Mets vs. Royals on July 13: Clay Holmes duels KC as Pete Alonso chases an NL East lead. Can the Mets win today while facing a penalized 2025 MLB Draft tonight?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a Sunday with massive implications for both today and tomorrow. While the New York Mets focus on clinching a vital series against the Kansas City Royals, with the NL East lead hanging in the balance, the front office is shifting into full-on future mode. Tonight, the 2025 MLB Draft kicks off, a critical moment for restocking the farm system, made all the more challenging by penalties from the team's aggressive, win-now spending. It's a perfect storm of high-stakes baseball, trade deadline buzz, and franchise-shaping decisions.
The Mets' first pick dropped from No. 28 to No. 38 overall due to a Competitive Balance Tax penalty for exceeding the second surcharge threshold by more than $40 million.
The Mets aim to take the rubber match in Kansas City today, a game that feels more important than a typical mid-July contest. Trailing the Phillies by just 1.5 games, every win is magnified. RHP Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) takes the mound, looking to build on the momentum from Saturday's 3-1 victory, which was powered by another majestic 435-foot blast from Juan Soto. With Pete Alonso continuing his MVP-caliber campaign (.284 AVG, 76 RBI), the offense has the firepower to back Holmes up against Royals LHP Noah Cameron. A series win heading into the All-Star break would be a massive statement.
While the players are on the field, the real front-office drama begins tonight in Atlanta. The cost of building this powerhouse roster is now being felt, as the Mets will make their first selection at pick No. 38, a 10-spot drop due to CBT penalties. They also forfeited their second-round pick as compensation for signing Juan Soto. Despite the handicap, VP of Amateur Scouting Kris Gross remains optimistic, citing a deep class of college pitchers and high school bats. Tonight isn't just about adding a player; it's about making a difficult pick count to ensure the team's success is sustainable.
As the July 31 trade deadline looms, the Mets are getting healthier at the perfect time. The recent returns of Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and Brooks Raley from the IL have provided a significant boost to the pitching staff. However, the front office is still actively looking for upgrades, reportedly targeting a leadoff-hitting center fielder like Jarren Duran of the Red Sox and additional bullpen arms. Meanwhile, down on the farm, No. 9 prospect Drew Gilbert just smashed his 10th homer for Triple-A Syracuse. His continued development provides a tantalizing internal option for outfield depth later this season, giving the Mets leverage in any potential trade talks.
It's a pivotal Sunday for the Mets, a day that perfectly encapsulates the life of a contending team. On the field, they have a crucial series to win to keep the pressure on the Phillies. Off the field, the front office is juggling the immediate needs of the trade deadline with the long-term health of the organization in the draft. How they navigate today's game and tonight's picks will set the tone for the second half and beyond. Buckle up, Mets fans.
