The New York Mets find themselves at a crossroads with their third base position as their anticipated starter, Mark Vientos, has struggled significantly, compounded by a stint on the injured list. Brett Baty, while showing improved defensive skills, has not contributed offensively. Rookies Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña are also failing to address the team's needs. The Mets' missteps in the offseason are evident, prompting speculation about whether they would have pursued Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman more aggressively. Bregman's recent performance, including a .938 OPS before a quad strain, adds to the narrative that he could be a game-changer for the Mets.

Rumors suggest that a potential trade involving Mets' designated hitter Starling Marte and pitching prospect Nolan McLean could open the door for Bregman's acquisition. This trade would not only address the Mets' glaring weakness at third base but also align with the team's financial capabilities. Yet, with Bregman holding an opt-out clause, the Red Sox's strategy likely hinges on whether they can secure an extension before free agency looms.

Week 13 of the MLB season brings a host of outfield waiver wire options for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Notable picks include Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson of the St. Louis Cardinals, both thriving during a seven-game week. Nootbaar showcases a strong hard-hit rate, while Burleson's recent performance includes multiple home runs and a high batting average. Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets and Victor Scott, also from the Cardinals, provide versatility and speed, respectively. In the deeper leagues, keep an eye on Jake Mangum of the Tampa Bay Rays and Luke Raley from the Seattle Mariners, both of whom offer potential upside as they re-enter their teams' lineups.

Assessing the matchups this week, teams like the Braves and Cubs are set for extended play, making their players prime streaming candidates. With six teams scheduled for seven games, maximizing plate appearances is crucial for fantasy success. Players like Matt Wallner of the Minnesota Twins and Harrison Bader present power-speed combinations, essential for fantasy rosters. As the season progresses, monitoring these emerging talents could provide significant boosts to your fantasy squad.

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a nail-biting loss to the New York Mets in their NLCS rematch. After a thrilling ninth inning tie, the Dodgers fell 4-3 in extra innings despite Shohei Ohtani's impressive seventh-inning home run, marking his 23rd of the season, putting him in a tie for the MLB lead with Cal Raleigh.

Ohtani's home run, celebrated by the Dodgers on social media, solidified his place in team history, surpassing legends like Duke Snider and Gil Hodges for the most home runs in the first 60 games of the season. However, the Mets rallied in the 10th, scoring two runs which proved decisive. The Dodgers attempted a comeback but fell short, capturing the drama of a closely contested playoff atmosphere.

The New York Mets are making strategic adjustments to their lineup as they aim to reignite their offense against the Boston Red Sox. Manager Carlos Mendoza has shifted Juan Soto from the second position to third and Pete Alonso from third to fourth in the batting order. Starling Marte will fill the second slot, particularly against left-handed pitchers. Mendoza seeks to establish a solid 3-4 combination with Soto and Alonso, noting the importance of finding the right-handed bat for the two-hole as they face left-hander Clayton Kershaw soon.

Starling Marte, who has struggled this season, is attempting to refine his timing and gameplay from the bench and batting cages. Having recorded a .318 batting average over his last 25 plate appearances, he may benefit from batting second as it could allow him to see better pitches. Additionally, Marte is adapting to playing left field for the first time since 2020, which entails working closely with the outfield coach to adjust to the Green Monster.

The New York Mets showcased an impressive performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, winning 8-3 at Citi Field. The Mets' defense stole the spotlight, especially in the fourth inning, where remarkable plays included a dive by Mark Vientos followed by a catch from Francisco Lindor, culminating in a throw to Pete Alonso at first base. Tyrone Taylor also made an outstanding catch in left-center while contributing offensively with two RBIs and a double. Starling Marte and Pete Alonso added home runs, helping the Mets improve to 21-9 for the season, maintaining their hot start through a powerful lineup and aggressive fielding.

David Peterson earned the win with a solid five-inning outing, limiting the Diamondbacks to only one run on five hits. The Mets' ability to suppress runs and apply pressure on opponents has been a hallmark of their early success this season. This game epitomizes their energetic style of play, with each player contributing effectively both offensively and defensively.