Mets Morning News: Alonso is New York Daily News NY Sports Person of the Year

Meet the Mets

For his conduct and accomplishments both on and off the field, Pete Alonso was named New York Daily News’ New York Sports Person of the Year. Deesha Thosar recaps the highlights of his 2019 that earned him the honor.

Meanwhile, the New York Post looked back on the 15 biggest New York sports debacles of the decade, among which are the Wilpons’ failure to spend in the aftermath of the Bernie Madoff scheme and the mishandling of Yoenis Cespedes’ injury.

But if history is any indicator, Joel Sherman thinks the Mets have some reason to be optimistic about Cespedes this season, given how sluggers have returned in the past after missing a full season to injury.

Around the National League East

The Marlins have signed Corey Dickerson to a two-year, $17.5 million contract.

The Braves remain a major player in a potential Nolan Arenado deal, reports Jon Morosi. The chances of a trade between the Braves and Rockies increase if Josh Donaldson lands somewhere other than Atlanta.

What team ultimately signs Donaldson could be key to how the National League East shakes out next season.

Around Major League Baseball

“It’s almost like if you’re African American, unless you win it all, then you’re considered a failure,” Dusty Baker said in a recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. Of the eight managerial openings this offseason, seven were filled by white men. Carlos Beltran was the only exception. No African American managers were hired and they remain a rarity in the game.

Eno Sarris of The Athletic takes a look back at what we learned in baseball in 2019, including player development strategies, variation in the physical properties of the baseball, the prevalence of sign stealing in the game, and more.

Many trades made in the previous decade affected the 2010s. Paul Casella and Andrew Simon of MLB.com review some of those blockbusters of the 2000s.

Pete Alonso is just one of many great rookie hitters to debut in 2019.

The Angels and Tigers are not yet close to a deal involving Matthew Boyd, but Brandon Marsh was a name reportedly mentioned in trade talks between the two teams.

This Date in Mets History

I’m sorry to remind you, but this date marks the ten-year anniversary of the Jason Bay signing.