The New York Mets are in a freefall—no way around it. They have dropped 13 of their last 16 games and have been swept by the Pirates. Yes, the Pirates are probably one of the worst-performing teams, not to mention not star-studded like the Mets, and definitely not having half the payroll like the Mets. They are now sitting, watching the NL East slip away. And amidst that, the rotation has gone from promising to complete panic.

But then, enter Frankie Montas. He has had a strong season against the Braves, given scoreless innings, and shown flashes of dominance. So Mets had hope that he would stop the bleeding. But instead, Sunday did anything but that when he faced Pittsburgh.

Montas got shelled for five runs in the first inning alone. The final score was 12-1, and yes, that was an ace shine. That just wore off. But Montas didn’t sugarcoat things when he was asked; in fact, he was honest.

Montas admitted that he was topping the pitches, especially his splitter in Atlanta and his sweeper against the Pirates. “I’m not going to say exactly what I was doing. But I was tipping the split. We got it cleaned up.” Montas told SNY. “A hundred percent, I was tipping. We’re good. We’re definitely trying to clean it up.” It’s not the kind of thing fans want to hear after a brutal loss to the Pirates. But it does offer some hope. If hitters knew what was coming, and Frankie Montas now knows why, then correcting them tells us that he could be on track.

Now, Carlos Mendoza has been critical, and he pointed out the poor pitch selection. Especially the fastball to Oneil Cruz, “He’s not able to finish hitters…. Just not a good pitch there.” For sure, Montas has surely made too many mistakes, and in a season when the bullpen is already overlooked, this is the last thing the New York Mets need.

And it must hurt the New York Mets, because Montas’ emergence was supposed to be like the life of the rotation. Mostly because Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and others are still sidelined. Instead, it’s been more like another leak. But if this is truly just a case of tipping pitches and squelching the miscues, then for sure, Montas may be the guy who can steady things.

The Mets don’t need perfect right now—they just need solid. And well, seems like one name is circling their mind – someone from Kansas!

New York Mets eye Royals infielder as trade talks heat up

Given that there are gaps in the roster, it’s no secret that the trade talks are heating up in Queens. And one name that has entered the conversation is Jonathan India. The Kansas City Royals are quietly drifting towards trouble. They just snapped a losing streak against the Mariners on Tuesday, but that doesn’t let one lose sight of the bigger picture. A 2-8 skid over their last 10 games and a team that’s sinking below .500.

Even the playoff odds are at around 10%. So the big question is, what happens when they slip and have movable pieces? Other teams are not curling, and according to Yahoo Sports, Russell Dorsey, one of those circling, could be the New York Mets—and India might be the guy they are looking. And for sure, India is not lighting up the stat sheet.

A .247 average with a .326 OBP and .344 slugging. Not all-star level for sure, but there is more to him than the stats. India has been solid over the last five seasons. He gets on base, he is versatile, and he is flexible, so second base, third base, and even a little outfield. He has moved and helps wherever needed. And this is the player the Mets need right now.

With so much pressure on Soto, Lindor, and Alonso to carry the load, the New York Mets could use a steady contact bat, and India might fill that. Do you think he can bring that spark? Let us know in the comments.