Mets Morning News: JDG fifth in MVP

Meet the Mets

Maybe the flowing locks were holding Jacob deGrom back. In his first major league season without his signature flow, the Mets ace claimed the National League Cy Young award. He also received a first-place vote for NL MVP, preventing Christian Yelich from winning the award unanimously. The pitcher finished fifth in MVP voting.

The righty received 29 of 30 possible first-place votes in the Cy Young race, and the lone holdout offered an unsatisfying explanation of his voting for Max Scherzer.

Maggie Wiggin of BP Mets compiled yet more bonkers numbers from deGrom’s spectacular season.

The hurler will remain with CAA, the agency that his former agent Brodie Van Wagenen left to become the Mets’ new general manager.

The Mets have signed lefty reliever Ryan O’Rourke to a minor league deal. The 30-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2016.

Around the National League East

The Marlins unveiled new logos and new colors. They’ll release their new uniforms today.

Aaron Nola came in third in Cy Young voting. He also finished 13th in the MVP race, becoming the first member of the Phillies to receive any MVP votes since Carlos Ruiz in 2012.

Federal Baseball eulogized Scherzer’s season, in which he fell just shy of claiming a third consecutive Cy Young.

Around Major League Baseball

Team owners have officially extended the contract of Rob Manfred, the commissioner, through 2024.

Blake Snell edged out Justin Verlander for the American League Cy Young. Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs explained his decision to give the Astros hurler his first-place nod.

MLB is relaxing its rules on the design and color of footwear.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

After two brutal months earlier in 2018, Dominic Smith returned to the Mets in September and showed a glimpse of why he’d been a highly touted prospect.

This Date in Mets History

In 1961, months before the Mets’ first ever game, the organization unveiled its logo, designed by cartoonist Ray Gatto.