Mets Morning News: A Banner day

Meet the Mets

The Mets hired former Red Sox VP of player personnel Jared Banner to be their new farm director.

The New York Times opined on Brodie Van Wagenen’s penchant for bold moves.

John Harper has ten Winter Meetings predictions, including one for the Mets.

The Athletic looked back at all the players who’ve played for both the Yankees and the Mets.

Around the National League East

The Nationals appear to have bid farewell to Bryce Harper, acknowledging they made him their best offer.

The Phillies traded Luis Garcia to the Angels for Jose Alvarez.

Former Marlins President David Samson had some hot takes on new owner Derek Jeter and his frenemy Alex Rodriguez.

The Braves signed Andres Blanco to a minor-league deal.

Around Major League Baseball

It turns out that the crash that killed former major league players Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo was caused by bandits, who robbed them after the fatal crash.

Yasiel Puig is apparently not happy in Los Angeles and could be traded this offseason.

The Diamondbacks signed pitcher Merrill Kelly to a two-year deal. Kelly most recently pitched in South Korea.

Jeff Passan examined why we haven’t seen a mega-contract to top Alex Rodriguez’s deals even though MLB revenues have nearly doubled since his $250 million dollar deal in 2001.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane continued to run down the list of free-agent pitchers who could be a boon to the Mets’ bullpen.

Allison McCague argued that the Mets shouldn’t meet the Marlins’ exorbitant asking price for J.T. Realmuto.

This Date in Mets History

This date has seen a lot of talented southpaws depart and arrive in Flushing via trade, including Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, and Sid Fernandez.