Mets Morning News: Is Kipnis coming?

Meet the Mets

With the team’s signing of Anthony Swarzak, it’s worth noting that Sandy Alderson doesn’t have a stellar track record when it comes to paying mid-tier relievers.

Despite the addition of Swarzak, the Mets left the winter meetings with plenty of holes that need filling this offseason.

One suggested path to filling those roles—acquiring a pair of players who shared a clubhouse with new Mets manager Mickey Callaway last season.

The team’s signing shortstop Zack Cozart and sliding him over to second base seems unlikely.

Around the National League East

If the Braves are unsuccessful in finding bullpen help, they’ll probably turn to the more promising starting arms in their farm system to fill roles with the big club.

Fish Stripes broke down the four players the Marlins landed in their trade of Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals.

Phillies reliever Pat Neshek trolled everyone who gifted a Rhys Hoskins jersey for the holidays.

Reliever Brandon Kintzler explained why he decided to return to the Nationals.

Around Major League Baseball

It appears the Red Sox are in pursuit of two of the biggest bats on the market: Eric Hosmer and J.D. Martinez.

It’s looking like Manny Machado will be traded. If he goes to the White Sox, look for him to be exchanged twice in a calendar year.

There are no losers in the Cardinals’ trade of Stephen Piscotty to the Athletics.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Aaron Yorke covered the Mets’ accelerating discussions of the potential acquisition of second baseman Jason Kipnis.

The Mets selected shortstop Andrew Ely and reliever Burch Smith in the Rule 5 draft, then traded Smith to the Royals for cash.

The Amazin’ Avenue Audio crew celebrated the addition of Swarzak, then discussed the greatest pitching campaigns in franchise history.

This Date in Mets History

In 2004, the Mets won the Pedro Martinez sweepstakes, inking the ace to a four-year, $56 million deal.