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Meet the Mets
Following an historic rookie campaign, Pete Alonso was named National League Rookie of the Year last night after receiving 29 out of a possible 30 first place votes. He become the second position player in franchise history to take home the award, joining Darryl Strawberry, who won in 1983.
The one person who did not choose Alonso asked Mets fans to not hate him for his vote, and argued his reasoning for the decision. (Paywall alert)
Ken Davidoff shared his reason for picking Pete.
Alonso also received this year’s “Good Guy” award from the New York chapter of the BBWAA. This award goes to a player who is most cooperative with the media.
In the process of winning Rookie of the Year, Alonso stole the heart of New York.
Tim Britton looked at how Alonso came into his own on and off the field. (Paywall alert)
Brodie Van Wagenen took to Twitter to congratulate the first baseman.
The general manager said he will have a conversation with ownership about going over MLB’s $208 million luxury tax threshold if his player acquisition strategy requires it.
The Mets’ front office has a lot of work to do at the Winter Meetings.
Van Wagenen expects the Mets to proceed with Wilson Ramos as their starting catcher next season.
It appears the Mets will be in on Dellin Betances this winter.
The team is also interested in a multi-year deal for Zack Wheeler, who is expected to decline their qualifying offer.
They met with the agency that represents Zack Wheeler and Daniel Hudson on Day 1 of the Winter Meetings.
Wheeler is poised for a big payday this offseason in a pitching-starved market.
Van Wagenen expects David Peterson to “be a contributor early in the season”, while Chris Flexen, Corey Oswalt, and Walker Lockett will all provide rotation depth in 2020.
The club has continued to try and diagnose Jed Lowrie after an injury-plagued 2019 campaign.
The Mets interviewed Jeremy Hefner for their pitching coach position yesterday. A rival GM believes Hefner will get the job.
The team also interviewed Chris Fetter, a pitching coach at the University of Michigan, for the open job yesterday.
Andy Martino expects a decision to be made “relatively quickly”.
Around the National League East
Braves’ pitcher Mike Soroka received the other first place vote in the Rookie of the Year voting.
A crucial offseason for the Phillies begins this week.
Josh Donaldson has received interested from the Phillies, Nationals, and more.
Chili Davis is reportedly a candidate to become Phillies’ hitting coach.
Around Major League Baseball
Astros first baseman/outfielder Yordan Alvarez was unanimously voted American League Rookie of the Year. He was the 24th player to win the award unanimously.
The GM Meetings began yesterday in Scottsdale. David Lennon examined a few trends that will set the tone for the week and for the rest of the MLB offseason.
One $20 toy belt has captured the strife within a $10 billion industry. (Paywall alert)
Jon Morosi noted that MLB executives he has spoken to expect at least one of Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, or Kris Bryant to be traded this offseason.
Chaim Bloom and Brian O’Halloran left the door open for Dustin Pedroia playing for the Red Sox in 2020.
The Tigers are willing to discuss Matthew Boyd in trade talks. Detroit did the same at the trade deadline last July but held onto the 28-year-old left-hander.
The Yankees have let go of bench coach Josh Bard and replaced him with Carlos Mendoza, who previously served as the team’s infield coach. Mendoza will join pitching coach Matt Blake and catching coach Tanner Swanson, who are on board but have not officially been announced yet.
Meanwhile, it appears the Yankees will be in on both Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg.
Cole is expected to ask for a deal north of $300 million.
The Astros met with Wheeler’s agents yesterday to fill the rotation void that will be left if/when Cole leaves for another club.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Michael Drago shared the fantastic news of Alonso winning Rookie of the Year.
Allison McCague brought you the final position player meter, covering the 2019 entire season.
I reviewed Carlos Gomez’s 2019 season, which was fun but brief.
Top prospect Andres Gimenez came in at number 5 on Steve Sypa’s list of the top 11 minor league hitters he saw this year.
This Date in Mets History
Tom Seaver won his third career Cy Young award on this date in 1975. Seaver remains the only Mets pitcher to win the award three times with the team. It was his second time winning the Cy Young in three seasons.