Mets Morning News: Chris Sale remains in AL, Mets quiet at Winter Meetings

Meet the Mets

According to Jon Heyman, Curtis Granderson may not be available via trade. While Sandy Alderson would prefer to deal Jay Bruce, offers for the 29-year-old have been “underwhelming.”

Left-hander Jerry Blevins is reportedly seeking a three-year deal worth $5-to-6 million per season. The Mets haven’t ruled out Mike Dunn as a backup plan if Blevins signs elsewhere.

Tim Tebow will likely be assigned to minor league camp in spring training.

Terry Collins discussed the possibility of playing Jose Reyes in center field and having Zack Wheeler pitch in a relief role. Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman are also bullpen candidates, Collins noted.

David Wright is the team’s starting third baseman, Sandy Alderson reiterated. The Mets’ captain is expected to resume baseball activities later this month.

Terry Collins will put off any thoughts of retirement until after the upcoming season.

Around the NL East

The Nationals’ respective plays for Wade Davis and Chris Sale fell through. What’s more, former Nats catcher Wilson Ramos inked a two-year deal with the Rays.

Braves GM John Coppolella doled out some tough love to his team’s young pitchers.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin wants his team to add another bat to the lineup.

Kenley Jansen and Doug Fister are among the Marlins’ targets in free agency.

Around Major League Baseball

The Red Sox and White Sox completed a blockbuster trade, sending Chris Sale to Boston for a four-prospect package. MLB players reacted on Twitter to the Winter Meetings bombshell.

Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs examined Chicago’s return in the Sale trade.

The Red Sox continued their busy offseason, acquiring setup man Tyler Thornburg from Milwaukee in exchange for Travis Shaw and two other prospects. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel took an early look at the Brewers’ depth chart.

Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal stated the case to overhaul baseball’s relief market.

Mitch Moreland signed with the Red Sox, clearing a path for Joey Gallo to play every day in Texas.

The Rangers re-signed outfielder Carlos Gomez. Gomez’s physical, Joel Sherman of the Post writes, could be a hurdle before the deal is finalized.

The Astros will be better off for acquiring veteran bats this offseason, Michael Baumann of The Ringer writes.

Josh Norris of Baseball America detailed Minor League Baseball’s efforts to avoid paying increased player salaries.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Steve Sypa profiled Gavin Cecchini, Amazin’ Avenue’s #7 ranked organizational prospect.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 2011, Jose Reyes agreed to a six-year, $106 million deal with the Marlins. Reyes’ stint in Miami was a short one, getting traded to the Blue Jays the following Winter.

Happy birthday to Don Cardwell and Mike Baxter!