Lindor Puts Mets Future to Bed
Story: Francisco Lindor told the Post he’s staying with the Mets for the long haul—no hedging, no “wait and see.” After years of trade rumors and contract chatter, the shortstop finally shut the door. Big Mike’s take: Good. The Mets need stability, and Lindor’s bat (career .274/.337/.470) and glove (Gold Glove finalist in ’25) are worth the long-term bet. If he stays healthy, this deal could age like fine wine—or at least like a solid middle-infield pairing with Lindor and McNeil turning double plays for the next half-decade.
Yankees’ One-Night Miracle: Much Ado About Nothing?
Story: The Yankees’ lineup woke up for one inning against a bad team and suddenly the Bronx is buzzing. Big Mike’s take: Cool your jets. A three-run outburst in the 4th against the Royals’ bullpen doesn’t erase two months of .220 team batting average with runners in scoring position. Judge is still slumping (.189 in August), Stanton’s knee is a question mark, and the rotation’s back end is held together by duct tape and hope. Enjoy the win, but don’t mistake it for a trend—this team’s ceiling is still “wild-card berth” unless Cashman pulls a rabbit out of his hat.
Angels Clean House: Maddux, Chiti, Scott Out
Story: The Angels fired pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dom Chiti, and assistant hitting coach Darryl Scott. Big Mike’s take: About damn time. Maddux’s staff led the AL in ERA (4.89) and home runs allowed (220) despite having Ohtani’s final season and a full year of Trout. Chiti’s bullpen blew 18 saves—tied for the most in baseball. Scott? The Angels’ lineup ranked 25th in OPS (.701) and dead last in walks (3.9%). New GM Perry Minasian is playing cleanup, but the real question is whether Arte Moreno will open his wallet this offseason or keep pinching pennies while the farm system stays barren.
Phillies’ Dogfight: Dombrowski Spills the Tea
Story: Dave Dombrowski admitted the Phillies are in a “dogfight” to make the playoffs and dropped hints about Bryce Harper’s pre-deadline request (rumored to be a trade demand). Big Mike’s take: Harper’s not going anywhere. The Phils’ window is now—Dombrowski doesn’t rebuild, he reloads. But the NL East is a meat grinder: the Braves are still stacked, the Mets are healthy, and the Marlins are lurking. Dombrowski also name-dropped Luis Arraez (acquired for $75M this summer) and Alex Cora (future manager?), but the real story is the rotation. Wheeler’s elbow is a ticking time bomb, Nola’s ERA is north of 4.00, and Ranger Suárez is the only reliable arm left. If the Phils don’t land a frontline starter by the deadline, this “dogfight” turns into a funeral.
Mets’ Offseason Priority: Sign Skubal
Story: Jim Duquette says the Mets have to sign Tarik Skubal this winter. Big Mike’s take: No brainer. Skubal’s 2.45 ERA and 250 Ks in 180 IP make him the best lefty on the market, and the Mets’ rotation is one injury away from disaster. Senga’s shoulder is a concern, Peterson’s ERA is bloated (4.22), and Megill’s command is still a work in progress. The Mets’ payroll is flexible (Lindor’s deal is backloaded), and Cohen’s got the cash. If they whiff on Skubal, the alternative is overpaying for a mid-rotation guy like Montgomery or Gray—and neither moves the needle in October.