Former Mets Friday: Week 2

Opening Day always brings hope. The day after? That’s when reality—and curiosity—set in.

Following this year’s opener, we posted a graphic on Kiner’s Korner highlighting several key players no longer with the Mets and how they performed in their first games elsewhere. What happened next surprised even us. The post took on a life of its own, racking up over 70,000 impressions and sparking plenty of conversation.

Some loved it. Some didn’t. Some wanted more. Some probably wanted to throw their phone across the room.

But here’s the thing: baseball is a game of numbers. Players are judged by them. General managers are judged by the players they keep—and the ones they let go.

So we figured… why not lean into it?

Each week, from Thursday to Thursday, we’ll track how a group of former Mets are performing with their new clubs. Some were fan favorites. Some were prospects. Some barely unpacked their bags in Queens.

All of them are now part of the great “what if?” that follows every roster move.

We’re not here to root against anyone. And we’re not here to second-guess every decision with the benefit of hindsight.

We’re just here to keep score.

Luisangel Acuña (White Sox)

Week (4/2-4/9): 7 G, 25 PA, 6 H, 0 XBH, 0 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 SB, .250 / .269 / .250

Season to Date: 39 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 4 R, 2 RBI, 4 SB, .231 / .262 / .493 OPS

The Take:

This was a quietly productive week for Acuña, even if it didn’t come with much flash. Six hits over the initial six-game stretch—and then adding an RBI via sacrifice fly in the final game—gave him steady, if unspectacular, offensive output.

What stands out most is the contact and speed combination. He struck out just four times in 25 plate appearances and added two stolen bases, continuing to show the kind of disruptive ability on the bases that has always been part of his profile. There’s no power here—no extra-base hits at all—but that’s not really his game.

The lack of walks (zero this week) kept the on-base percentage in check, and without extra-base impact, the overall production leans more toward table-setting than driving innings. Still, there were multiple multi-hit-type contributions spread across the week, particularly the April 5 game where he collected two hits and drove in a run.

The added sacrifice fly in the final game is a small detail, but it reflects something important—he’s finding ways to contribute even when the hits aren’t there.

On the season, the profile is becoming clearer: contact, speed, and defensive versatility, with limited power. It’s not loud production, but it’s useful—and in the right role, it plays.

Pete Alonso (Orioles)

Week (4/2-4/9): 6 G, 27 PA, 2 H, 1 2B, 0 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI, .080 / .148 / .160

Season to Date: 48 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 4 R, 3 RBI, 0 SB, .188/.264/.292

The Take:

This was a tough week at the plate for Alonso, who finished with just two hits in 27 plate appearances across six games—and both of those hits were doubles. While there was at least some extra-base contact, the absence of any home runs or additional hits kept the overall production limited.

The strikeout rate (29.6%) points to a week where consistency and timing were off, and the inability to string together quality at-bats led to a low batting average and slugging percentage. Even with a few walks mixed in, the on-base numbers remained modest, and the overall offensive contribution was minimal.

The fact that both hits went for doubles does show he was able to square the ball up a couple of times, but not frequently enough to build any sustained rhythm at the plate. The underlying metrics mirror the surface results, indicating a below-average offensive stretch across the week.

It’s still early in the season, and Alonso’s track record suggests this is more of a temporary downturn than a trend. But for this week, the line reflects a hitter searching for consistency while working through a difficult stretch at the plate.

Paul Blackburn (Yankees)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 1 G, 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0.00 ERA, 1.800 WHIP

Season to Date: 3.0 IP, 2 SO, 0 W, 1 L, 3.00 ERA, 2.333 WHIP

The Take:

A short but relatively effective outing for Blackburn, who worked 1.2 innings and allowed one run—though notably, it was unearned. He gave up three hits but avoided walks entirely, which helped limit the damage and keep the inning from unraveling.

The lack of free passes stands out as the biggest positive. Blackburn made hitters earn their way on, and even with some contact finding holes (reflected in the .500 BABIP), he was able to navigate through traffic without allowing an earned run.

With just two strikeouts, this wasn’t a dominant performance, but it was a controlled one. He relied more on contact management than overpowering stuff, inducing enough weak contact to get through the outing.

On the season, the WHIP remains elevated due to baserunners, but outings like this—where he limits walks and avoids major damage—can help stabilize things moving forward. In a small sample, this was a step in the right direction: not flashy, but functional.

Edwin Díaz (Dodgers)

Week: (4/2-4/9) G, 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 2 SV, 8 BF

Season to Date: 5 G, 5.0 IP, 8 SO, 4 SV, 1.80 ERA, 1.000 WHIP

The Take:

A typically efficient week for Díaz, who continued to handle high-leverage innings and finished with two scoreless appearances totaling two innings. He allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out four, working through both outings without allowing a run.

The results matched the role: short bursts, maximum intensity, and production when it mattered. In one outing he picked up a save, and in the other he again held the line, maintaining his early-season effectiveness.

Across the season to date, Díaz has been exactly what a team expects from a closer—missed bats, limited baserunners, and consistent save opportunities. The strikeout rate remains strong, and even with the occasional baserunner, he’s been able to avoid damage and close out innings cleanly.

This was another steady week in a small sample, but the early indicators continue to point in the same direction: Díaz is being used in the biggest spots and is delivering the kind of performance that keeps him firmly entrenched in late-inning duties.

Drew Gilbert (Giants)

Week: Did not appear in the majors

Ryan Helsley (Orioles)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 3 G, 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO, 1 SV, 2 HLD

Season to Date: 5 G, 4.1 IP, 7 SO, 4 SV, 4.15 ERA

The Take:

Helsley’s week was a bit of a mixed bag, with flashes of his usual swing-and-miss ability but also some command issues that led to traffic on the bases. Over three appearances totaling 2.1 innings, he allowed three hits and issued four walks, leading to two runs crossing the plate.

The strikeout total (3) shows the stuff is still capable of generating outs, and he did pick up both a save and a hold across his outings, indicating continued trust in late-inning situations. However, the elevated walk rate made each appearance more stressful than it needed to be.

The outing on April 6, where he allowed a run on one hit and two walks, highlighted the control concerns, while the brief April 7 appearance was much cleaner and more in line with his typical profile. The combination of volatility within the week reflects a reliever who can dominate when in rhythm but is still working to consistently locate his pitches.

On the season, the WHIP and ERA suggest some early-season inconsistency, but his continued usage in high-leverage spots shows that the underlying stuff and role remain intact. If the command tightens, the performance profile should trend closer to his established track record.

Starling Marte (Royals)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 3 G, 11 PA, 3 H, 2 2B, 0 HR, 1 R, 0 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 6 SO  .273 / .273 / .455

Season to Date: 14 AB, 3 H, 0 HR, 1 R, 0 RBI, 0 SB, .214 / .214 / .357

The Take:

A small but somewhat productive week for Marte, who collected three hits in limited action, with two of them going for doubles. The extra-base contact helped boost the slugging percentage and provided a bit of offensive impact despite the low volume of games.

That said, the strikeouts stand out. Marte struck out in more than half of his plate appearances (54.5%), which limited his ability to sustain rallies or build any real offensive rhythm. With no walks to offset that, his on-base percentage remained identical to his batting average.

There were flashes of solid contact—particularly in the April 4 and April 8 games where he doubled—but consistency was hard to find from at-bat to at-bat. The quality of contact (as reflected in the exit velocity) suggests he squared up a few balls well, but not frequently enough to fully stabilize the overall line.

On the season, the numbers remain light in a very small sample. This week showed a bit more life, especially in terms of extra-base hits, but the swing-and-miss element will be something to watch moving forward.

Jeff McNeil (Athletics)

Week:(4/2-4/9) 5 G, 20 PA, 7 H, 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 3 SO 412 / .500 / .471

Season to Date: 30 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, 1 SB, .267 / .353 / .300,

The Take:

This was vintage McNeil—contact, consistency, and a whole lot of “where’d that ball find grass?” mixed in for good measure. Seven hits in 20 plate appearances led to a .412 average on the week, and while the power was minimal (just one double), the overall offensive production was outstanding.

The most encouraging sign was the plate discipline. A 15% walk rate paired with just a 15% strikeout rate is exactly the profile you expect from McNeil at his best. He wasn’t chasing, he was putting the ball in play, and more often than not, good things happened.

His back-to-back multi-hit games on April 7 and April 8 stood out, particularly the April 7 performance where he reached base three times and drove in a run. Even in games where he didn’t pile up hits, he remained competitive and productive in his at-bats.

The .500 BABIP jumps off the page, so some regression is inevitable, but that shouldn’t take away from how locked in he looked this week. This was a hitter controlling the zone, making consistent contact, and doing exactly what his game is built on.

After a quieter start to the season, this week felt like McNeil settling in—and reminding everyone what his offensive profile looks like when it’s clicking.

Cedric Mullins (Rays)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 5 G, 21 PA, 4 H, 1 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 SB, 1 BB, 4 SO, 200 / .238 / .350

Season to Date: 41 AB, 5 H, 1 HR, 3 R, 5 RBI, 2 SB, .122 / .159 / .220,

The Take: A modestly improved week for Mullins, who showed more activity on the bases and a bit more overall production than his season line suggests. In 21 plate appearances, he collected four hits, including his first home run of the stretch, and chipped in with three runs scored and three RBI.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign was the combination of power and speed. Mullins not only left the yard once, but also added two stolen bases, reminding that his value isn’t limited to just one dimension when he’s going well. The on-base numbers are still light, but he did manage to reach via walk once and showed slightly better contact than his season average indicates.

The strikeout rate remained manageable (4 strikeouts), and while the overall slash line is still below league norms, this week represents a small step forward compared to his early-season struggles. There were enough moments of contribution—both at the plate and on the bases—to suggest he’s beginning to stabilize.

It’s still a low baseline to build from, but relative to the start of his season, this was a more productive and more complete week from Mullins.

Brandon Nimmo (Rangers)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 25 PA, 6 H, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 R, 0 RBI, 0 SB, .273 / .360 / .409

Season to Date: 47 AB, 16 H, 1 HR, 7 R, 4 RBI, 1 SB, .340 / .415 / .489

The Take:

Nimmo put together a steady and productive week, continuing to show why he’s been one of the more reliable table-setters in the lineup. In 25 plate appearances, he collected six hits, including a double and a triple, while reaching base consistently thanks to a solid 12% walk rate.

What stood out most was the balance in his offensive profile. He didn’t just rely on singles—he added extra-base hits and showed the ability to work counts without being overly passive. Even in games where the hits didn’t come (notably April 6 and April 7), he still contributed with competitive at-bats and maintained disciplined plate appearances.

The highlight was clearly the April 3 performance, where he went 2-for-5 with a triple and a run scored, showcasing a bit of gap power and athleticism. He followed that up with another multi-hit game on April 8, indicating he finished the week on a positive note.

On the season, Nimmo’s overall numbers remain strong, with an OPS north of .900 and an OPS+ well above league average. This week was less explosive than his season line but still consistent with his identity: on-base ability, contact quality, and the occasional extra-base impact.

Tyler Rogers (Blue Jays)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 2 K, 6.75 K/9, 0.00 ERA, 1.050 WHIP

Season to Date: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 5 K, 0.00 ERA, 1.050 WHIP

The Take:

Rogers continued his excellent start to the season with a pair of scoreless outings, allowing just two hits over 2.2 innings. His signature control was on display—no walks and five strikeouts in 6.2 innings—and he kept balls on the ground at a strong rate. While the sample size is tiny, Rogers’ consistency and ability to limit damage early in high-leverage situations have already set the tone for what could be a dominant season out of the bullpen.

Gregory Soto (Pirates)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 5 SO, 1 HLD, 3.00 ERA

Season to Date: 7.1 IP, 13 SO, 1 SV, 1.23 ERA, 0.682 WHIP

The Take:

Soto’s week had a bit of everything, but the bottom line still leans positive. Over three innings, he allowed just one hit, though it did come in the form of a home run, accounting for his lone run allowed on the week. Even with that blemish, he struck out five batters and continued to miss bats at a strong clip.

Control-wise, Soto issued just one walk across his outings, and the overall strikeout total suggests his power stuff remains intact. The outings on April 6 and April 7 were particularly clean, each featuring scoreless frames with multiple strikeouts and no damage.

The April 3 appearance was the roughest of the three, as the solo homer accounted for the only run he surrendered, but he still managed to finish with three strikeouts in that outing, limiting further damage.

On the season, Soto’s underlying performance remains excellent. His ERA and WHIP are both strong, and his strikeout total continues to climb. While the home run in this week’s sample is something to monitor, his ability to consistently generate strikeouts and limit baserunners keeps him firmly effective out of the bullpen.

Brandon Sproat (Brewers)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 4 SO, 1 L, 9.82 ERA, 1.909 WHIP

Season to Date: 6.2 IP, 7 SO, 0 W, 1 L, 14.85 ERA, 2.550 WHIP

The Take:

Sproat’s relief appearance on April 4 was a mixed outing that ultimately tilted toward the difficult side. In 3.2 innings, he allowed four runs on four hits, including a home run, while also issuing three walks. The combination of baserunners and the long ball proved to be the main obstacles in an otherwise competitive appearance.

On the positive side, he did record four strikeouts, showing that the stuff can still miss bats when he’s executing. However, the three walks contributed to elevated pitch counts and put additional pressure on the defense, limiting his ability to work clean innings.

He was relatively effective at limiting damage in terms of a big inning, but the accumulation of traffic on the bases—via both hits and walks—allowed opponents to steadily build innings against him. The home run was the key turning point in the line, accounting for a portion of the runs allowed.

On the season, the overall numbers remain challenging through limited innings, with a high ERA and WHIP. While there are flashes of swing-and-miss ability, the consistency of command and limiting free passes will be the primary areas to watch as he looks to settle in and build more effective outings moving forward.

Ryne Stanek (Cardinals)

Week:(4/2-4/9)  1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 3 SO, 1 HLD, 16.20 ERA, 2.500 WHIP

Season to Date: 5.2 IP, 8 SO, 1 SV, 6.35 ERA, 2.118 WHIP

The Take:

Stanek’s week was brief but eventful, spanning two appearances in which he experienced both success and difficulty. Over 1.2 innings, he allowed three runs on three hits, including a home run, while also issuing a walk. The outing on April 6 proved particularly challenging, as he was tagged for three earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning.

In contrast, his April 5 appearance was much cleaner, as he worked a scoreless inning, allowed no hits, and struck out two batters while picking up a hold. That outing showed the kind of effectiveness and velocity-driven results that Stanek can bring when he’s in command.

The week overall was defined by inconsistency. While he demonstrated the ability to miss bats—recording three strikeouts across the two outings—the long ball and limited margin for error in the shorter appearances led to the inflated ERA for the week.

On the season, the sample remains small, but the overall line reflects some early volatility. The strikeout totals suggest the stuff is still playing, but like this week, the key for Stanek moving forward will be tightening command and limiting damage in high-leverage spots.

Blade Tidwell (Giants)

Week: (4/2-4/9) 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 1 HLD, 0.00 ERA, 0.600 WHIP

Season to Date: 5.0 IP, 4 SO, 1 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.600 WHIP

The Take:

Tidwell delivered a strong and efficient week across three appearances, highlighted by his ability to prevent damage entirely. Over five innings, he allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out four, maintaining a spotless ERA and an excellent WHIP.

The standout outing came on April 2, when he worked three innings of relief, allowing just two hits while keeping the Mets off the scoreboard. That performance set the tone for the week and demonstrated his ability to handle extended relief duties effectively.

In his shorter appearances on April 6 and April 8, Tidwell remained composed. He struck out two batters in the April 6 outing and followed that with a clean inning on April 8, allowing no baserunners while recording outs efficiently.

What stands out most is the consistency of his command and his ability to limit traffic. With no runs allowed, minimal walks, and steady strikeout production, Tidwell’s week reflects a pitcher who is maximizing his opportunities and executing his role well.

On the season, the early results remain excellent in a small sample. While the workload is limited, the combination of run prevention and control suggests he is off to a strong start and making the most of his appearances out of the bullpen.

Jett Williams (Brewers)

Week: (4/2-4/9) Did not appear in the majors

In a week that featured a broad mix of former Mets—many of whom suited up on the 2025 squad but did not return—Jeff McNeil stood out as the clear choice for Former Met of the Week. His consistent contact, on-base ability, and all-around offensive contribution separated him from the pack, while others either struggled to find rhythm or are still working their way into form.

McNeil delivered a vintage performance built on exactly what defines his game: putting the ball in play, working deep counts, and refusing to give away at-bats. His ability to reach base at a high clip while maintaining strong contact rates gave him a steady offensive presence throughout the week, even without relying on power to drive the production.

In a group that featured uneven results and several players still searching for consistency, McNeil’s balance of contact, patience, and productivity made him the most complete performer of the bunch.

As we move forward, we’ll begin to narrow the focus and spotlight a more select group of players each week, rather than the wider pool featured here. But for this installment, McNeil’s all-around efficiency and dependable bat-to-ball approach earns him the nod as Former Met of the Week.

Please note Former Met Friday will have a 3 week hiatus, but will return in May.

As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—whether it’s about Nimmo’s week or any of the other former Mets we followed—and if you want to keep the conversation going, join our Kiner’s Korner Facebook group.