Mets Morning News: Lugo on the 2019 bullpen, Cabrera hoped for reunion with Mets

Meet the Mets

Seth Lugo has pitched on the same team as Edwin Diaz once before—when they were both playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He is excited to play an integral role in a bullpen that features Diaz and Jeurys Familia and to work with Dave Eiland for a second year in a row.

According to his Instagram page, Asdrubal Cabrera misses being a Met and would have liked a reunion with the team.

A blast from the past! Ex-Met Dae-Sung Koo—current manager of the Geelong Korea team in the Australian Baseball League—pitched an inning at the age of 49.

Around the National League East

Pending the results of the Manny Machado sweepstakes, the Phillies have interest in free agent third baseman Mike Moustakas.

Dansby Swanson had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his hand and has spent this offseason recovering. He spoke to the media about it at Chop Fest yesterday at SunTrust Park.

Manny Machado and Bryce Harper gumming up the market as teams wait to see where they will end up is having an impact on J.T. Realmuto’s market and the Marlins’ plan moving forward.

A bunch of 2018 Nationals are still free agents. Mark Zuckerman of MASN profiles each of them.

Around Major League Baseball

Reportedly, Major League Baseball has found the Los Angeles Dodgers guilty of violating the rules of international free agency and the club could face consequences similar to the ones the Atlanta Braves faced last offseason.

The Yankees are finalizing a trade of Sonny Gray to the Reds for infield prospect Shed Long, a draft pick, and a possible third lesser piece, Jon Heyman reports.

The Twins have signed Martin Perez to a one year contract with a club option for 2020. According to Jon Heyman, the Mets had also been interested in Perez.

Former Major League pitcher Micah Bowie has been suffering from complications resulting from a back surgery he had in 2016. His family has nearly gone bankrupt paying for his treatments, which he needs to stay alive. He has begged the MLB Players’ Association for help and has been denied—he is just 20 days short of the required service time for automatic disability benefits.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1984, the Mets left Tom Seaver unprotected in the free agent compensation draft and Mets fans found themselves saying goodbye to The Franchise a second time.