Mets Morning News: Mets ranked favorably, De Aza here to stay

Meet the Mets

The Mets aren't ready to trade outfielder Alejandro De Aza despite his lofty price tag and (seemingly) limited playing opportunities. As Jonathan Maseng pointed out, having De Aza around for depth purposes wouldn't be the end of the world.

While the dust seems to have settled on the Mets' outfield picture, the team could still shake up their bullpen with a free agent acquisition. Signing a veteran arm to a minor league deal would help round out the team's relief corps.

The Mets received a vote of confidence from Baseball Prospectus, as the publication's PECOTA projections tabbed the Amazins to win the NL East, going 90-72 on the season. Perhaps unsurprisingly, PECOTA projects the relatively weak NL East to win the fewest games of any division in baseball.

ESPN shared a similar outlook on the 2016 Mets, ranking them second overall in baseball with a 94-68 record.

Keith Law ranked the Mets' top ten prospects, including familiar names such as Wuilmer Becerra, Brandon Nimmo, and Dominic Smith.

Tim Rohan of the New York Times profiled Jerry Blevins and Josh Edgin, two southpaws entering spring training hoping to make successful returns from lengthy DL stints.

Right-handed reliever Addison Reed was thrilled to remain a Met over the offseason.

Mets closer Jeurys Familia appears to be taking a page out of Yoenis Cespedes's playbook, recording a custom entrance song for the upcoming season.

Around the NL East

Marlins ace Jose Fernandez will face a strict innings limit in 2016. Still just 23 years old, Fernandez returned from Tommy John surgery last July but spent a month on the disabled list beginning in August with a right biceps strain.

Fangraphs ranked the Braves/Diamondbacks blockbuster trade as the best of the offseason for Atlanta.

Richie Tate, a minor league pitcher in the Braves organization, was suspended for 100 games without pay after a third positive test for a "drug of abuse."

Danny Espinosa looks primed to assume everyday shortstop responsibilities in Washington.

Jay Polinsky of The Good Phight took a look at the Phillies' farm system.

Around the Majors

Free agent shortstop Ian Desmond still has not found a home, despite being connected with several teams throughout the offseason.

AJ Cassavell of MLB.com outlined position battles to monitor during spring training.

The Kalamazoo Growlers will set the new bar for ugly minor league jerseys this season.

Grant Brisbee listed his three most confusing teams in baseball.

Citing the Orioles' seven-year, $161 million deal with Chris Davis as an "overpay", Dave Cameron of FanGraphs went over the worst transactions of the offseason.

Yesterday at AA

Chris McShane reviewed the 2015 season of current Diamondback Tyler Clippard.

This Date in Mets History

Happy birthday to Roger Carig, who was the starting pitcher for the first game in Mets history!

Juan Padilla turns 39 today. Padilla posted a 1.49 ERA through 36.1 innings in his sole season with the Mets in 2005.