Francisco Lindor's return to the MLB All-Star Game is a pivotal moment for the New York Mets and the player himself. After a four-year hiatus filled with slow starts and surprising omissions, Lindor has been named the National League's starting shortstop, marking his fifth All-Star selection. The announcement came as a thrilling surprise during a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he expressed gratitude towards the fans and the Mets organization.

This season, Lindor's performance has been noteworthy, amassing a 3.0 WAR and impressive offensive statistics, including a nearly .900 OPS in May and 12 home runs in the early season. His defensive skills have also shone through, ranking him among the top shortstops in the league. Despite playing through injury, Lindor's resurgence has been critical for the Mets, who expect to showcase a strong presence at the All-Star Game in Atlanta.

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.

The Subway Series is alive and well as the Yankees and Mets are set to clash in Queens, marking a pivotal moment in their rivalry. Buck Showalter emphasizes that the Mets have shed their 'little brother' status, establishing themselves as serious contenders. Both teams began the season strong but have faced recent struggles. Nevertheless, optimism abounds as they seek a World Series title. The Mets' transformation under Steve Cohen has been profound, shifting from a historic joke to a powerhouse, even attracting top-tier talent like Juan Soto. While the Yankees remain a consistent force with Aaron Judge at the helm and a winning tradition, the competition with the Mets is intensifying. The future looks bright for both franchises as they navigate through their respective challenges.

On July 3, the Milwaukee Brewers (48-38) face off against the New York Mets (49-38) in the final game of a tightly contested three-game series. Jose Quintana takes the mound for the Brewers while David Peterson is set to start for the Mets. The teams split a doubleheader on Wednesday, with the Brewers winning 7-2 in Game 1, thanks to an impressive pitching performance by Freddy Peralta, and the Mets bouncing back with a 7-3 victory in Game 2, highlighted by Blade Tidwell earning his first career win.

Both teams are looking to build momentum as they head into the second half of the season. Betting lines show the Mets as favorites at -155, while the total runs are set at 8.0. Recent trends suggest that the Brewers have won five of their last six road games, and the Mets' last five outings have exceeded the total runs. Players to watch include Quintana, who has a 3.30 ERA this season, and Lindor, who has been struggling at the plate recently.

The New York Mets secured a much-needed 7-3 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers, snapping a four-game losing streak. Key offensive performances included Brandon Nimmo's grand slam and Francisco Lindor's solo home run, both in the second inning. Rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, who previously excelled with a low earned run average, struggled against the Mets, allowing five runs in 3.2 innings. Nimmo praised Misiorowski's impressive slider, drawing a comparison to former teammate Jacob deGrom, and highlighted the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities early in the game.

With this win, the Mets are just two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East race, putting them in a solid position as they prepare for a rubber match with the Brewers and a weekend series against the New York Yankees.