The sample has gotten big enough I feel pretty confident he's at a sustainable new level. It isn't just BABIP luck, the overall approach is flat out better.
He's striking out less and hitting the ball harder. Not a common combination, but a very welcome one. I'm sure he'll slump at some point, but if his OPS is around .800, he's an all-star player. Really hope he keeps it up, both for how much the team needs it, and Jeremy would be one of the most likeable stars in baseball.
I said before the season I felt better with him at the plate than Paredes and thought he'd have a better year. Well, both seem to be our MVPs so far.
Jeremy Peña is establishing himself as a MLB mainstay. Top tier SS defense, above average offensive tools. He’s proving he has staying power as an elite contributor. He doesn’t seem to have the name recognition as some of the other star SS. But if he continues this level offensive production, he’s going to kick the door in for all-star selection.
"Go win your MVP with the Mets, Jeremy. We have another 35 yr old 1st baseman to sign" Crane 2 years from today.
It's crazy that with Pena and Meyers both way overperforming what I expected from them that our offense is still struggling. If we could be getting usual Yordan, Yainer and Christian Walker, this team would be one of the best (if not THE best) in the AL.
Walker is 34 and might just be a bad signing. I expect Yordan and Yainer to heat up about the same time Pena and Meyers cool off. This is baseball, players can be hot or cold for months at a time. It all evens out over the course of a season. We're still a bat short. I think it's likely they make a move for a legit outfielder, if the team stays where it's at by the trade deadline. Smith's promotion was too aggressive and I think he will end up getting more productive development in AAA, and Altuve will end up back at 2B. Could be a 2B, and leave Altuve in left.
I think we all didn't realize how much protection in the lineup Bregman and Tucker actually gave Yordan. Opposing pitchers are pitching him like it doesn't matter if he hits one because it'll be a solo (or they already have a big lead already). Yordan will come around once he adjusts to how he's being treated. August would be my target date for a launch but June/July would be much better.
I think Paredes is as good if not better offensively than Bregman but your point is a good one that Alvarez may be affected by there being one less elite hitter in front or behind him. Lineups are never equal to the sum of their parts; good lineups outperform because lineup depth and intimidation from elite hitters benefits other hitters, and bad lineups underperform for the opposite reason.
