Mets Morning News: Mets play Wachamole with luxury tax

Meet the Mets

The Mets’ quest to keep their payroll under the luxury tax took an interesting turn yesterday, as it was revealed that the team and Yoenis Cespedes agreed to amend his contract, resulting in a sizably reduced 2020 salary.

The strange transaction was the result of an injury investigation in regards to the mysterious ranch accident that resulted in multiple fractures in Cespedes’s right ankle.

The newfound savings might have been what gave the Mets the willingness to sign both Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha.

Speaking of Wacha, the Mets formally announced his signing yesterday. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated Chris Mazza for assignment.

While it seemed as though there might not be a spot for Wacha in the rotation after the Porcello signing, the former made it clear in his first comments to the New York media that he expects to be a starter.

Fangraphs took a look at the Porcello signing and generally approved of it.

We have a slightly clearer sense of where the Mets stand after their final day at the winter meetings.

The Mets still have some things that they should be trying to accomplish now that the winter meetings are over.

Around the National League East

The Nationals, in their quest to replace Anthony Rendon at third base, are honing in on Josh Donaldson. They could also trade for a third baseman, but that would likely be costly.

The Phillies officially announced the Didi Gregorius signing.

The Braves will soon be changing the name of their stadium, according to their CEO,

It’s possible that a reunion between Yasiel Puig and Don Mattingly may occur, as the Marlins have reportedly met with the free agent outfielder.

Around Major League Baseball

The tensions between Major and Minor League Baseball are only getting worse, as the former reportedly threatened to adopt an entirely new minor league system unless the latter agreed to negotiate.

The Rays made a very Rays-y addition, as they’ve signed Japanese outfielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo to a two-year deal.

Left-handed starting pitcher Brett Anderson agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Brewers.

Are the Rockies actually thinking about trading away star third baseman Nolan Arenado?

Madison Bumgarner is likely the best starting pitcher remaining on the free agent market, so which teams would be a good fit for him?

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane and Brian Salvatore discussed the Mets’ transactions at the winter meetings on the latest episode of Amazin Avenue Audio (The Show).

Maggie Wiggin recapped the latest rumors surrounding the Mets’ interest in Starling Marte.

I argued that the Mets would be making a serious mistake if they were to trade away any of their starting pitchers in the aftermath of the Wacha and Porcello signings.

This Date in Mets History

Outfielder Lance Johnson was signed to a two-year deal by the Mets on this date in 1995.