Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Coming off a 70-92 season in 2017, the Mets signed a slew of second-tier free agents while gearing up for what they hoped would be a third postseason appearance in four seasons.

The results have been almost impossibly bad, with each of their five key free agent signings having arguably the worst season of their career...

Mets RHP Robert Gsellman can finally rejoice -- his Xbox has returned. 

It was Gsellman's birthday on Wednesday, and fellow pitcher Noah Syndergaard decided to gift -- or should I say return -- Gsellman's Xbox to him. Gsellman, though, didn't think it should be considered a gift from Thor.

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Recent Mets first-round pick Jarred Kelenic, who has had pitchers ducking for cover since making his professional debut, has cracked Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list -- joining two other Mets.

The 18-year-old Kelenic (No. 81 on the list), debuted for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Mets last month before a quick promotion to Kingsport.

Kelenic joins High-A St. Lucie SS Andres Gimenez (No. 68), and Triple-A Las Vegas 1B Peter Alonso (No. 77)...

Yoenis Cespedes recently told the Mets he'd be willing to learn to play first base, and he played nine innings at the position on Wednesday in his third rehab game (while hitting a three-run homer), keeping him on track for a potential return Friday against the Yankees in the Bronx. 

Cespedes had already been taking ground balls at first base, and the situation was addressed last week by Mickey Callaway, who said the expectation was that Cespedes would return as a left fielder. 

I've seen Cespedes often taking ground balls at third base and shortstop during spring training and before games. He's adept with the glove and we know he has a terrific arm. But, I have no idea how he'd handle the unique footwork, stretching and understanding of situational positioning that comes with playing first base...

Mets RHP Jacob deGrom pitched the third inning and allowed a home run in the MLB All-Star game on Tuesday night at Nationals Park.

DeGrom entered in relief of NL starter Max Scherzer and retired the first two batters to face him before Mike Trout homered to left field. DeGrom struck out J.D. Martinez for the third out.

Playing in his second MLB All-Star game, deGrom threw 15 pitches, 10 of which were strikes. He was replaced in the fourth inning by Braves RHP Mike Foltynewicz.

Jacob deGrom's agent said Monday that the Mets should "seriously consider" trading his client now if they aren't serious about signing him to a long-term extension.

DeGrom said Monday that he was open to a long-term deal, and told SNY on Tuesday what he would do if the Mets were to come to him with a proposal.

"That's a tough question," deGrom said. "I'd have to sit down and talk to my family and my agent and stuff and just see what numbers would be right. Like I've said, I love playing here. I've enjoyed my time, and I want to win baseball games for the New York Mets."

SNY's Andy Martino recently said Zack Wheeler, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Jeurys Familia are the most likely players to be traded by the Mets before the end of this month.

Teams will almost certainly also have interest in acquiring Jerry Blevins, but that is more likely to happen through waivers during August.

Initially, I thought Todd Frazier and Anthony Swarzak would be attractive through waivers as well, but I'm starting to think they stay put because the Mets will seemingly attempt to contend in 2019...

If the players had their way, the DH might come to the NL sooner rather than later. MLBA chief Tony Clark said Tuesday that the idea is "gaining momentum."

"Players are talking about it more than they have in the past," Clark added, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. 

While the players might be open to adding the DH to the NL -- 45 years after the AL adopted it -- MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said there has been a change in thinking but that "the most likely outcome remains the status quo."

Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (hip/heel) played seven innings in left field on Tuesday for the GCL Mets as he continued his rehab assignment.

He went 1-for-4 with a single and had one putout.

Cespedes had participated in game action Monday for the first time in over two months, and he made the most of it, hitting two homers, singling, and walked during seven plate appearances while making two putouts in the outfield. 

If they're going to play Moneyball in New York, why don't the Mets hire A's GM Billy Beane?

To be accurate, Beane is no longer Oakland's GM. Instead, he's their Executive Vice President and oversees David Forst, who has been his GM since 2016.

That said, according to people who know, covered and are friends with Beane, there isn't enough money or freedom a team could offer to get him to leave Oakland. They say he's a casual, laid back guy who comes and goes as he pleases, who loves wearing shorts to work and adores the Bay Area.

The same year he burst on the scene, 19-year-old Mets flamethrower Dwight Gooden made his first All-Star Game appearance. As the youngest person to ever participate in an All-Star Game, Gooden struck out the side at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Pitching with future teammate Gary Carter (then with the Expos) behind the plate, Gooden got Lance Parrish swinging at a high fastball for his first strikeout, and got Chet Lemon swinging on a fastball at the belt. Gooden then closed things out by fanning Alvin Davis -- also swinging. 

Click below to see...

All season long, Fios, the 100% fiber-optic network, is bringing superfans closer to their Mets thanever before.

Not only do you get an amazin' HD picture so every game feels like you're in Citi Field, but now, every Tuesday home games, Fios customers can enter for a chance to win Mets tickets, exclusive access and experiences at Citi Field through the SNY Superfan Sweepstakes, courtesy of Fios.

For official rules and to enter, visit sny.tv/fios.  

No purchase necessary.

Gary, Keith and Ron take a look at how the triples of Amed Rosario and Tanner Roark compare to one another on Science of Baseball presented by Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Join the Mets and Memorial Sloan Kettering as we team up to Strike Out Cancer. Visit http://giving.mskcc.org/mets to learn more about the K's for Cancer program and your chance to donate.

It was five years ago tonight that Matt Harvey got the start for the National League as the All-Star Game was played at Citi Field.

The day before, then-prospect Noah Syndergaard represented the Mets and was the starting pitcher for Team USA during MLB's Futures Game. As expected, Syndergaard looked poised and aggressive on the mound, throwing one scoreless inning.

Brandon Nimmo, who started on the bench for Team USA, went hitless during two at-bats.

WASHINGTON -- If the Mets and Jacob deGrom do not agree on a contract extension before this winter, deGrom wants to be traded.

That's my takeaway from the situation that unfolded during All-Star workout day, after deGrom's agent Brodie Van Wagenen opened the availability for N.L. players with pointed comments to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 

So where will this ultimately lead? I asked one well-placed source to predict. "Trade in the offseason," the source said.
What follows is reported from conversations with sources on all sides...

Jacob deGrom's agent said Monday that if the Mets aren't serious about signing deGrom to a long-term extension, they should seriously consider trading him now. 

"We have discussed Jacob's future with the Mets at length," CAA's Brodie Van Wagenen told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. "Jacob has expressed interest in exploring a long-term partnership that would keep him in a Mets uniform for years to come. If the Mets don't share same interest, we believe their best course of action is to seriously consider trade opportunities now. The inertia of current situation could complicate Jacob's relationship with the club and creates an atmosphere of indecision."

The 30-year-old deGrom is making $7.4 million this season and is arbitration-eligible in 2019 and 2020 before being eligible for free agency after the 2020 season...

What was expected for the last few weeks became official on Monday: Mets ace Jacob deGrom will not be starting the All-Star Game for the National League, with the nod going to Nationals ace Max Scherzer instead. 

DeGrom, whose 1.68 ERA is the best in baseball and dwarfs Scherzer's 2.41 ERA, wanted the start. But with the game being at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., it went to Scherzer -- much like the start at Citi Field in 2013 went to Matt Harvey over Clayton Kershaw.

"Jacob deGrom has had a great first half, but for me I always try to make things bigger than me," NL manager Dave Roberts said, later adding that "for me, the tiebreaker was the ballpark."

The season after winning the Rookie of the Year award, the Mets' Jacob deGrom got his first All-Star Game nod. And his one inning of work during the 2015 Midsummer Classic stole the show.

DeGrom came one pitch short of an "immaculate inning" when he struck out the side on 10 pitches at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Click below to watch...

Mets 1B prospect Peter Alonso crushed a homer so high and so hard at the Futures Game on Sunday that it made Statcast records. And it got the attention of Team USA manager Torii Hunter.

"That's unbelievable power," Hunter said, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. "I saw Mark McGwire hit like that; so high and so far. Great at-bat, runner in scoring position, and he wanted to get that hit. He dug deep and battled, fought off some tough pitches until he got the fastball he wanted." 

Alonso's homer sailed high and deep to left field, with a 46 degree launch angle and an exit velocity of 113.6 MPH...

Mets prospect Tim Tebow has confirmed he is dating the 2017 Miss Universe winner, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, per ESPN. 

It is unknown how long they've been together, but the 23-year-old Nel-Peters has been seen together recently in pictures with the former NFL quarterback. 

"She is a really special girl and I am very lucky and blessed for her coming into my life," Tebow said. "I am usually very private with these things but I am very thankful."

This season, thanks to Citi, each time the home run apple goes up at Citi Field, another step is taken in the fight against childhood hunger.

For each Mets home run hit at Citi Field this season, Citi has pledged to donate enough for No Kid Hungry to provide 20,000 meals to kids in need in NYC and throughout the U.S. Learn more about the Citi Community Home Runs program at Mets.com/Citi.  

Mets RHP Jacob deGrom is the only pitcher in baseball with an ERA under 2.00.

And as much as he may deserve to start Tuesday's All-Star Game, he understands he might not get the nod over a hometown favorite.

While the Nationals' Max Scherzer is tied for the National League lead with 12 wins and ranks fourth in ERA, deGrom hopes he gets the chance to start the All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.

Mets first baseman Peter Alonso hit a monster two-run home run to left field that almost left Nationals Park in Sunday's Futures Game.

"It felt like a lightning bolt hit the sweet spot of my bat," Alonso said. "It felt immaculate."

After putting on a clinic in batting practice, Alonzo went 1-for-2 off the bench, hitting a Jorge Guzman fastball well over the left-field fence in the seventh inning that gave Team USA a 9-6 lead.

Despite leaving Sunday's game and undergoing X-rays on his right hand, Mets infielder Asdrubal Cabrera expects to be healthy once the All-Star break ends.

Cabrera left Sunday's game after the seventh inning after he attempted to barehand a wild Anthony Swarzak pickoff throw, though X-rays came back negative.

He said his hand is swollen but believes he will be ready to play on Friday when the Mets open the second half with a three-game series against the Yankees.

The Mets' bullpen allowed the Nationals to score five runs in the top of the seventh en route to a 6-1 loss Sunday afternoon.

Mets first baseman prospect Peter Alonso didn't appear in Sunday's Futures Game until the fifth inning, but before the game, he put on a clinic.

Alonso, who has hit 21 home runs in 88 games across the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season, put on a show during batting practice. He competed with five players in a pregame contest: the Reds' Taylor Trammell, Brewers' Keston Hiura, Cardinals' Andrew Knizner and Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle.

And Alonso won.

The Mets allowed five runs in the seventh inning en route to a 6-1 loss to the Nationals Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break.

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about today's game...

1) The Mets entered the seventh inning tied, 1-1, but a trio of relievers allowed five runs on three hits, two walks and two hit-by-pitches. Anthony Swarzak (0-2) and Tim Peterson were each charged with two runs and Jerry Blevins -- who hit consecutive batters to forcie in a run -- allowed one. 

The Phillies and Giants are among teams involved in trade talks surrounding Mets RHP Jeurys Familia, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.

SNY's Andy Martino reported earlier in the week that Familia, along with RHP Zack Wheeler and 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, are most likely to be traded this month.

The Phillies might wait on a deal involving Familia until the Orioles decide what to do with Zach Britton and Manny Machado, according to Olney.

Mets RHP Corey Oswalt allowed one run on two hits in five innings against the Nationals on Sunday afternoon.

After a perfect first inning, Oswalt allowed back-to-back hits to open the second inning before Anthony Rendon scored on Michael Taylor's groundout. Oswalt then settled in and went onto retire the final 11 batters to face him.

Oswalt threw 59 pitches, 40 of which were strikes. He was replaced by Seth Lugo in the sixth inning.

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

At the All-Star break of a lost season for the Mets, uncertainty about the future is everywhere. But at least one big question appears settled: Mickey Callaway is almost certain to return as manager next season, according to major league sources.

Mets officials are well aware that Callaway has struggled during games and at news conferences, but even most of his detractors say it is too soon in his tenure to rule out improvement.

The team plans to begin interviewing external candidates for the GM vacancy in September. There remains a chance, though not a likelihood, that longtime assistant John Ricco will get the job.

The Mets have finalized their starting rotation for their Subway Series matchup against the Yankees following the All-Star break.

Noah Syndergaard will get the start on Friday in the series opener against Domingo German, while Steven Matz will pitch on Saturday and Jacob deGrom will be on the mound on Sunday in the series finale. Matz will be opposed by Sonny Gray on Saturday and Masahiro Tanaka will pitch for the Yankees in the series finale. 

Syndergaard will make his second start since returning from the disabled list with a strained ligament in his finger, which forced him to miss more than two months of action.

The Mets (39-54) and Nationals (47-48) will conclude their four-game series on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field at 1:10 p.m.

Mets Notes...

Mets OF Michael Conforto helped lead the Mets' seven-run effort on Saturday night with a three-run home run in the fifth inning.

Conforto's blast, which drove in Jose Bautista and Asdrubal Cabrera, gave the Mets a 6-0 lead over the Nationals. 

"I got just enough of it," Conforto said after the game. "I think I got a good pitch to hit with two strikes, tried to stay short and put a good swing on it, not try to do too much. It's funny how that ends up turning into a home run. I'm going to try to do more of that and just keep working hard."

Mets LHP Jason Vargas (calf strain) allowed two runs on six hits in six innings on Saturday night in a rehab start for Single-A Brooklyn.

Both runs allowed by Vargas were home runs. He threw 90 pitches, 64 of which were strikes.

Vargas last pitched on June 19 when he was shelled by the Rockies. In that start, he allowed seven runs -- including three home runs -- in just 2 1/3 innings.

Mets RHP Zack Wheeler is giving some credit to Mets ace Jacob deGrom for helping him find success during what has been a bounce-back season thus far.

Per SNY's Steve Gelbs, Wheeler said after Saturday's game that he has watched Jacob deGrom's bullpen sessions this season, and in the process he has gathered key takeaways and altered his routine.

DeGrom has been able to pinpoint his fastballs to the glove side, something Wheeler had difficulties with in the past. But after making adjustments, Wheeler now utilizes that pitch.

Michael Conforto had a big home run and Zack Wheeler delivered a solid start as the Mets beat the Nationals, 7-4. 

Mets RHP Zack Wheeler cruised for five innings before running into rough patches in the sixth and eighth innings while pitching a season-high 7 2/3 innings against the Nationals on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.

Wheeler allowed four runs on eight hits after limiting the Nationals to just one hit in five scoreless innings to start the game. 

Wheeler, who did not allow a hit until Adam Eaton's two-out double in the third inning, was backed by run support from the Mets' offense, which built up a seven-run lead before the Nationals could score their first run. Wheeler helped himself out on offense in the second inning when his sacrifice fly plated Kevin Plawecki.

The Mets built a 7-0 lead for Zack Wheeler and managed to hold on for a 7-4 win over the Nationals on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about today's game...

Mets OF Michael Conforto hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to extend the team's lead.

Click below to watch...

The Mets (38-54) continue their series with division-rival Nationals (47-47) on Saturday at Citi Field at 4:10 p.m.

Mets Notes...

Mets 1B prospect Peter Alonso crushed a grand slam on Friday for the 51s, his second homer in as many days.

Check it out.

Kim Ng is currently the Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations for MLB and the highest ranking female executive in baseball. And she 100 percent should be considered by the Mets when they begin interviewing for a new GM.

In the wake of Sandy Alderson stepping down in June as GM due to health issues, his current assistants John Ricco and J.P. Ricciardi and advisor Omar Minaya were challenged by ownership to think creatively when it comes to improving the franchise.

It is expected that all three men will be considered to take over as Alderson's permanent replacement...

After being given a 'mental break' by manager Mickey Callaway at the end of June to work on his swing, Mets SS Amed Rosario is heating up and feeling good.

Rosario has been particularly productive over his last six games, hitting 8-18 with three doubles and three triples. This season, Rosario is hitting .249/.294/.386 with 4 HR, 22 RBI and 25 XBH.

"I try to bring energy and stay positive and swing at good pitches," Rosario said after the Mets' 4-2 win over the Nationals. "I'm feeling more confident at home plate. I'm feeling much better with the mechanics and the confidence, too."

First Data and the Mets are proud to salute yesterday's veteran of the game, Col. Lee Reynolds of the United States Army.

Click here to see all of the veterans the Mets honor throughout the season.

Mets INF T.J. Rivera left his rehab game with the 51s due to discomfort in his arm. He played five innings before being removed. 

Rivera had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last September after initially trying to rehab the injury. He was previously aiming to return by May, but that was pushed back and he made his rehab debut on July 5.

"His arm was not feeling the way it should have so we're going to reevaluate him tomorrow, see what the plan is," 51s manager Tony DeFrancesco said, via Betsy Helfand.

Noah Syndergaard is finally back in the Mets' rotation after what was a solid return on Friday night as he picked up the win. But even while he spent time on the DL, Syndergaard's name was thrown around in trade talks. 

And the Mets were listening. 

Along with ace Jacob deGrom, the Mets weren't shying away from listening to pitches on their top two arms. However, the Mets have cooled down those talks, and Syndergaard must be happy to hear that news. Though he realizes he doesn't have control on what the front office does, he still wants to be a Met...

Noah Syndergaard returned from the disabled list and helped the Mets beat the Nationals on Friday night with his arm as well as his bat.

The Mets provided some quality run support during Noah Syndergaard's long-awaited return to Citi Field, and he repaid them by setting the tone for a 4-2 win over their division rival on Friday night. 

For a full box score of the game, click here.

Things you should know about tonight's game...

It may have been a long wait to see Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard take the mound again, but it was well worth it on Friday night. 

Syndergaard tossed one-run ball over his five strong innings in his return to Citi Field. The night began with a 1-2-3 first inning, and Thor's heater was certainly showing early as he touched triple digits at times. 

He even managed to hit an RBI single in the bottom of the second to help his own cause...