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Meet the Mets
New Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said he’s comfortable going into spring training with the catchers the team already has in the organization. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote such a stance gives the team leverage in negotiations to acquire another backstop, either in free agency or via trade.
A source told Newsday’s Tim Healey that the Mets lack the prospects to trade for star Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.
The Mets are “showing strong interest” in 32-year-old Martin Maldonado, a source told the New York Post’s Mike Puma. The strong defensive backstop became the Astros’ primary catcher in 2018 after a midseason trade from the Angels.
The front office and Jacob deGrom have yet to exchange proposals for a contract extension for the likely Cy Young winner.
In the Japan All-Star Series, Amed Rosario drove in a pair of runs to help the MLB stars to a 9-6 victory over the Yomiuri Giants.
Around the National League East
At 34, Braves outfielder Nick Markakis made his first All-Star team and won his third Gold Glove. Now he’s claimed his first Silver Slugger award.
The Phillies are open to the idea of trading Maikel Franco, Carlos Santana, and/or Cesar Hernandez.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said he doesn’t feel the need to upgrade at second base.
Around Major League Baseball
Bill James, the writer and researcher who serves as an adviser to the Red Sox, walked back his controversial comments on the replaceability of big leagues players.
Owners will reportedly vote unanimously to extend the contract of commissioner Rob Manfred through 2024.
The Rays addressed their needs at catcher, landing Mike Zunino, outfielder Guillermo Heredia, and a minor league prospect from the Mariners in exchange for Mallex Smith and a prospect.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Not only have the Mets checked in on Maldonado, they’ve reached out to the camp of two-time All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos.
Robert Wolff reviewed the slow-starting and injury-shortened 2018 campaign of Wilmer Flores.
Vasilis Drimalitis argued that the Mets should make a splash by signing superstar shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado.
This Date in Mets History
In 1967, the Mets traded Bob Johnson to the Reds for Art Shamsky, who’d prove to be an integral part of their run to the World Series title in 1969. The lefty hit .300 across 349 plate appearances in the 1969 regular season, then hit .368 in the postseason.