Mets Morning News: Steven Matz excited to play for Carlos Beltran next season

Meet the Mets

Steven Matz hosted his annual charity event and chatted briefly about how he feels about his new manager.

Zack Wheeler clearly has good pitches but could be even better if he learns how to put batters away more effectively.

In an Instagram post Edgardo Alfonzo addressed his firing as Cyclones manager and wishes he could’ve stayed in the dugout instead of serving as an ambassador.

Mookie Betts would certainly solve alot of problems for the team but a trade with Boston remains unlikely.

Around the National League East

Three Atlanta Braves took home Silver Slugger awards including Freddie Freeman who took home the prize over Pete Alonso. The Braves are likely to make Madison Bumgarner a priority this offseason.

J.T. Realmuto took home a Silver Slugger for the Phillies. Cole Hamels is open to a reunion with Philadelphia who could use help in their rotation.

Anthony Rendon was the Silver Slugger award winner at third base in the National League.

Around Major League Baseball

There are a few names to keep an eye on as pitching coaches on the rise including former Met Jeremy Hefner who worked as an advance scout for the Twins (paywall alert).

The Yankees are reportedly hiring Matt Blake as their next pitching coach.

Ben Cherington is one of the candidates in the running to take over as Pittsburgh’s president of baseball operations.

Of course one of the main questions of the offseason is where will Gerrit Cole land and some teams are more likely than others.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Brooks Pounders we hardly knew ye writes Rich Staff.

Shervyen Newton was the seventh-best hitter Steve Sypa saw in the minors last season.

This Date in Mets History

Happy Birthday Fonzie!