Mets Afternoon News: “This town becomes a Mets town when the Mets win”

Meet the Mets

Brodie Van Wagenen reiterated his confidence that the Mets can win now in an interview with Steve Serby of the New York Post. And he’s not worried about being in the Yankees’ shadow either.

Joel Sherman makes the case why the Mets should sign Manny Machado and that their need for him is perhaps even greater than the Yankees’: the Mets need a righty bat and they don’t have any dollars currently committed beyond 2020.

In the Fall Stars Game yesterday, Peter Alonso did not disappoint. He launched a solo homer off a blistering 103 mph fastball from Blue Jays number 4 prospect, Nate Pearson.

Around the National League East

Tom Housenick of the Allentown Morning Call weighs the pros and cons for the Phillies of signing Manny Machado and/or Bryce Harper.

Meanwhile, Mark Bowman says that the likelihood the Braves go after either of the two superstar free agents is not high. He also reports that Julio Teheran’s status with the Braves is “in limbo,” and they may not guarantee him a rotation spot next year if they cannot find a trading partner for him this offseason.

The Nationals officially signed Trevor Rosenthal to a one-year, $7M contract.

Fish Stripes isn’t high on a proposed Realmuto for Gary Sanchez swap.

Around Major League Baseball

Alex Cora is only the second Latino manager in baseball history to win a World Series and the first from Puerto Rico, where baseball is an integral part of life. Puerto Ricans everywhere were cheering the success of their native son, who has kept his homeland close to his heart, knowing how much this World Series means to them, as well as to the city of Boston.

The Reds have released more details on the tragic car accident involving three minor league players in the Dominican Republic. Right-handed pitcher Jairo Capellán has lost his life, while right-handed pitcher Raul Hernandez and outfielder Emilio Garcia remain in the hospital—the former in critical condition. All three are 19 years old.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1976, the first offseason with widespread free agency began at the Plaza Hotel in New York. The Mets submitted bids on eight of the 24 available players, but none ultimately signed with the Mets.