Mets Morning News: Mets discuss Yoenis Cespdes re-signing, DFA Darrell Ceciliani

Meet the Mets

On a conference call, Sandy Alderson, Jeff Wilpon, and Yoenis Cespedes''s agent Brodie Van Wagenen discussed the process that led to Cespedes re-signing with the Mets. According to Alderson, while there were periodic conversations, it came together quickly at the end.

Aside from the Cespedes signing,  Sandy Alderson believes the smaller moves the Mets made will be highly beneficial. Emblematic of this belief, is the signing of Antonio Bastardo.

The Mets designated Darrell Ceciliani for assignment in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Cespedes. Ceciliani was drafted by the Mets in 2009 and just made his major league debut in 2015. Over the course of 75 plate appearances, he hit .206/.270/.279.

Jeff Wilpon believes the Mets are now a team that players want to play for, and the evidence backs this up to a degree. In addition to Cespedes, Wilmer Flores crying after believing he had been traded, and Zack Wheeler asking not to be traded both back the statement up.

Around the NL East

Phillies bench coach Larry Bowa would not be surprised if top prospect J.P. Crawford reaches the majors this year. Crawford reached Double-A last year, where he hit .265/.354/.407.

In addition to Crawford, two other NL East teams landed shortstops on MLB.com's top 10 shortstops list. The Braves Dansby Swanson ranked fourth, while the Nationals Trea Turner ranked fifth, both behind Crawford at number two.

The Marlins are looking to add a starting pitcher to their rotation. Veterans Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum could both be possibilities.

In an ongoing dispute with MASN and the Orioles, the Nationals claimed that fees over television rights have affected their ability to sign top free agents and improve their organization.

Around MLB

Francisco Cervelli will be a free agent after the 2016 season. However, he is open to foregoing free agency for a three-year deal with the Pirates.

Devin Mesoraco has been approved for all catching drills. He was limited to just 23 games in 2015 due to hip problems.

The Rays, reportedly, have interest in shortstop Ian Desmond. However, they are reluctant to give up a draft pick for Desmond, who rejected a qualifying offer.

The Angels have avoided arbitration with Kole Calhoun. The one-year deal is worth $3.4 million.

Yesterday at AA

Cespedes was not the first time Sandy Alderson's front office avoided signing long-term contracts, writes Matt Varvaro. But, he adds, Alderson likely has earned some benefit of the doubt.

Nate Gismot has given up on his examination of #MetsTwitter. Ultimately, he was done in by the negativity surrounding rumors that the Nationals were pursuing Cespedes.

This Date in Mets History

In 1967, the Mets drafted Ken Singleton with their first pick. Singleton was later traded to the Expos as part of a package that netted Rusty Staub.