Mets Morning News: The coaching staff search continues

Meet the Mets

News continues to trickle out about the Mets’ search for Carlos Beltran’s coaching staff, as the team reportedly interviewed Gil Patterson—who has served as a coach in the Athletics and Yankees organizations—for the pitching coach job.

The team has also met with veteran coach Joey Cora multiple times about the bench coach position.

Zack Wheeler’s market continues to expand, as the Reds reportedly have interest in the free agent starter.

Pete Alonso and some of the other 2019 Met rookies discussed what they learned in their first major league season (paywall alert).

The Drew Gagnon era is officially over, as the Mets have released the righty relief pitcher.

Around the National League East

A judgment came down in the case between the Nationals and MASN over how much the former should be paid for television rights for 2012 to 2016. The ruling would grant the Nationals over $99 million.

The Phillies look to be active in free agency, as they are reportedly interested in both Madison Bumgarner and Didi Gregorius.

Might the Marlins take a look at the recently DFA’d Greg Bird?

Around Major League Baseball

Rob Manfred pushed back against recent reports about his comments regarding the negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The investigation into the Astros sign-stealing allegations continues, as the league is reportedly interviewing players associated with the investigation about their knowledge of the tactics the Astros supposedly utilized.

After releasing Jacoby Ellsbury, the Yankees are now trying to recoup the $21 million they owe to him in 2020 (along with the $5 million buyout for 2021) by charging that Ellsbury received medical treatment at a non-approved location, thereby violating the terms of their contract.

In happier Yankees news: the club has hired Rachel Balkovec as a minor league hitting coach, making her the first woman to be hired for that role in a full-time capacity by any major league team.

After making the first big splash of the offseason with the Yasmani Grandal signing, the White Sox continued to spend money by inking Jose Abreu to a three-year, $50 million contract.

The Mariners joined the Sox in spending money yesterday, as they inked first base prospect Evan Smith to a six-year, $24 million contract with three club options.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

After another successful year of AAOPs from our wonderful community, it’s time for the writers to get in on the action. Check out the offseason plans put forth by Lukas Vlahos, David Capobianco, and Brian Salvatore.

This Date in Mets History

Future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn was acquired from the Milwaukee Braves on this date in 1964. The then-43-year-old lefty pitcher spent part of the 1965 season serving as both a starter and the team’s pitching coach before being released in July.