We ordered a bunch of trophies in bulk from a big box department store to save some money. Rather than let them take up more space and make Marie Kondo freak out, we’re going to hand out some midseason awards to the New York Mets.
Who did good, who did bad, and who are you wearing?
NY Mets midseason MVP: Pete Alonso
Nobody has been more important to the Mets this season than their midseason MVP, Pete Alonso. The offense literally runs through him. Remove him for even a single game and the lineup loses a lot of balance, all of its power, and feels very beatable.
NY Mets midseason Cy Young Winner: Edwin Diaz
No pitcher has been better for the Mets than Edwin Diaz. The star closer finished the first half with a 1.69 ERA and 20 saves in 38 games. Max Scherzer missed too much time to qualify for the award.
NY Mets midseason Rookie of the Year: Colin Holderman
This Mets team isn’t loaded with rookies but reliever Colin Holderman has had a promising start to his career. Now 4-0 with a 2.04 ERA in his first 17.2 innings of work, he’s an easy choice for the club’s Rookie of the Year honors.
NY Mets midseason Most Improved: Carlos Carrasco
We’re seeing a much different Carlos Carrasco on the mound this year. In 99 innings which include a team-high 18 starts, Carrasco is 10-4 with a 4.27 ERA. This isn’t vintage Cookie Carrasco but keep in mind they do have an expiration date. Win-loss records don’t matter much but his does show he keeps the team in the game.
NY Mets midseason Best On-Screen Stare: Buck Showalter
It’s not even close. Buck Showalter invented staring. Before him, people would fake smile or reveal other emotions. Not Showalter. You never know exactly what he’s thinking.
NY Mets midseason Best Supporting Fielder: Luis Guillorme
Luis Guillorme has found himself in 68 games for the Mets this year and it’s for more than just a late-inning defensive replacement. His .293 batting average in 224 trips to the plate is exactly what we like to see. On days when Jeff McNeil is out or covering for an outfield, it’s Guillorme who gets in the lineup. It’s more than a cameo. He’s in a supporting role.
NY Mets midseason Most Frustrating Player: J.D. Davis
As poorly as Dominic Smith has played, J.D. Davis is the more frustrating one because of his hard-hit rate and the indication we’re being told that this should lead to more hits. It hasn’t. Maybe we can build a trophy big enough for them to share.
NY Mets midseason Wait, He Was Here? Honoree: Matt Reynolds
Matt Reynolds played one game for the Mets as a defensive replacement then got picked off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. He has been a wonderful utility man for them ever since. Blink and you missed him playing right field in the 8th inning on April 16.