"Mendoza: The Perfect Coach at the Perfect Time for the Mets"

In a game defined by late-inning drama, Pete Alonso cemented his status as the National League’s most dangerous hitter, driving the New York Mets to a 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. Alonso’s three-hit, three-RBI showcase, highlighted by a pivotal eighth-inning homer, underscored his red-hot start to the 2025 season and proved decisive in the series opener at West Sacramento’s temporary home ballpark . Alonso’s Dominance at the Plate The Mets’ first baseman wasted no time making an impact, going 3-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and reaching base four times. His fifth-inning RBI double off A’s starter JP Sears on the eighth pitch of the at-bat set the tone, while his eighth-inning solo blast against reliever José Leclerc—his fourth homer of the year—provided the margin needed to withstand Oakland’s ninth-inning rally 137. Alonso now leads MLB in slugging (.778) and OPS (1.260) while boasting a .378 average, the second-highest in the majors. “I’m just trying to stay disciplined and capitalize when I get my pitch,” Alonso said, downplaying his patience-driven approach. “If I can put a good swing on it early, great. But I’ll grind if I have to”. Team Effort and Key Moments While Alonso stole the spotlight, the Mets’ collective plate discipline wore down Oakland’s pitching staff. New York hitters saw 210 pitches, including 101 from Sears in just four innings, and averaged 4.77 pitches per plate appearance—a season-high for the team 15. Brandon Nimmo ignited the scoring with a second-inning solo homer, and Starling Marte’s two-run double in the sixth extended the lead to 6-1. The Athletics clawed back with Miguel Andujar’s two-run homer in the sixth and a nervy ninth inning against closer Edwin Díaz, who allowed two runs but stranded the tying run on base. “He got the job done,” manager Carlos Mendoza said of Díaz, who secured his third save despite a shaky 7.94 ERA to start the year . Strategic Baserunning and Momentum Shifts A heads-up play by center fielder Jose Siri in the sixth inning epitomized the Mets’ aggressive mindset. After Alonso lifted a shallow sac fly, Siri sprinted home from third, capitalizing on A’s right fielder Lawrence Butler’s sluggish reaction. “I saw he wasn’t set, so I went for it,” Siri explained. The daring dash extended the lead to 4-1 and shifted momentum firmly in New York’s favor . What’s Next The Mets will look to build on this momentum as the series continues, with left-hander David Peterson slated to start Saturday. For Alonso, the focus remains simple: “Keep swinging at good pitches and trust the process” . Box Score Highlights NYM : Alonso (3-for-3, HR, 3 RBI); Nimmo (1-for-4, HR); Marte (1-for-5, 2 RBI) OAK : Andujar (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI); Jacob Wilson (RBI single, extending hit streak to 14 games) With Alonso’s bat leading the charge, the Mets continue to validate their early-season promise, blending power, patience, and timely execution.

Brett Baty, once hailed as the Mets’ third baseman of the future, has become a polarizing figure in Queens. Despite flashes of potential, his struggles at the plate, defensive inconsistencies, and the Mets’ win-now urgency make a compelling case for the team to part ways with the 25-year-old infielder. Here’s why Baty’s time with the Mets should come to an end. 1. Persistent Offensive Struggles Baty’s inability to translate minor league success to the majors is glaring. In 602 career MLB plate appearances, he’s slashed a meager .215/.282/.325 with a 72 wRC+ (well below league average) 26. His 2025 start has been disastrous: a .111 batting average (3-for-27) with 11 strikeouts and zero walks in 10 games 9. Even during his strong 2025 spring training (.353/.441/.745), skeptics warned it might not translate to regular-season success—a prediction now validated 8. Baty’s plate discipline has regressed. He’s consistently falling behind in counts, starting at-bats 0-1 in 18 of 27 plate appearances this season and striking out in 40% of his trips to the plate 9. For a team with postseason aspirations, carrying a near-automatic out in the lineup is untenable. 2. Defensive Limitations While Baty has experimented with second base this season, his defensive shortcomings remain a liability. At third base, he posted -9 defensive runs saved and -3 outs above average in prior seasons 6. His transition to second base hasn’t resolved these issues; a costly throwing error in the April 9 loss to Miami directly contributed to the Marlins’ early lead 9. With Luisangel Acuña—a natural middle infielder with superior defensive tools—waiting in the wings, Baty’s defensive versatility pales in comparison 18. The Mets’ infield defense cannot afford such inconsistencies in a competitive NL East. 3. Trade Value and Pitching Needs Baty’s former top-prospect pedigree still holds appeal. Teams like the Nationals, Cardinals, and Angels have expressed interest in acquiring him as a reclamation project 567. The Mets could leverage this interest to address their pitching depth, a critical weakness with Paul Blackburn, Frankie Montas, and Christian Scott sidelined 18. Proposed deals—such as acquiring Cade Cavalli (Nationals) or Matthew Liberatore (Cardinals)—would bolster the Mets’ rotation or bullpen 56. Baty’s remaining minor league option and five years of control only enhance his trade value 2. 5. Win-Now Mentality Owner Steve Cohen’s aggressive spending and Juan Soto’s record $765M signing signal the Mets’ urgency to contend 8. Baty’s prolonged slump clashes with this timeline. The Mets’ .364 OPS at second base (third-worst in MLB) demands an upgrade, not patience 9. With Pete Alonso’s free agency looming and Soto’s prime years ticking, the Mets cannot afford developmental projects. Baty’s struggles have already tested fan patience, as evidenced by loud boos at Citi Field during his recent hitless performances 9. The Verdict  Baty’s tools—raw power, a disciplined Triple-A approach (.899 OPS)—suggest he could thrive elsewhere 8. However, the Mets’ roster construction, defensive needs, and championship aspirations necessitate a trade. Moving Baty now, while his value is buoyed by spring training hype, could yield immediate pitching help and clear space for Acuña or Mauricio to shine. As one scout noted: “Baty’s a small adjustment away from being a regular, but the Mets don’t have time to wait” 2. For both parties, a fresh start is the best path forward. Stay tuned to MetsXMFanZone for updates on Baty’s status and potential trade developments.