Cowtipper

New York Mets activated CF Alex Ramírez. New York Mets activated LHP Matt Gage. New York Mets activated RHP Huascar Brazobán. New York Mets activated 3B Brett Baty. New York Mets activated RHP Dedniel Núñez. New York Mets activated RHP Adam Ottavino. New York Mets activated LF José Azocar. New York Mets activated LHP Joey Lucchesi. New York Mets activated LHP Alex Young. New York Mets activated RHP Max Kranick. New York Mets activated RHP Eric Orze. New York Mets activated RF DJ Stewart. New York Mets activated RHP Grant Hartwig. New York Mets activated RHP Tyler Zuber. Joe Hudson, Eddy Alvarez and Pablo Reyes all refused their minor league assignments and became free agents.

Joey Jay died. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/largo-fl/joseph-jay-12014172 Who was Joey Jay? Joey Jay was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1953 to 1966 for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. Known for his early career as a "bonus baby" — one of the first players who, by contract, had to be kept on the roster — Jay debuted at age 17, making him the first former Little League player to reach the majors. Early on, he pitched sparingly for the Braves, becoming more of a regular rotation member in 1959. A trade to the Reds in 1961 revitalized his career as he led the National League with 21 wins, helping the Reds capture the NL pennant and reaching his first All-Star team. In the World Series that year, Jay pitched a complete-game victory in Game 2, though the Reds ultimately fell to the Yankees. Jay matched his 21-win achievement in 1962, but heavy workloads took a toll, and he struggled in the following seasons. He returned to the Braves for his final MLB year in 1966 before retiring at age 31 with 99 wins, 999 strikeouts, and an ERA of 3.77. After baseball, Jay moved to Florida, where he became involved in various business ventures, including oil and transportation. Jay passed away on September 27, 2024, at 89, leaving a legacy as a pioneering young star and key figure in Cincinnati’s 1961 success. Who was Doug Bird? Doug Bird was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1973 to 1983, primarily known for his versatility as both a reliever and starter. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1969, Bird was a key bullpen figure for the Royals, especially during their successful playoff runs from 1976 to 1978, where he achieved a 2.35 ERA in postseason play. Despite strong performances, he is most remembered for allowing a decisive home run to Thurman Munson in the 1978 American League Championship Series. Bird later played for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he participated in the historic 23-22 game against the Cubs in 1979, and for the Chicago Cubs, where he won his 1982 Opening Day start. He ended his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox in 1983, finishing with a 73-60 record, a 3.99 ERA, and 60 saves, the majority with Kansas City. Bird also played in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989. He passed away on September 24, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina, at the age of 74.

With all the very good prospects coming up, I think we can find new homes for Jeff McNeil and Brett Baty will no real ill effect. Say adios to Bader, too, as he was absolutely useless offensively for what seemed like 2/3 of the season. Say adios to Martinez as he played like he was just in New York to collect another paycheck. Alonso is a tough one. I'd hate to lose a guy who can contribute 34 home runs and 88 RBI in his prime, but he is going to want a fat contract and a long-term deal, so inevitably some team is going to be left holding the bag on him and I don't want it to be the Mets. He does not profile as the sort of guy who will be consistently useful at age 34-35-36. If the Mets can finagle a three, maybe four-year deal out of him, maybe give him a shot. But anything else and I'd say no. It would be tough to say goodbye, but he wouldn't be worth a long-term deal in the long run. Bring back Iglesias and Taylor. Both excellent sparkplugs and great surprises. Ditch Vogelbach 2.0, DJ Stewart. Bring back Torrens—he faded offensively, but was still a good guy to have around. If Winker is okay being in a reserve role, I'd say bring him back, but if not, he should go. Pablo Reyes, Eddy Alvarez and Joe Hudson are all still in the Mets system. I'd say bring back Reyes and Alvarez, but get rid of Hudson. He was too bad at Triple-A to legitimize keeping around.* *EDIT: Apparently they all refused their minor league assignments and are now free agents. So, bring Alvarez and Reyes back, at least.

A straggler: Brady Puckett - taken by the Mets in the 33rd round of the 2014 draft. Never signed. Playing in indy ball in 2024, going 1-5 with a 6.29 ERA in 20 games (7 starts) between two teams.

New questions. 1. I came aboard in '16 When the Mets inspired hope Did my pitching do any of that? The honest answer—nope. I had a mark over 6 But that's just how it goes And after the year was through I was purchased by the O's Who am I? 2. From the back of a baseball card: "An outstanding athlete with a positive approach to life, this player is a speedy, take-charge center fielder who covers plenty of ground. With a short, compact stroke at-bat, he had career highs with 18 homers (2nd on team) and 59 RBIs in 1994." Who am I? 3. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/wJpZjBk.png> 4. Which former Mets manager holds the career record for most World Series games won as a skipper (37)? 5. I made waves with the Dodgers For there my career'd begun With an astounding record Of wins—ten and losses—one By the time New York came calling My former glory I was chasin' I even cost a player— A fella known as Jason Who am I? Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 141 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 85 batmagadanleadoff: 34 DocTee: 19 The Hot Corner: 16 metsmarathon: 9 Methead: 7 Benjamin Grimm: 6 Batty31: 4 MFS62: 4 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1

Seaver and Fernandez are correct, though Klaus and Vargas are incorrect. Answering this unanswered: Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/CheniCZ.png> Jerry Buchek Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/ckiZeE1.png> Carlos Muniz Which former Met was the first to triple in National League Championship series play? Bud Harrelson Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 141 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 85 batmagadanleadoff: 34 DocTee: 19 The Hot Corner: 16 metsmarathon: 9 Methead: 7 Benjamin Grimm: 6 Batty31: 4 MFS62: 4 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1

Who was Fernando Valenzuela? Fernando Valenzuela, a charismatic left-handed pitcher from Mexico, became an international sensation in 1981 when he won both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in his debut Major League season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His rise to stardom began with minor league success in Mexico before reaching the Dodgers, where his exceptional screwball pitch baffled hitters. His rookie season, known as "Fernandomania," saw him achieve a remarkable 8-0 start and led to him becoming a cultural icon, particularly among Los Angeles’ Latino community. Over the next decade, Valenzuela remained a top pitcher, known for his heavy workload and a distinctive upward glance during his windup. His intense usage, however, contributed to arm issues that slowed his performance by the late 1980s. He continued to play in both the U.S. and Mexico, earning numerous honors for his pitching and hitting. Valenzuela's contributions extended beyond the field; he was a Spanish-language commentator for Dodgers games, a coach for Mexico’s World Baseball Classic team, and was enshrined in several baseball halls of fame. In 2023, the Dodgers retired his iconic number 34, honoring his legacy and impact. He passed away in 2024 at age 63, following a battle with liver cancer. More Fernando Valenzuela, nicknamed "El Toro," was a Mexican professional baseball pitcher who became a cultural icon, especially for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Valenzuela began his career in the Mexican leagues before joining the Dodgers in 1980, where he quickly gained attention with his unique pitching style, which included a screwball and an iconic upward gaze during his windup. His breakout year came in 1981, sparking "Fernandomania" as he led the Dodgers to a World Series victory and earned both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards—a feat still unmatched. Valenzuela continued to dominate through the mid-1980s, becoming an All-Star six times and securing a historic contract. However, shoulder injuries eventually impacted his performance, and although he threw a no-hitter in 1990, he was released by the Dodgers in 1991. He went on to play for several other MLB teams and returned to pitch in Mexico before retiring. After his playing career, Valenzuela served as a Dodgers broadcaster from 2003 until his death in 2024, and in 2023, the team retired his No. 34. Known for his contributions to baseball and his cultural significance, he is remembered as one of the most successful Mexican-born players in MLB history. More Fernando Valenzuela, known as "El Toro," is remembered as a transformative figure in baseball and a cultural icon. Initially estranged from the Dodgers after his 1991 release, Valenzuela returned in 2003 as a Spanish-language radio commentator, later joining TV broadcasts in 2015. He also served as a coach for Mexico's World Baseball Classic teams and purchased the Tigres de Quintana Roo in 2017. Valenzuela's baseball legacy is defined by his record-setting achievements, earning him a place in the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame and the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite falling short of Baseball Hall of Fame eligibility, his impact remains legendary, particularly among Los Angeles' Chicano community. His rise with the Dodgers in the 1980s helped heal tensions following the Dodgers' controversial acquisition of Chavez Ravine. Valenzuela’s popularity transcended cultural divides, with his games attracting record crowds and solidifying his place in Dodgers history. The team retired his No. 34 in 2023, one of only two non-Hall-of-Famers honored this way. Valenzuela also became a U.S. citizen in 2015, later serving as a special ambassador for citizenship. He passed away on October 22, 2024, from liver cancer at age 63, and the Dodgers plan to honor him with a uniform patch in 2025. Who was Rudy May? Rudy May was an American left-handed pitcher who played Major League Baseball from 1965 to 1983 for the Angels, Yankees, Orioles, and Expos, known for his live fastball and impressive curveball. Starting his baseball journey in Oakland, California, where he was a high school teammate of Hall-of-Famer Joe Morgan, May signed with the Minnesota Twins in 1962 before a series of trades landed him with the Angels. He debuted in 1965 with a notable 9-inning, one-run game. After stints in the minor leagues, May returned to the majors in 1969, ultimately moving to the Yankees in 1974, where he played until a 1976 trade sent him to the Orioles, and later, the Expos. In 1980, May re-signed with the Yankees and achieved a career-best ERA of 2.46, leading the American League. Over his career, he reached 15-win seasons three times and surpassed 200 innings in six seasons. After retiring in 1983, he worked as a Circle K store manager. An avid diver, he passed away from diabetes complications on October 23, 2024, at age 80, remembered for his contributions to MLB and his 1980 ERA title.

Dyer, Carreon and Zeile are all correct! Well done. Three new questions have been added. 1. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/CheniCZ.png> Hint: Spent most of his career with the Cardinals, spent his mid-20s with the Mets in 1967 and 1968. Hit 14 homers in 1967. Traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with Art Mahaffey and Tony Martínez to the New York Mets for Eddie Bressoud, Danny Napoleon and cash. Traded by the New York Mets to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jim Cosman. 2. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/ckiZeE1.png> Hint: Pitched for the Mets in 2007 and 2008. Has a Hispanic name, but is from California. Reliever. 20 total appearances. 3. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/Ln9f3Oc.png> 4. From the back of a baseball card: "Elected on the first ballot to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992 by the highest percentage ever (98.8), this player is known as one of the most dominant pitchers in the game's history. A 12-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner, he was instrumental in New York's breakthrough 1969 season, winning 25 games in the regular season, one in the World Series, a 10-inning, 2-1 gem in Game 4 that brought the club within one victory of its first title." Who am I? 5. Which former Met was the first to triple in National League Championship series play? Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 141 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 83 batmagadanleadoff: 34 DocTee: 19 The Hot Corner: 16 metsmarathon: 9 Methead: 7 Benjamin Grimm: 6 Batty31: 4 MFS62: 4 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1

I hope he stays lost.

=Cowtipper post_id=177273 time=1729601019 user_id=166] The Cult of Diaz is insanely strong.

Metrics are cute, but a closer's job is to save victories, and blowing the 4th-most saves is losing victories. All sorts of mental gymnastics can be made to make him look good, but when you distill it down, he is not a good closer. A closer's job is to close. If a save is blown, closing did not happen. Diaz has been among the most proficient at making sure closing does not happen. Which means he is bad at his job and should be removed from his job. If FIP is what you're interested in, then make him a middle reliever. Not a closer.

He's damaged goods now. The best closers blow games, but Edwin is far from being among the best closers, and he really hasn't been there since he left the Mariners, save for 2022. Diaz blew seven saves this year. Fourth-most in the league. Awful. The Cult of Diaz is insanely strong. Most blown saves, 2019 to today: https://i.imgur.com/XIQ9oFN.png> That's insanely bad, considering he didn't even pitch in 2023, which would have inevitably made that number even worse. See ya, Edwin!

It was a great season.

I'd like them to find a suitor for Edwin Diaz. He gave us five years of very up and down baseball. 2019 was awful, 2020 was great but stunted, 2021 was okay, 2022 was otherworldly, 2023 didn't happen, 2024 was pretty rough. Say adios to Diaz, as well. That would leave the bullpen gutted, though they have the core of a great 'pen that their own farm system developed. Butto, Nunez, Megill could all be factors. Bring back Maton, bring back Sean Reid-Foley, bring back Drew Smith, bring back Brooks Raley and you have: Butto Nunez Megill Maton Raley Reid-Foley Smith Lucchesi (see below) That's just as reliable looking a group as the bullpen looked going into 2024, if not more. Butto and Nunez have a lot of upside. I'd say give Butto the closer's role. None of those guys, outside of Maton and Raley, are truly established major leaguers, but they all look good, no true gambles. I'd say the biggest gamble is SRF, but he was awesome during his brief run in 2024, so I'd say use him until he crumbles. The Mets started 2024 with a bunch of gambles: Diekman, Tonkin, Ramirez, Ottavino, Lopez. So that group might be even BETTER than what the Mets had in 2024, despite none of them being big names. Say adios to Brazoban and Stanek. Also, ditch Blackburn. Bring Alex Young back on a minor league deal. Stash him away for when you need him. I was actually fairly impressed by him. Now the Lucchesi conundrum. The Mets have done a lot to stall this guy's major league potential. He came up in 2018 and was solid in 2018 and 2019. The Mets have had him since 2021 and they've given him all of 95 1/3 innings since then, despite him having shown he could handle full seasons in the majors when he was with the Padres. I'd say either find a home for him on the big league roster or let him seek greener pastures elsewhere, but keeping him in limbo like they are isn't helping anybody. Maybe try putting HIM in the bullpen, too. Grant Hartwig has been around a couple seasons, is 26, and hasn't proven to be too great. So maybe toss him to a team for a minor leaguer or two. You never know with minor leaguers. Acquiring minor leaguers is investing in the future. They still have Ty Adcock, who'll become a minor league free agent soon, I believe. He was terrible at Triple-A (WHIP of nearly 2), so he can go. Lastly, there's Eric Orze. Though he's 26, like Hartwig, he still hasn't had much of a chance to prove himself, and he tore it up at Triple-A. So, unlike Hartwig, I'd say keep an eye on Orze and don't ditch him.

Howard Johnson is correct! As for the other one, it wasn't Nieuwenhuis, though a good guess. Think Subway Series era. A new question has been added, with hints for the rest. 1. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/CheniCZ.png> Hint: Spent most of his career with the Cardinals, spent his mid-20s with the Mets in 1967 and 1968. Hit 14 homers in 1967. Traded by the St. Louis Cardinals with Art Mahaffey and Tony Martínez to the New York Mets for Eddie Bressoud, Danny Napoleon and cash. Traded by the New York Mets to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jim Cosman. 2. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/ckiZeE1.png> Hint: Pitched for the Mets in 2007 and 2008. Has a Hispanic name, but is from California. Reliever. 20 total appearances. 3. Which former Met was the first player to draw a walk with the bases loaded in a National League Championship Series game? Hint: Noted Mets backup catcher from 1968 to 1974. Traded by the New York Mets to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Gene Clines. 4. I had two stints with the Mets Separated by a year I slugged the the first time Then inspired no fear Well, except at the end Hey, maybe I was a ringer Because in my last AB I hit a three-run dinger I loved the playoffs And knew how to plate guys— In the NLCS, I had eighth RBIs Who am I? Hint: Played in the majors from 1989 to 2004. 2,004 career hits. Later moved into the studio and is a frequent face on TV. 5. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/hDK8MiS.png> Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 139 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 82 batmagadanleadoff: 34 DocTee: 19 The Hot Corner: 16 metsmarathon: 9 Methead: 7 Benjamin Grimm: 6 Batty31: 4 MFS62: 4 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1

Just looking at the pitching— It's not their starting rotation that kept them from being a 95-win team. Assuming the purse strings are fully open, I'd bring back Severino, Quintana and Manaea. That should give the Mets a rotation of Senga Manaea Peterson Severino Quintana Not necessarily in that order. But the first four in the list could feasibly all be #1 starters depending on the team, based on their 2024 performances. Megill's not good enough to give a starting spot to. Might be time to Lugo*/Butto him and put him in the bullpen. None of the minor league guys proved good enough yet to consider giving a spot to, either. So that should settle the rotation. *of course, Lugo clearly WAS good enough to give a starting spot to As for the bullpen— Non-tender Reed Garrett. Say adios to Adam Ottavino. Say adios to Danny Young. I haven't exhaustively gone through the 2024 roster, but that's what I would do so far.

They would have done better if they'd kept Max Kranick around.

Is it over? Was everyone else let down? I wouldn't know.

=Cowtipper post_id=176896 time=1729355712 user_id=166] I honestly haven't even been watching the NLCS because I'm pretty sure we're going to be let down.

Boyer is correct! Well done. New questions have been added. 1. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/CheniCZ.png> 2. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/ckiZeE1.png> 3. Who am I? "An extremely dangerous fastball hitter, this player is always a threat to blast the ball high and deep into the stands. He had an extraordinary dynamic season in '89 as he tied for first in the NL in runs (104), ranked second in HRs (36) and slugging (.559), and third in doubles (41) and TBs (319). Furthermore, his 41 SBs and 101 RBIs tied for fourth in the league. 'If I can admire one guy for what he has done, it has to be this player,' said former Cardinal manager Whitey Herzog. 'He really battled for years and made himself into one hell of a ballplayer. He's at the head of the class.'" 4. Which former Met was the first player to draw a walk with the bases loaded in a National League Championship Series game? 5. I had two stints with the Mets Separated by a year I slugged the the first time Then inspired no fear Well, except at the end Hey, maybe I was a ringer Because in my last AB I hit a three-run dinger I loved the playoffs And knew how to plate guys— In the NLCS, I had eighth RBIs Who am I? Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 139 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 81 batmagadanleadoff: 34 DocTee: 19 The Hot Corner: 16 metsmarathon: 9 Methead: 7 Benjamin Grimm: 6 Batty31: 4 MFS62: 4 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1

Bob Speake died. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/bob-speake-obituary?id=56469836 Who was Bob Speake? Bob Speake, an American professional baseball player, was signed as an amateur free agent by the Chicago Cubs in 1948 at the age of 18. A left-handed first baseman and outfielder, he began his career in the minors, excelling with the Carthage Cubs by leading the K-O-M League in home runs and earning an All-Star selection. Over the next few years, he played for various minor league teams, including the Springfield Cubs and Des Moines Bruins, before his career was interrupted by military service during the Korean War in 1952-1953. Upon his return, Speake had a strong season with Des Moines in 1954, which earned him a promotion to the Cubs in 1955. He initially impressed with a home run spree but finished the season with a modest .218 batting average. After spending 1956 with the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League, where he hit .300 and helped them win the pennant, Speake returned to the Cubs in 1957. He hit 16 home runs before being traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Bobby Thomson. Speake's major league career ended in 1959 with a .223 average and 31 home runs. In the minors, he hit .265 with 106 homers over six seasons. After retiring from baseball, Speake entered the bowling business before transitioning to the insurance industry, where he helped found the American Family Life company. He retired after 31 years and passed away in Topeka, Kansas, on October 3, 2024, at the age of 94. Bud Daley died. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mlb/article-13978775/New-York-Yankees-World-Series-winner-Bud-Daley-dead.html Who was Bud Daley? Leavitt Leo "Bud" Daley was an American professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1955 to 1964, playing for the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Athletics, and New York Yankees. Born on October 7, 1932, Daley was known for his knuckleball and two-speed curveball, becoming an All-Star in 1959 and 1960 while with the Athletics, during which he won 32 games. After a midseason trade in 1961, Daley played a crucial role in helping the Yankees win the World Series, clinching the pennant and securing a win in the final game. Daley's unique story includes being born with a right arm that was shorter than his left, the result of a nerve injury at birth, yet he never let this impede his career. In addition to his success on the field, he was also known for his public speaking skills and success in public relations. After retiring from baseball due to an arm ailment, he and his wife Dorothy moved to Wyoming, where they owned a lawn sprinkler business. Daley passed away on October 15, 2024, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that included two World Series titles and notable achievements in both Major League and minor league baseball. His grandson, Jordan Pries, followed in his footsteps, reaching AAA in minor league baseball. Gaylen Pitts died. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/baxterbulletin/name/gaylen-pitts-obituary?id=56555646 Who was Gaylen Pitts? Gaylen Richard Pitts was an American professional baseball player, manager, and coach, born on June 6, 1946. He played briefly in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics during the 1974 and 1975 seasons, appearing in 28 games with a .250 batting average. Most of his playing career, however, was spent in the minor leagues, primarily in the St. Louis Cardinals' organization, where he played all four infield positions over 13 seasons from 1964 to 1977. After his playing career, Pitts transitioned to managing and coaching, beginning with the Modesto A's in 1978. He later returned to the Cardinals' organization and managed various minor league teams, including Springfield and Arkansas, leading both to successful seasons. He earned Texas League Manager of the Year honors in 1989 and won the 2000 Pacific Coast League Championship as manager of the Memphis Redbirds, where a young Albert Pujols hit a walk-off home run to secure the title. Pitts also spent five years on the Cardinals' Major League coaching staff from 1991 to 1995, serving in roles such as hitting coach, bullpen coach, and bench coach. He managed in the minors for 19 years, posting a 1,359-1,298 record. In his later years, Pitts lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 78, two years after the death of his wife, Julia.

I'll add, of course, that if the Mets DO make the World Series, I'll be watching every single game, maybe twice.

=ashie62 post_id=176933 time=1729423394 user_id=90] =Cowtipper post_id=176896 time=1729355712 user_id=166] I honestly haven't even been watching the NLCS because I'm pretty sure we're going to be let down. The bullpen is just too bad.

Answering the unanswered: Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/it053yQ.png> Jim Bethke Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/CWv7QLE.png> Grover Powell Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/pVpj9wA.png> Jack Fisher I'll leave numbers 4 and 5 unanswered, since they were just added yesterday.

Tom Hackimer - taken by the Mets in the 15th round of the 2015 draft. Didn't sign. Later taken by the Twins, then eventually played in the Mets system in 2021. Played for the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in Mexico in 2024, going 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 47 relief appearances; had 63 Ks in 45 IP. Nic Enright - taken by the Mets in the 19th round of the 2015 draft. Didn't sign. Played for the Guardians Triple-A club in 2024, going 2-1 with a 1.06 ERA in 16 games (1 start); had 31 Ks in 17 IP. Thomas McIlraith - taken by the Mets in the 20th round of the 2015 draft. Played in their system from 2015-2019, 2021. Played for the Algodoneros de Union Laguna in Mexico in 2024, going 6-1 with 19 saves and a 2.28 ERA in 40 games. Jake Higginbotham - taken by the Mets in the 27th round of the 2015 draft. Didn't sign. Played for the Tigers Double-A club in 2024, going 2-5 with a 4.76 ERA in 41 games (2 starts), K-ing 78 in 62 1/3 IP. Tanner Dodson - taken by the Mets in the 31st round of the 2015 draft. Didn't sign. Played for the Dodgers Triple-A club in 2024, going 3-3, 3.32 in 41 games (1 start). Dustin Beggs - taken by the Mets in the 32nd round of the 2015 draft. Didn't sign. Played for the independent Lexington Legends in 2024, going 5-11, 6.45 in 30 games (20 starts).