Ottavino explained that the Mets became the primary franchise targeted by Major League Baseball once regulators learned about the setup. According to details reported by The Athletic, teams were using league-issued dugout iPads to run custom generative AI tools.

The league uncovered that nearly a third of MLB teams were pushing technology guidelines by utilizing custom apps in dugouts. Front offices were feeding live game data into these models to instantly update their approach against opposing hitters.

MLB clamps down on dugout AI

Major League Baseball halted the practice mid-season by issuing a league-wide memo banning custom software, according to The Athletic. The commissioner’s office strictly prohibited any generative tools that offered live-updating recommendations for pitch-calling or substitutions. Moving forward, franchises are restricted to uploading static, pre-game analytical data subject to full league review.

Clubs will struggle to bypass these new restrictions because dugout iPads remain locked down and strictly monitored by league software. Non-field personnel are forbidden from entering dugouts during games, preventing external staff from feeding live inputs into tablets. Unless rules are loosened in the future, teams cannot legally use generative AI for real-time strategic calls.

Despite all the controversy surrounding the tech, relying on algorithmic pitch selection didn’t actually help the Mets very much. The team still endured plenty of pitching struggles, proving that digital suggestions couldn’t magically fix execution on the mound.

Speaking on The Show podcast, New York Post insider Joel Sherman floated an unusual scenario involving Mets owner Steve Cohen. “It’s Steve Cohen. Have your cake and eat it too. Trade him and then sign him back,” Sherman said while discussing Holmes’ future with Jon Heyman.

Holmes is widely expected to opt out of the final year of his contract after the season following his successful transition back into the starting rotation. That has made him an attractive trade candidate for contenders seeking pitching help ahead of the deadline.

Why Clay Holmes remains valuable despite trade rumors

Before suffering a broken leg in May, Holmes was enjoying one of the best stretches of his career. He posted a 2.39 ERA across nine starts and appeared on track to earn his first All-Star selection as a starting pitcher.

After finishing the 2025 campaign with a 12-8 record and a 3.53 ERA, Holmes further increased his value by proving he could succeed in the rotation, making him one of the more appealing pitchers available on the trade market.

Could the Mets bring Holmes back in free agency?

According to Sherman, trading Holmes doesn’t necessarily mean the Mets would close the door on a reunion. Instead, New York could maximize his value by acquiring prospects now before attempting to negotiate a new contract during the offseason.

A new deal would likely require a significant raise from the $12 million Holmes is currently scheduled to earn in 2027 if he doesn’t opt out. Reports suggest a contract averaging around $22 million annually could place him alongside veteran starters such as Seth Lugo, Robbie Ray, Luis Severino, and Sean Manaea.

“I don’t understand it,” Peralta said, according to MLB.com, after his latest rough outing against the Milwaukee Brewers. “I feel good. The stuff is good. Everything is there… I’ve been working to figure it out, I’m not going to give up. Just have to keep going through this and keep fighting.”

Despite Peralta’s struggles, his trade value remains significant because of his past success and expiring contract. The Mets could still attract interest from teams searching for rotation help, especially from contenders hoping a change of scenery can help the right-hander return to his previous form.

Peralta’s struggles have changed Mets’ plans

Peralta’s difficult season continued Monday night in Milwaukee, where he allowed seven runs over 5.1 innings against his former team. His ERA climbed to 5.01, ranking among the highest marks for qualified starting pitchers in MLB this season.

The performance added to a disappointing campaign for a pitcher who arrived with expectations of becoming New York’s ace. However, his track record remains appealing after he posted a 17-6 record with a 2.70 ERA during his final season with the Brewers. For teams looking for pitching before the August 3 trade deadline, Peralta represents a potential buy-low opportunity.

Could the Mets maximize Peralta’s trade value?

The Mets’ front office, led by president of baseball operations David Stearns, is expected to evaluate multiple trade possibilities before the deadline. Reports indicate New York is open to listening on most of its roster, with a limited group of untouchable young players.

Peralta’s future in Queens remains uncertain, but his contract situation and past production could make him one of the more intriguing names available if the Mets decide to move him.

According to The Athletic‘s Will Sammon, the Mets have officially granted Severino his release, allowing the southpaw to pursue an opportunity to play in Japan. The transaction clears additional room after the club recently selected Cionel Perez to the 40-man roster, a promotional opportunity Perez is clearly trying to capitalize on after flashing strong potential in his latest bullpen outings to secure a permanent job for the stretch run.

Severino has not appeared in a Major League game since 2022, when he cracked the 26-man active roster for the Chicago White Sox. Now, following a rocky tenure that included a ballooned 13.50 spring training ERA over a limited 2.2-inning sample size, the veteran reliever will look to revitalize his career overseas.

Simultaneously, as the Mets monitor the latest injury updates regarding infielder Jorge Polanco, the front office remains hyper-focused on stabilizing the pitching staff for the remainder of the season. Team officials are expecting Perez to maximize his premium stuff in high-leverage situations to prove he belongs in the club’s long-term blueprint.

Perez’s stats to be considered for the 40-man roster

With the Mets’ pitching depth heavily compromised by an influx of injuries—headlined by Kodai Senga’s stint on the injured list and Freddy Peralta struggling to find his rhythm—the Queens franchise is banking on the former Washington Nationals product to help anchor the bullpen this month.

While Perez’s overall body of work with the Nationals left much to be desired, pitching to a disappointing 6.19 ERA and a 2-3 record over 16 innings in Washington, his early sample size in New York has provided a stark contrast, yielding a stellar 3.00 ERA with four strikeouts through his first two appearances.

By executing these calculated roster modifications, the Mets are hoping to officially turn the page on a volatile, up-and-down regular season and string together enough consistent baseball to climb back into postseason contention.

According to the New York Post’s Mike Puma, the veteran infielder will remain with Triple-A Syracuse as he continues working his way back from injuries that have limited him throughout his first season with the Mets. The decision comes even after Polanco successfully returned to game action during his rehab assignment.

While his recovery appears to be moving in the right direction physically, the Mets are taking a cautious approach as they evaluate both his health and readiness at the plate before activating him, even as Bo Bichette answered to criticism from doubters continues to circulate as one of the week’s notable storylines around the league.

Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of being fully ready

Earlier this week, manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged that Polanco’s return would depend on more than just medical clearance. “We got to talk to the player, how he’s feeling, and all that. And he’s got to get cleared from the medical staff as well,” Mendoza said. “It could be in play that he’s active on Friday. But again, if he needs more at-bats, and it’s not so much like how he’s feeling physically, I think there’s a combination of a lot of things there.”

Polanco has struggled offensively during his brief stay in Syracuse, going hitless with one walk in two Triple-A games. Prior to that, he appeared in three games for Double-A Binghamton, where he collected two hits, including a home run.

Injuries have complicated Polanco’s first season with Mets

Polanco’s debut season in Queens has been disrupted by multiple health issues. He spent time dealing with Achilles bursitis before being sidelined in April with a right wrist contusion.

The wrist injury is reportedly no longer a concern, but the Achilles issue remains something he will likely need to manage throughout the season. As a result, the Mets expect him to spend most of his time as a designated hitter when he eventually returns, while remaining available to play first base when needed.

For now, the Mets will continue their road trip without him as they open a key series against the Padres. The club will return home next week for a matchup against the Cardinals, which could provide another potential target date for Polanco’s return if his rehab continues to progress.

In the series finale against Seattle, Bichette reminded everyone why the Mets made a high-stakes gamble to acquire him, turning in his first four-hit performance with the club and the 19th of his career. It marked a familiar flash of brilliance for the infielder, who racked up five such multi-hit games with the Toronto Blue Jays last season.

Entering the matinee mired in a brutal 0-for-16 skid, Bichette broke out of his funk in a big way, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and three RBIs. His clutch production provided the exact offensive punch the Mets needed to secure the victory and keep chasing a .500 record.

Manager Carlos Mendoza has fiercely backed his shortstop amid the early-season struggles, and that patience is finally paying dividends. Now, the Flushing faithful are hoping this breakout performance keeps him locked in for the stretch ahead as the Mets look to improve upon their 27-35 record.

Reactions to Bichette’s breakout performance

Mendoza was quick to praise his shortstop’s resilience after Wednesday’s victory over the Mariners. “Hopefully, now, he continues to get results and he gets going here. I feel like this guy has been very unlucky, I hate to say it. He’s a good hitter,” Mendoza told reporters during his postgame press conference.

Bichette also expressed immense relief after finally snapping his cold streak in front of the home crowd. “That’s all I want, is to help the team win,” Bichette told SNY in a walk-off interview on the field.

Bichette’s season outlook in flushing

Getting another high-profile bat going is crucial for a Mets lineup that already features superstar Juan Soto performing at an MVP caliber. If Bichette can carry this newfound confidence forward, it completely transforms the dynamic of the offense, though it remains no secret that his overall seasonal numbers still have a long way to go to meet expectations.

• Games played: 62
• At-Bats: 248
• AVG: .226
• OPS: .590
• Hits: 56
• Home runs (HR): 5
• RBI: 31
• Stolen bases (SB): 1

After the game, Mendoza acknowledged the inconsistency that has defined Vientos’ season. “He’s been on and off,” Mendoza said, according to SNY. “There’s been stretches where you see him play well defensively and then a couple of plays tonight are routine plays. Some inconsistency there at times.”

Vientos showed both sides of that inconsistency against Seattle. He made a strong defensive play in the first inning but later failed to convert a line drive that allowed the Mariners to take the lead. He also finished 0-for-4 at the plate, extending a recent slump that has mirrored some of his defensive struggles, all while the Mets face a crucial Freddy Peralta decision that could shape the club’s direction moving forward.

Defensive miscues prove costly for Mets

The turning point came in the third inning when Vientos was unable to secure a line drive off the bat of Luke Raley, allowing a run to score and giving Seattle a 3-2 advantage. Later in the game, another ball deflected off his glove for a single that helped the Mariners build a comfortable lead.

Vientos recorded his fourth error in 50 games at first base this season. According to Baseball Savant, he owns a -4 Outs Above Average rating, placing him among the lower-ranked defensive first basemen in Major League Baseball. With injuries affecting the roster, the Mets have relied heavily on him in an everyday role, making consistency even more important.

Offensive struggles continue against right-handed pitching

While Vientos remains in the lineup primarily for his bat, offensive production has also been difficult to find recently. He is just 3-for-23 (.130) over his last seven games and grounded into a rally-killing double play during a key opportunity against Seattle’s bullpen.

Mendoza pointed to a noticeable split in Vientos’ performance depending on the opposing pitcher. “Inconsistent, especially against righties. Having a hard time against righties,” Mendoza said. “When you look at the numbers, he’s been pretty good against lefties. But righties are giving him a hard time.”

Despite the struggles, Vientos remains confident he can turn things around. “Last month, a lot of bad luck, but the inconsistency is not something that I want,” Vientos said. “I’m pushing for better results, working with the coaches and trying to be the best version of myself.”

“Throwing it hard and selling it has been really key. The strikeout to Raley, that’s probably the best sweeper I’ve thrown all year,” Manaea told reporters after the tight 3-2 loss to Seattle.

It has been a winding road for Manaea, who wasn’t a locked-in fixture for the starting rotation when the season began. Manager Carlos Mendoza initially believed he had enough rotation depth to get by, but a string of early-season pitching woes quickly forced the skipper to alter his plans.

Meanwhile, the Mets face a looming, high-stakes decision regarding Freddy Peralta’s role if the rotation’s collective struggles continue. It’s the exact type of volatile roster environment Manaea has had to navigate all year while trying to stabilize a pitching staff that currently sits at a disappointing 26-33.

Manaea’s performance in the regular season

Manaea’s regular-season performance with the Mets has been a bit of a bumpy ride, though his most recent outing provided a much-needed silver lining. After leaning heavily on a bulk-relief role to start the year, Manaea’s overall numbers reflect some consistency struggles, though his underlying strikeout metrics remain solid.

Manaea’s stats this season so far:

• Games Pitched (G): 13
• Record (W-L): 0–1
• Earned Run Average (ERA): 5.08
• Innings Pitched (IP): 39.0
• Strikeouts (SO): 42
• WHIP: 1.46
• Strikeouts Per 9 Innings (SO/9): 9.69

As Manaea actively tweaks his arsenal for better results, the Mets are desperately searching for a spark to salvage their season and chip away at a sub-.500 record before the summer gets away from them.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Peralta could emerge as a trade candidate if New York’s disappointing season continues. “If the Mets continue to falter and fall further back in the race, they could look to move whatever pieces they can, starting with ace Freddy Peralta, who is headed for free agency after the season,” Feinsand wrote.

The possibility represents a dramatic shift from the Mets’ original plans. Peralta was acquired to strengthen the front of the rotation and help push the club toward championship contention.

However, with the right‑hander set to become a free agent after the season and no extension in place, New York may eventually have to evaluate whether retaining him remains the best long‑term option, especially as manager Carlos Mendoza is confident Nolan McLean can quickly turn around his recent struggles.

Peralta’s contract situation adds uncertainty

When the Mets traded for Peralta, there was an expectation that the partnership could extend beyond a single season. The veteran right-hander brought top-of-the-rotation experience and immediately became one of the most important pieces of the pitching staff.

As the season moves into June, no contract extension has been finalized, increasing the chance that Peralta becomes a trade‑deadline target if the Mets decide to sell. He’s posted a 3–4 record with a 3.55 ERA in 12 starts, along with 66 innings, 68 strikeouts, and a 1.30 WHIP, numbers that make him one of the most appealing arms on the market.

Mets still hoping to avoid difficult trade deadline decisions

Despite the speculation, New York is unlikely to rush into any major roster moves. Given the organization’s payroll, expectations, and preseason ambitions, the front office will likely wait as long as possible before deciding whether to buy or sell.

The Mets could still explore a long-term extension with Peralta if they believe he fits into their future plans. For now, though, the mere possibility of discussing a trade involving one of their top pitchers highlights how far the season has drifted from the organization’s original expectations.

According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark, the Phillies’ offense has been held to one run or fewer in 14 games this season. Only the Mets and the Colorado Rockies have endured more such lackluster outings, with 15 apiece. The glaring lack of punch has amplified concerns in the wake of a brutal 9-1 drubbing at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Furthermore, the Phillies’ offensive efficiency metrics have cratered so dramatically that they have officially plummeted below the lowly Mets in team batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP).

Alongside Cristopher Sanchez reacting after making franchise history with a scoreless streak, dropping below a division rival in such a critical situational category is a massive wake-up call. It highlights a glaring inability to execute when the lights are brightest, transforming what should be routine, rally-extending plate appearances into a parade of frustrating strikeouts and soft contact.

Underperforming superstars in the Phillies

The core of the issue lies squarely on the shoulders of Philadelphia’s marquee bats, who have collectively vanished during high-leverage moments. Franchise cornerstone Bryce Harper has fallen into a deep power outage, struggling to drive the ball with authority, while Trea Turner’s uncharacteristic swing-and-miss tendencies at the top of the order have severely handcuffed the team’s ability to manufacture early runs.

Manager Don Mattingly has maintained a hopeful demeanor publicly, but behind closed doors, the coaching staff is searching for answers. Adjustments to the batting order and approach at the plate have yielded few results.

Looming division pressure

Time is still on Philadelphia’s side with a 30-29 record and more than 100 games to be played, but the margin for error is shrinking rapidly in a division that routinely punishes extended slumps. If the Phillies cannot correct their situational approach and rediscover their offensive identity, their tenuous safety cushion above the Mets (26-33) in the standings will mean very little when the wild-card race intensifies.

The upcoming stretch of the schedule offers no breathers, meaning the bats must wake up immediately. It is up to the leadership in the clubhouse to spark a turnaround before a temporary offensive slide permanently alters the trajectory of their season.

The highly insightful post-game discussion was captured on X by SNY. “I don’t try to be a mentor. I try to be one of them. I try to make them feel like they are a part of this, they are the same as me, they have the same voice,” Soto openly shared regarding his modern style of leadership with the Mets.

He continued by passionately praising their fearless defensive hustle and the hilarious nicknames the young outfield duo have given one another. “They call each other psychopaths. I’m like, ‘yeah, you guys are.’ It’s just crazy how hard they’re going into the wall or running around the field. It’s incredible. It’s really fun to watch,” Soto added with a smile.

Benge and Ewing’s season so far in New York

Ewing has quickly shown flashes of his massive potential since his promotion. The young outfielder blasted the very first home run of his MLB career against Detroit and recently made a spectacular diving catch to save extra bases against Miami. His energetic style of play has given the team a noticeable spark on both sides of the ball.

Benge has also delivered highly impactful moments at the plate with 4 home runs this year. Recently launching his first career leadoff home run during Sunday’s dominant 10-1 victory over the Marlins. His ability to step up in clutch situations, including a multi-hit performance against Cincinnati, proves he is ready for the brightest lights.

Meanwhile, Soto continues to carry a massive load at the plate to help navigate the Mets through an incredibly tough and turbulent year while having a .305 batting average. The Dominican superstar punctuated a massive three-game weekend sweep of Miami by launching a spectacular grand slam in the sixth inning.