Mets Morning News: Thor passes on WBC, market developing for Blevins

Meet the Mets

The Mets will have competition to sign free agent left-hander Jerry Blevins. The Toronto Blue Jays were said to be interested in Blevins’ services following Brett Cecil’s defection to the Cardinals.

Gary Cohen signed a multi-year deal to remain the Mets’ play-by-play man on SNY.

The Mets will hope to sign Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year contract, despite reports that Cespedes could get five-year offers on the open market.

Noah Syndergaard won’t participate in the World Baseball Classic, opting to stick with his “established routine.”

The Orioles have named Roger McDowell the team’s new pitching coach. Frank Viola, a longtime minor league instructor in the Mets organization, had been considered for the position.

Behold: former Met Bartolo Colon sitting on a scooter, wearing a LeBron James jersey.

Around the NL East

Patrick Reddington of Federal Baseball addressed rumors of Gio Gonzalez’s availability via trade.

With Jason Castro off the table, the Braves have limited catching options for next season. Tuffy Gosewisch, who was claimed off waivers by the Braves, was given tongue-in-cheek praise by Jim McLennan of AZ Snake Pit.

The Marlins are in the mix to retain free agent southpaw Mike Dunn.

Victor Filoromo of The Good Phight reviewed Jerad Eickhoff’s 2016 campaign.

Around Major League Baseball

The owners are considering voting to lock out the players if a new collective bargaining agreement isn’t reached by December 1.

Free agent catcher Jason Castro inked a three-year, $24.5 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. Nicholas Stellini of FanGraphs praised the move.

Once the Astros’ top prospect, Jon Singleton passed through waivers and will play for the organization’s Triple-A team. If available via trade, Singleton could be a fit for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry DiPoto will look to provide Ben Gamel and Dan Vogelbach “an avenue toward getting at-bats” this coming season.

Craig Edwards of FanGraphs analyzed MLB’s current crop of free agent starters.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Choose the semi-finalists for this year’s AAOP entries!

Steve Schreiber previewed the Mets’ left field productivity in 2017, stating the case for the team to retain Yoenis Cespedes.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1964, the Mets purchased the contract of future hall-of-famer Warren Spahn from the Milwaukee Braves. Spahn’s Mets tenure was brief, pitching to a 4-12 record in 1965, his last season.

Happy birthday to Tom Hall, Ryan McGuire, Rich Sauveur, and Justin Turner!