually reached the major leagues with the Florida Marlins in 1996. He later spent a brief stint with the New York Mets and was part of the Marlins team that won the World Series. He also represented the Netherlands at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, earning tournament honors for his defense at second base. After retiring as a player, he became a coach in the Netherlands, including serving as a head coach in the Hoofdklasse. He originally signed with the Florida Marlins as an amateur free agent in July 1992. In February 1998, he was traded to the New York Mets alongside Al Leiter in the blockbuster deal that sent A.J. Burnett and Jesús Sánchez to Florida. Exactly one year later, the Mets traded him to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitcher Mark Corey. Original #2: Drafted in the 35th round, this Nevada-born right-handed reliever spent six seasons working his way through the Mets' farm system before making his major league debut in 2017 by striking out two batters in a scoreless inning. He went 2–0 with a 3.74 ERA in 28 appearances for the Mets before being claimed off waivers by the Mariners, where he finished his big league career undefeated with a 7–0 record. Expanded: This Las Vegas native was drafted by the New York Mets in the 35th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and eventually reached the majors in 2017. He spent three seasons in the majors with the Mets and Seattle Mariners, going 7–0 overall and posting a 3.89 ERA in 87 appearances. After his playing career ended with the High Point Rockers in 2022, he later pursued a career in law enforcement in Nevada. This right-handed pitcher was drafted by the New York Mets in the 35th round of the 2011 amateur draft. After beginning his career in the Mets organization, he was selected off waivers by the Seattle Mariners in 2018 and later signed with both Seattle and the Atlanta Braves as a free agent. His similarity scores most closely compare him to pitchers such as Casey Fien, Barry Manuel, and Andrew Wantz. Original #3: A former first-round draft pick who waited a decade to reach the majors, this Nevada-born infielder made his big league debut with the Mets in 2021 against the team that originally drafted him. He collected just one hit in five games for New York before later appearing with the Diamondbacks, and eventually returned to the Mets organization as a Double-A coach. Expanded: A Nevada high school star, he was named the state’s Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year after hitting .547 with 11 home runs as a senior. A first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, he spent a decade in the minors before making his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2021. He appeared in just five games for the Mets before moving through the Brewers, Mariners, and Diamondbacks organizations, eventually finishing his MLB career with Arizona in 2022. After retiring as a player in 2024, he began a coaching career with the Mets organization in 2026. This infielder was selected 32nd overall in the first round of the 2011 amateur draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Over the next decade, he bounced between several organizations, including the Brewers, Mets, Mariners, and Diamondbacks, with three different teams claiming him off waivers during the 2021 season. After a final stint with the Chicago Cubs system in 2024, he voluntarily retired from professional baseball. Original #4: This Nevada-born left-handed reliever spent parts of nine seasons in the majors with eight different teams, but some of his best work came in the Bronx before later returning to New York in Queens. Across two stints with the Mets, he appeared in 44 games, including a reliable 2020 season in which he posted a 3.96 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 25 innings. Expanded: Born in Las Vegas, this left-handed reliever began his professional career after being selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB draft. He was later involved in several notable roster moves, including a 2015 trade to the Yankees and a 2018 deadline deal to the Cardinals that sent Luke Voit to New York. Throughout his career, he has been the definition of a journeyman, signing with numerous clubs and enjoying multiple stints with both the Mets and the Yankees. This left-handed reliever was originally drafted by the Braves in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB Draft before later joining the Yankees and Cardinals in a notable 2018 trade. He became a true journeyman later in his career, pitching for numerous organizations including the Mets, Pirates, Tigers, Reds, Rangers, Rockies, and Braves. His career path was marked by frequent free-agent signings and releases, with his final stint coming back in Atlanta in 2025. Original #5: This hard-throwing Panamanian right-hander earned the nicknames "Señor Smoke" and "El Gasolino" for his blazing fastball, eventually winning two World Series with different franchises. He debuted with the Mets in 1978 but struggled with control during his three seasons in New York before blossoming into an effective reliever elsewhere, highlighted by a standout 1987 championship season with the Twins. Expanded: This Panamanian right-handed pitcher spent 15 seasons in the major leagues, debuting with the New York Mets in 1978 and playing for seven teams. Known for his intimidating appearance and mid-90s fastball, he earned nicknames including “Pancho Villa,” “Señor Smoke,” and “El Gasolino.” He won World Series rings with the 1984 Detroit Tigers and 1987 Minnesota Twins, enjoying his greatest success as a key member of the latter team’s bullpen. During the 1987 postseason, he even appeared in a memorable music video called “The Berenguer Boogie.” This well-traveled right-handed pitcher began his professional career with the Mets in the mid-1970s and eventually appeared for seven different MLB organizations. He earned NL Player of the Week honors in 1986 and had his best statistical season as a reliever in 1991, when he ranked among the NL leaders in saves, WPA, and RE24. His career included stops with teams such as the Royals, Tigers, Giants, Twins, and Braves, with his final MLB appearance coming in 1992.

I do think Soto is a big me-first ego. The Soto shuffle is one of the hokiest things I think I've seen. Yan's jumping is childlike and fun, the shuffle is just stupid. And I actually tend to agree with Johnny Lunchbucket. But it's not just Soto, though he's the biggest culprit. Mets technically still have a 0.1% chance of making the playoffs, per Baseball Reference.

This is tough, because who in the world thinks in terms of WPA? I'll say Robin Ventura's grand slam is up there. Oh wait, that didn't count as a home run. How about Benny Agbayani's home run in the 2000 NLDS.

Not much has changed with Vientos. He's swinging now but I think the ETA is mostly the same.

Cole Fowler, released earlier this year, signed with the independent Washington Wild Things. Trey Rutledge, released earlier this year, signed with the independent Hagerstown Boxcars.

Should the Mets tender them contracts? Should they cut ties and move on? What sort of role could they play? A lesser factor is Justin Hagenman, who I don't see playing this year, either. I'd say keep them as insurance. Next year is probably lost, too, so having them around wouldn't hurt too much.

Expanding another hint: Original hint: This Montana-born former big league catcher spent time with the Mariners, Padres, Mets, and Cardinals, but is perhaps best remembered for an unusual twist to his career: he pitched scoreless relief appearances as a position player for both the Mets and Cardinals. During his 2012 stint with New York, he hit .250 in limited action behind the plate while also becoming the first Mets position player since Todd Zeile to take the mound in a game. More: This Anaconda, Montana-born catcher spent parts of four seasons with the Mariners before brief stops with the Padres and Mets. In 2012 he became the first position player in nearly a decade to pitch for the Mets, retiring the side in order during a blowout. He later made another mound appearance with the Cardinals and even attempted a full conversion to pitching before an arm injury ended his career. Known for handling pitching staffs well, he finished with a career batting average of exactly .200. This catcher led the American League in passed balls in 2010, while also ranking fourth in caught-stealing percentage that season. He was originally drafted by the Florida Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies before signing with the Seattle Mariners after being selected in the fourth round in 2004. He later spent time with the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals during a career that included several free-agent moves.

Ryan Clifford: Shelved at Triple-A. Triple-A Syracuse placed Clifford on the 7-day injured list Tuesday due to an unspecified injury. Clifford, a 23-year-old first-base prospect, had been slashing .185/.277/.365 with 16 home runs and eight stolen bases over 406 plate appearances at Syracuse this season. Injury: Undisclosed. Est. Return 8/13/2026. Justin Hagenman: Injury: Ribs. Est. Return 8/19/2026. Cionel Perez: Injury Forearm. Est. Return 9/1/2026. Juan Soto: Injury: Calf. Est. Return 9/1/2026. Austin Warren: Injury Forearm. Est. Return 8/11/2026. Devin Williams: Lands on IL with shoulder strain. The Mets placed Williams on the 15-day injured list Monday due to a right shoulder strain. Williams missed time recently with what was described as right arm fatigue, and now he's shelved with a strained shoulder. The Mets are optimistic that Williams will be in line for a relatively brief absence, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The only player on the Mets' active roster other than Williams to record a save this season is Daniel Duarte, who picked up his second career save last week when Williams was unavailable. Duarte could be the next man up to close for the Mets, but Kodai Senga is also a candidate. Injury: Shoulder. Est. Return 8/25/2026. Binghamton Rumble Ponies transferred OF Eli Serrano III from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. St. Lucie Mets transferred RHP Cam Tilly from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

Despite the season's woes, the Mets still have eight guys with double-digit home runs -- though just one with more than 15.

Just following the standard set by the thread's progenitor. Unless I am mistaken players being signed away has historically been noted in this thread. This thread has historically captured the wide array of Meta transactions, not just those involving the 40-man roster.

Don't know if it was ever mentioned in this thread, but Tommy Pham signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in late June. Robinson Martinez, released by the Mets in April, signed a deal with the Acereros de Monclova in the Mexican League on July 3.

The "new people" we got are just writers trying to get views for their writing, not really "community members."

Jose Ramirez, Xander Bogaerts, Trea Turner, Corey Seager, Christian Yelich are more.

How long is a while? It's been stagnant since we've moved over here. I didn't want there to be an onslaught of 1,000 new faces in a month, but a few new people here would've been nice so it's not the same 8 people talking at each other each day.

The goal was to bring new people on, too. That hasn't happened.

For a mascot. Something that's not even real.

Expanding another hint. Original hint: This right-handed pitcher was born in Germany, discovered almost by accident when a scout came to watch another player and instead saw him strike out 15 batters, then worked his way from a 16th-round draft pick to the major leagues. His entire big league career came with the Mets, appearing in just five relief outings across the 2009 and 2010 seasons. New hint: This switch-hitting right-hander was born in Germany while his father was stationed at a U.S. military base. Drafted by the Mets in the 16th round of the 2006 draft, he reached the majors as a September call-up in 2009. He appeared in just five big-league games, all as a reliever for New York, with his final outing coming in April 2010. After leaving organized baseball he continued pitching in independent leagues.

Rick Reed is correct! Expanded hint for a different guy: Original hint: A Nicaraguan right-hander who reached the majors at age 21, he began his career as a highly regarded Mariners prospect before becoming a versatile pitcher who moved between starting rotations and bullpens for several teams. He briefly joined the Mets in 2020, posting a 0.63 ERA in six relief appearances before hitting free agency and continuing his long MLB journey with several other clubs. This Nicaraguan right-hander debuted with the Mariners and later bounced among many teams as both a starter and long reliever. In the shortened 2020 season he signed a minor-league deal with the Mets and delivered six strong appearances, posting a 0.63 ERA over 14⅓ innings. He also represented his country in the World Baseball Classic and once became the first pitcher in decades to start a game the day after recording a save. His career has been defined by durability and frequent roster moves across more than a dozen organizations. This Nicaraguan right-hander ranked among American League leaders in both winning percentage and walks-plus-hits per inning during a strong 2015 season. He was originally signed by the Mariners as an amateur free agent and later involved in a pair of notable trades, first to the Rays for Mike Montgomery and then back to Seattle for Steve Cishek.

Travis d'Arnaud - 37-year-old former Mets catcher (2013-2019) is hitting .205/.286/.295 with 1 home run and 3 RBI in 18 games for the Angels. He is hitting .227/.261/.273 with no home runs and 2 RBI in 7 minor league games across two stops. J.D. Davis - 33-year-old former Mets utility man (2019-2022) began 2026 with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos, but after hitting .220/.324/.300 with 3 home runs and 15 RBI in 42 games, was let go in June. He then signed with the independent Kansas City Monarchs and is hitting .269/.397/.437 with 5 home runs and 18 RBI in 34 games there. Alejandro de Aza - 42-year-old former Mets outfielder (2016), is hitting .280/.389/.440 with 5 home runs and 27 RBI in 43 games for the independent Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Jacob DeGrom - 38-year-old former Mets pitcher (2014-2022) is 8-7 with a 3.87 ERA in 22 starts for the Texas Rangers. In 118 2/3 innings, he has 144 strikeouts. Chris Devenski - 35-year-old former Mets reliever (2025) was 0-0 with a 7.71 ERA in 3 relief appearances for the Pirates before electing free agency August 8. He was 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA in 12 games (1 start) across three minor league stops. Edwin Diaz - 32-year-old former Mets closer (2019-2022, 2024-2025) is 2-1 with 5 saves and a 10.80 ERA in 12 appearances for the Dodgers. He is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in 7 games (1 start) across three minor league stops. Brandon Drury - 33-year-old former Mets infielder (2022) is hitting .258/.386/.429 with 6 home runs and 33 RBI in 48 games across two minor league stops in the Kansas City Royals system. Eduardo Escobar - 37-year-old former Mets infielder (2022-2023) is hitting .296/.405/.533 with 9 home runs and 34 RBI in 48 games for the Centauros de La Guaira of the Venezuela Major League. Phillip Evans - 33-year-old former Mets infielder (2017-2018) is hitting .314/.399/.467 with 5 home runs and 34 RBI in 67 games for the Toros de Tijuana in Mexico.

The Mets have selected the contract of 28-year-old career minor leaguer Jack Weisenburger, while optioning Xzavion Curry. Weisenburger is 1-5 with a 7.22 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) this year at Triple-A. His WHIP is 1.567. Last year, he was 1-11 with a 5.66 ERA in 32 games (15 starts) for the independent Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. I have a hunch David Stearns is being beneficent and giving all these career minor leaguers their shot at Major League glory, considering it's a lost season. Yan, Seelinger, Weisenburger. We almost saw Bryce Conley and Dan Hammer earlier this year. All are 28 or older. Still would like to see some actual younger prospects, but it is what it is.

Carson Benge: Remaining out Saturday. Benge (wrist) wasn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates. Benge made an early exit from Friday's game after jamming his left wrist while making a sliding catch, and although all imaging done on his wrist came back negative, the Mets will keep him on the bench Saturday -- and possibly for a few additional games -- while he manages a bone bruise. Brett Baty will start in right field and bat sixth. Injury: Wrist. Day-to-day.

I don't understand Pache being on this team when Morabito is doing reasonably well in the minors.

Chan Ho Park is correct! Today's hints: 1. This Utah-born right-hander carved out a 12-year big-league career as a reliable reliever and occasional closer, most notably with the Diamondbacks and Astros. He wrapped up his major-league days with a short stint for the Mets in 2013, making his final appearance that July before being released. 2. This West Virginia right-hander spent years as a journeyman before finding his stride as a reliable Mets starter in the late 1990s, posting double-digit wins, earning two All-Star nods, and helping the club reach the 2000 World Series. Earlier in his career he drew lasting controversy for pitching as a replacement player during the 1994-95 strike. 3. This West Virginia-born right-hander bounced around several MLB bullpens in the mid-2000s and made a single appearance for the Mets in 2007 after being acquired in a trade that sent Heath Bell the other way. He later thrived as a closer overseas, leading the Korean league in saves during his one season there. 4. This West Virginia right-hander spent parts of five seasons in the majors as a journeyman reliever, including a 16-game stint with the Mets in 2002 after a minor trade from Colorado. He also pitched for the Rockies, Brewers, and Phillies before wrapping up his career in Korea and independent ball. 5. We're swinging back around to Alaska to this one. Here's the hint I already provided: An Alaskan-born left-handed pitcher, he spent seven seasons in the majors with the Pirates, Reds, and Mets, highlighted by a 10-win season and a complete-game shutout for Pittsburgh in 2005. Acquired by New York during the 2006 season, he earned a victory in his Mets debut while filling in for Pedro Martínez, but neck surgery limited him to just one start in 2007 before his final major league appearance. And here's part 2: Expanded hint: This left-handed pitcher is one of the rare major leaguers born in Alaska and spent the bulk of his career with the Pirates before brief stops with the Reds and Mets. Acquired by the Mets mid-2006, he delivered a solid debut start against the Cardinals and finished that year with a 3-1 record in limited action. Limited by neck surgery the following season, he made only a handful of appearances for New York before his final big-league outing in September 2007. He later pitched in Japan and was eventually inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame. This left-hander ranked among National League leaders with a complete-game shutout in 2005 while also ranking high in double plays turned by a pitcher that same year. After being dealt from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati in a trade involving Sean Casey, he was flipped again mid-2006 to the Mets for a minor-league pitcher named Robert Manuel. His overall career value remained modest, as reflected in low WAR totals and similarity scores to other short-career starters like Rich Wortham, Reid Detmers and Harry Courtney.

I've not been to many big league ballparks, but PNC Park is one of the best I've been to and the whole touristy Pittsburgh area is totally awesome. I went there twice with my dad back in the day and both times were great. One of the times was Donnie Hart's lone appearance with the Mets.

They're probably gonna ride Stock until he has a bad game. He did well last time, so they're hoping the lucky streak continues.