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2 days ago
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Mets Named 'Great Landing Spot' for $50 Million All-Star
Mets Named 'Great Landing Spot' for $50 Million All-Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With less than two months to go before the July 31 trade deadline, MLB teams are all taking a hard look at where they are, and how they might be able to improve. Advertisement The NL-East leading New York Mets, owners of the best record (42-24) in the National League, are no exception. In an article published Tuesday, suggesting what all 30 teams must do prior to the deadline, ESPN MLB writer Bradford Doolittle suggested the Mets need to asses center field. "When the Mets acquired Jose Siri during the offseason, it seemed likely that Siri was a stopgap solution while New York waited on some of its outfield prospects to mature." Doolittle wrote. "Tyrone Taylor has logged the most time in center, but he's best suited for a complementary role. Among the prospects, Drew Gilbert is in Triple-A, but hasn't hit there so far. Thus, center is an obvious position of need for New York, which seems like a great landing spot for Luis Robert Jr." Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) catches a fly ballMatt Marton-Imagn Images Robert Jr., who signed a six-year, $50 million deal with the White Sox in 2020, has long been the subject of trade rumors, despite his uncharacteristic performance at the plate this season. Advertisement Marred in a 2-for-24 slump over his last seven games, Robert Jr. is slashing .177/.265/.281 with five home runs and 24 RBIs this season. But the 27-year old has shown flashes of greatness during his six years with the White Sox, making him one of the most coveted center fielders as the deadline approaches. In 2023, Robert Jr. hit .264 with 38 home runs and 80 RBIs, was named an All-Star, and took home a Silver Slugger Award. The center fielder also has the ability to be a menace on the base paths, swiping 90 bases throughout his career, including 21 this season. The Mets however, weren't the only team Doolittle mentioned that could make a move on Robert Jr. The San Diego Padres could be looking to upgrade in left field. Related: Mets React to Major Pete Alonso News on Monday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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2 days ago
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Orioles Urged to Fix Major Adley Rutschman Decision
Orioles Urged to Fix Major Adley Rutschman Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Baltimore Orioles seem destined to start setting the table for 2026. Despite a six-game winning streak and nine wins in their last 11, Baltimore's postseason odds are still bleak. The hot stretch, impressive as it is, might just be too little, too late. Advertisement Bradford Doolittle of ESPN put it bluntly, the Orioles will do what the Tampa Bay Rays did last year, look ahead. That means letting young bats like Heston Kjerstad sink or swim at the major league level. It means living with mistakes and growing pains in the name of long-term gain. But more than anything, it means finally addressing the elephant in the room: What's going on with Adley Rutschman? May 25, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) bats against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images He's supposed to be the guy, the leader, the cornerstone. And yet something just isn't clicking. The power has dipped. The energy looks muted. Whether it's mechanical, mental or physical, Rutschman hasn't played like a franchise catcher this season. Advertisement Through 59 games, Rutschman owns a .695 OPS and a .374 slugging percentage, both career lows. His walk rate has dipped from 11.7% last year to just 9.1%, and the power simply hasn't shown up. For a player who was supposed to be the franchise's offensive anchor, this is more than just a cold stretch, it's a red flag. The deadline isn't just about who Baltimore should trade or keep, it's about who they are. If someone like their cornerstone catcher is slipping, that shapes everything moving forward. Related: MLB Sends Terry Francona Message After Guardians-Reds Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
