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Meet the Mets
According to the deal worked out between Steve Cohen and the Wilpon family, Cohen’s stake in the Mets would increase from 8% to 75% immediately, but he will still not control the team until five years down the line, at which point his stake would increase again to 80%. It is at that juncture that 75% of MLB owners would have to approve the deal.
Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated argues that Rick Porcello has been one of the best value free agent signings of the offseason, due to his durability and potential for a comeback season with improved pitch sequencing.
One of Brodie Van Wagenen’s stated goals when he took the reins was to eliminate “what ifs,” but the current bullpen is full of them, writes Tim Healey of Newsday.
Around the National League East
Anthony Rendon explained why he did not attend the Nationals’ White House visit.
The Braves signed Charlie Culberson to a minor league deal.
Joe Girardi talked to Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on WFAN about his new gig as the manager of the Phillies and his interview process with the Mets.
Around Major League Baseball
Tensions between Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball remain high, as Minor League Baseball released a point-by-point rebuttal of MLB’s talking points in PBA negotiations.
Bernie Sanders continues to lend his voice to the conversation, calling Major League Baseball’s threat to restructure the entire minor league system if Minor League Baseball does not cede to its demands “the exact opposite of negotiating in good faith.”
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Ken Lavin and Lukas Vlahos recapped the fifth day of the winter meetings.
Maggie Wiggin gave us a primer on one of the new members of the Mets’ pitching staff.
Vasilis Drimalitis reviewed some more candidates to fill out the Mets’ bullpen.
The Date in Mets History
The Mets may not have aimed high in the starting pitching market this offseason, but there was a time when that wasn’t true. The Mets signed Pedro Martinez on this date in 2004.