Mets Morning News: Reyes to represent Dominican Republic

Meet the Mets

Jose Reyes will represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic for the fourth time. The team won the last WBC in 2013.

On Saturday, Wilmer Flores will receive the Thurman Munson Award, which honors success and inspiration on and off the field. Also receiving the honor: the Yankees’ Gary Sanchez and the New York Giants’ Victor Cruz.

Ken Rosenthal predicts that if the Mets are to trade Jay Bruce, they’ll have to eat part of his $13 million contract in the deal.

Around the NL East

All-Star second baseman Brandon Phillips of the Reds nixed a trade to the Braves. In recent years he’s blocked trades to the Diamondbacks and Nationals.

The Marlins are in search of another right-handed bat. The current front-runners: Chris Johnson and Jeff Francouer.

As broadcaster Chris Berman retires, the guys at the Good Phight remember a memorable home run call of his for the Phillies.

The Nationals are reportedly interested in signing Tyson Ross, the older brother of Washington starter Joe Ross.

Around the Majors

The White Sox appear poised to trade Jose Quintana, and are in discussions with at least three teams.

After leading the majors in home runs in 2016, Mark Trumbo has drawn interest from the Athletics.

Matt Brown argues that Wrigley Field should host a college football bowl game. He’s not wrong.

Yesterday at AA

Edgardo Alfonzo, who played for the Mets from 1995 to 2002, was named manager of the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones. He’s 43.

The Mets seem content with Travis d’Arnaud as their starting catcher.

Matt Varvaro explains why the tradition of baseball cards is worth preserving.

Nathan Gismot covers the Mets career of Rusty Staub, who’s 24th all time in home runs for the franchise.

This Date in Mets History

Former Mets second baseman Roberto Alomar came up just eight votes short of being a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. He was inducted the following year as a member of the Blue Jays.