Mets Morning News: Rick Porcello, lifelong Mets fan

Meet the Mets

The Mets made the Rick Porcello signing official. He will earn $10 million.

To make room for Porcello, the team designated pitcher Stephen Nogosek for assignment.

In his first remarks as a Met, Porcello revealed that he “grew up a lifelong Mets fan as a kid” and that the 2000 Mets were one of his favorite teams. Same, Rick, same.

Porcello has had his eyes set on the Mets from the onset of free agency.

Porcello is looking to rebound from a rough 2019 season with the Red Sox.

Anthony DiComo looks at the Mets’ best defensive plays from the past decade.

The Mets are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Dellin Betances, along with the Phillies.

However, this morning Jon Heyman tweeted that Betances to the Mets is “not likely”.

Where do the Mets go after the Yoenis Cespedes windfall?

“Many teams” have reportedly contacted the Mets and asked about Jeff McNeil.

Pete Alonso flashed some new leather in a tweet yesterday.

Will First Data Field be ready in time for Mets’ spring training? Renovations are coming down to the wire.

Around the National League East

The Phillies introduced ex-Met Zack Wheeler and ex-Yankee Didi Gregorius in a press conference yesterday.

Wheeler is confident that the Phillies’ analytics team could unleash his inner Gerrit Cole.

Wheeler addressed Brodie Van Wagenen’s comments—the GM said “I think the value for what we thought the investment was didn’t line up”—though he said he didn’t need any extra motivation.

The Nationals are aggressive in the Josh Donaldson market as an option to replace Anthony Rendon, who recently departed in favor of the Angels. The Nationals were still in on Rendon even after signing Stephen Strasburg, according to Jon Heyman.

The Braves will “likely get the last call” on Donaldson.

Around Major League Baseball

The Brewers have signed Avisail Garcia to a two-year, $20 million deal.

Former Future Met Wade Miley has signed a two-year deal with the Reds worth $15 million.

Sergio Romo returns to the Twins on a one-year contract. He will make $5 million, and has the chance to earn up to $10 million.

Speaking of relievers returning to their teams, Joe Smith re-signed with the Astros on a two-year, $8 million deal.

The Romo and Smith deals could kick-start a relief pitcher market that has been struggling to get going this offseason.

Third time’s the charm: The Yankees have brought Adam Warren back on a minor league deal. It will be his third stint with the other New York team.

Warren underwent Tommy John surgery in September and is unlikely to pitch in 2020. His deal is for two years, with the Yankees controlling his rights for 2021.

The Rangers have signed catcher Blake Swihart to a minor league deal.

While the Madison Bumgarner deal looks good for the Arizona Diamondbacks, it comes with some very real concerns.

The Indians could use the money saved from the Corey Kluber trade to fill in their holes in second base and left field.

Bernie Sanders, who is working hard to protect Minor League Baseball, shares his thoughts on the subject.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Lukas Vlahos graded the team’s signings of Michael Wacha and Porcello.

Michael Drago let you know that Nogosek was the roster casualty for Porcello.

The From Complex to Queens crew have some not-so-kind things to say about Rob Manfred in Episode 38 of their podcast.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1999, the Mets signed Todd Zeile to replace John Olerud as their first baseman. Zeile would go on to play a pivotal role on one of Porcello’s favorite teams, hitting .268/.356/.467 with 22 home runs, a 111 wRC+, and a 2.4 bWAR in 153 games. He played for the team in 2001 and then again in 2004, hitting a home run in his final big-league at-bat at Shea Stadium.