Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor is currently on a remarkable offensive streak, hitting seven home runs in his last 19 games and significantly increasing his value ahead of the trade deadline. This surge in performance comes as the Mets season appears unlikely to be salvaged, prompting a focus on maximizing returns for available players.
Since July 4, Taylor has posted a .951 slugging percentage and a 1.389 OPS over at least 35 plate appearances, leading the majors in that span. "He's been phenomenal. Swung the bat as well as anybody in the league," said interim manager Andy Green. "Feels like he's homering every time we put him in the lineup."
Taylor, who previously played for Brewers executive David Stearns before being traded to the Mets for the 2024 season, expressed his contentment with his current situation. "I love it here, man," Taylor said, acknowledging he has been contemplating his trade prospects. "I got my family out here. We've been out here for three years, so my daughter's done some cool stuff out here, with swim classes, dance classes and just things like that. It's my son's first year out here. I love this team. I love the staff. There's a lot of resources here that I know other teams probably don't have. I love my teammates. So, I love it here."
His recent performance has dramatically improved his OPS from .551 to .793, which he attributes to work with the Mets' hitting coaches and a feeling of freedom at the plate.
In other team news, lefty reliever Cionel Pérez's flexor strain is considered "relatively minor," and he is expected to rehab in August with a potential return in September. Righty pitcher Kevin Herget was selected to the roster after Xzavion Curry was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, and he threw a scoreless inning. Freddy Peralta, who was scratched from his Friday start amid intensifying trade talks, remains with the team for now and was slated to pitch Saturday. "Staying ready," Green commented, "should the opportunity arise for him to end up elsewhere at this point in time."
The Mets' offensive struggles continue to be evident, as they have scored two or fewer runs in a game for the 42nd time this season, a mark tied with the Oakland Athletics for the second-most in the majors. Their record in such games is 1-41.
Robert Stock, a 36-year-old righty, is scheduled to be called up and will start Sunday's series finale against the Marlins.