The Mets All-Star break had a number of positive stories for them. The Mets sit atop the NL East and continue their playoff pursuit. After some much-needed time off the Mets return Friday against the Pirates. However, time off wasn’t the only good to happen for New York during the break. We discuss each of the benefits from the Mets All-Star pick aside from rest below.
Jacob deGrom
After a stellar first half of the season the Mets ace was selected to his fourth All-Star game. However, deGrom did elect to sit out of the All-Star game. deGrom has had to get four MRI’s already this season giving the Mets a few injury scares. With a start scheduled two days prior to the All-Star break he chose to spend the break with family and rest. While many MLB fans were upset with the decision, Mets fans shouldn’t be. The move gives the best player in baseball the most time to rest his arm than he will get this season. Making the All-Star game is an accomplishment. But missing it gives deGrom the opportunity to compete for the Cy Young and playoff pitching. Because of that Jacob deGrom making and missing the trip to Coors was a key positive from the Mets All-Star Break.
Taijuan Walker
Taijuan Walker has been outstanding this season. The Mets are 13-3 when he starts, and 8-0 in his home starts. His 2.50 ERA ranks eighth best in the National League. When the NL All-Stars were first announced Walker was a notable name not on the list. However, when teammate Jacob deGrom chose rest over the All-Star game Walker got the call for his first All-Star appearance. A dream come true. The nod should give the pitcher the validation he deserves to finish out his hot season.
Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso took home his second home run derby title in two appearances. Hitting home runs over 500-feet (514, 509) and one at 498-feet. The Mets first basemen said of the competition: “To be able to participate — it’s a dream come true. To be able to do it back-to-back — this is really special for me. And really cool.” It is really cool. It cements Alonso as one of the best power hitters in the MLB. Maybe even the best if you ask Alonso. “I think I’m the best power hitter on the planet.” Alonso said. People make a big deal of struggles after the exhausting Home Run Derby. However, the myth of decreased play following a 300 plus swing derby has been debunked statistically. So it is time for New York to celebrate, and Alonso to celebrate. Not only did Alonso win the home run derby during the Mets All-Star break. But the Mets also announced the return of their black jerseys. Something the star has been advocating for.
Drafting Kumar Rocker
Not only did the Mets All-Star break benefit their current roster, but they also added new prospects. With the tenth pick in the MLB Draft, New York selected Kumar Rocker. The team wasted no time in signing the pitcher a mere two days after signing him. Due to the fact that Rocker could return to Vanderbilt for another season he did demand a higher signing bonus, but the Mets quickly obliged. The prospect went 14-4 maintaining a 2.73 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 122 innings. An inconsistent fastball caused the prospect to fall a few spots in the draft, something the Mets feel confident will not be a factor. Rocker has already been compared to past Mets pitchers like Johan Santana and Noah Syndergaard.
Not only did the Mets have an excellent first half of the season, but they also benefitted during the time off. Because of this it is fair to expect an elevated Mets second half. With the hopeful returns of Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard this team could be a team to fear as the playoffs approach. While their bats can certainly improve, no team wants to face the Mets pitching in the postseason.
