Mets Morning News: Astros ask about Lugo

Meet the Mets

Marc Carig of The Athletic reported that the Astros have shown interest in Seth Lugo and that the Mets have been looking into Houston’s minor leaguers.

Dwight Gooden’s arm may not be what it used to be, but he is getting ready to throw off the mound at Port St. Lucie for Mets fantasy camp and feeling happy and healthy.

Around the National League East

Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle took to Twitter to defend Major League Baseball’s agreement with Cuba against its detractors.

His whole big league career, Stephen Strasburg has been under the microscope. But with a rotation that already contains Max Scherzer and has now added Patrick Corbin into the fold, the weight on Strasburg’s shoulders may feel a little lighter in 2019.

The Astros remain interested in J.T. Realmuto, but are unwilling to meet the Marlins’ high asking price.

Despite earlier reports that he is not available, the Phillies and Astros are still “very interested” in Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray.

With the possibility of not landing either Manny Machado or Bryce Harper threatening, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia crafts a contingency plan for the Phillies.

The Good Phight discusses who should bat in the leadoff spot for the Phillies in 2019.

Around Major League Baseball

Between the Marlins remaining unmovable on the price of J.T. Realmuto and Yasmani Grandal turning down a four-year, $60 million offer from the Mets, Jeff Joyce wonders on MLB Network Radio if both parties have overplayed their hand.

Jon Tayler of Sports Illustrated gave us his 2019 breakout candidates. Peter Alonso is among them.

A reunion between Adam Jones and the Orioles is not particularly likely at this stage.

Similarly, the Astros are unlikely to reunite with Dallas Keuchel.

With Nelson Cruz off the market, teams are now showing interest in Edwin Encarnacion.

Bobby Montano of River Ave. Blues lays out the argument for why the Yankees should sign both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Vasilis Drimalitis covered the trade rumors involving Seth Lugo in greater detail.

This Date in Mets History

Just ten weeks after the team he built won the World Series, Johnny Murphy suffered a fatal heart attack on this date in 1969.