Mets Morning News: Mets eager to sign Cespedes, but also reach out to Bautista

Meet the Mets

The Mets are extending qualifying offers to Yoenis Cespedes and Neil Walker. The team is eager to find out Cespedes’s intentions—and wants his status decided by the Winter Meetings.

In case Cespedes doesn’t re-sign with the team, the Mets are looking into alternatives. They apparently reached out to Jose Bautista’s representatives.

The Mets sent a scout to the Greg Holland showcase as the reliever works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

As expected, the Mets were very unhappy about Jeurys Familia’s arrest on charges of domestic violence.

The Mets will tender Lucas Duda a contract.

Gary Cohen is a finalist for this year’s Ford C. Frick Award.

Tim Tebow hit a walk-off hit in the Arizona Fall League.

Around the NL East

The Braves signed Josh Collmenter to a one-year deal.

The Nationals did not extend Wilson Ramos a qualifying offer, making him a free agent.

Fredi Gonzalez will be the Marlins’ third base coach next season.

Around MLB

The Dodgers traded Carlos Ruiz to the Mariners for Vidal Nuno.

The Indians won’t extend qualifying offers to any of their free agents.

Scott Kazmir has decided to stay with the Dodgers.

So A.J. Pierzynski has apparently not actually retired.

The Rockies have officially hired Bud Black as their new manager.

Yesterday at AA

Steve Sypa had your Arizona Fall League update.

Steve Schreiber reviewed the Mets’ current shortstop situation.

Timothy Finnegan thinks the Mets haven’t tried hard enough to re-sign Cespedes before he hits the market.

Eric Simon announced this year’s Amazin’ Avenue Offseason Plan Contest.

This Date in Mets History

Edgardo Alfonzo is 43 today. Happy birthday Fonzie!