Your Monday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets closed out their first half in the only way that really seems appropriate: Sean Manaea made his long-awaited return, the offense did nothing until a ninth inning comeback, and they lose a game just close enough to really bother you.
Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue, Faith and Fear in Flushing, NY Post, MLB.com, Daily News, Newsday.
The Mets made their first two picks of the 2025 draft, selecting viral Michigan infielder Mitch Voit with their first pick at 38 and shortstop Antonio Jimenez with the 108th selection.
The Mets are more than happy with how Francisco Alvarez is doing in his (just long enough to delay his free agency for another season) stint in the minor leagues.
Clay Holmes has officially completed half a season as a starting pitcher for the first time in his big league career and there’s a lot to be happy with.
Max Kranick’s 2025 and 2026 seasons may be in jeopardy as the righty is waiting for opinions on the status of his strained right elbow.
In brighter news, Jose Buttó will pitch with St. Lucie this week and his return from illness will move from that point.
Around the National League East
Before heading to Atlanta, Kyle Stowers had his Revenge Game against the Orioles as he hit three homers off his former team in an 11-1 Marlins win.
The final day of the first half was not nearly as kind to the Nationals as Freddy Peralta carried a no hitter for six innings and they ultimately lost 8-1 to the Brewers.
In the draft, the newly-helmed Nationals made the first overall pick and took Eli Willits, a 17-year-old shortstop from Oklahoma.
Atlanta Braved a pair of rain delays and still went home unhappy as they lost to the Cardinals 5-4.
The Phillies closed their first half by defeating Candelita’s Padres and putting themselves back into first place in the National League East.
Around Major League Baseball
The first 105 picks of the 2025 Major League Baseball draft were made last night in Atlanta with the rest taking place today.
The Pete Alonso-less version of the Home Run Derby takes place tonight and kicks off two days of All Star festivities.
Foreign-born members of the Detroit Tigers are being advised by their team to carry their visas with them at all times.
At least eight teams are showing interest in up to two and a half seasons worth of Luis Robert Jr.’s services at the deadline.
In what is surely something very appealing to teams on the hunt for pitching, the Rays are reportedly willing to move Taj Bradley by the end of the month.
With the Reds defeat of the dreaded Rockies, Terry Francona became the 13th manager in big league history to accumulate 2,000 career wins.
The Red Sox closed the first half of their season by extending their winning streak to an even 10 games and making the American League East that much more interesting.
Old Friend Geoff Hartlieb was signed by the Tigers to a minor-league deal just two days after becoming a free agent.
This Date in Mets History
Happy birthday to established Mets Legends Tim Locastro, Jack Leathersich, and Robin Ventura!