Mets Morning News: Mets introduce new manager (again)

Meet the Mets

Second time’s the charm, as the Mets introduced Luis Rojas as their new manager at Citi Field yesterday. Rojas will wear number 19 as manager.

“I feel like the most lucky person in the world right now as the manager of the New York Mets,” Rojas said—among other things—during his press conference.

Rojas’ familiarity with the organization will be one of his strengths as a manager, writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Rojas benefited mightily from the Mets unintentionally Metsing up their first managerial pick of the offseason.

While rumors have been flying about talks between the Mets and the Pirates in regards to outfielder Starling Marte, Brodie Van Wagenen indicated that he felt okay about where the team currently stands.

We got our first look at Jacob deGrom’s 2019 Cy Young Award and Pete Alonso’s 2019 Rookie of the Year Award.

Around the National League East

The Nationals have signed franchise mainstay Ryan Zimmerman to a one-year, $2 million contract. He can earn up to $5 million if all of his performance bonuses kick in.

The Marlins have been connected with free agent relievers Pedro Strop and Brandon Kintzler, looking to sign one of them to be the closer in Miami.

Frank Fitzpatrick of the Philadelphia Inquirer took us in the way back machine to a time the Phillies were accused of using technology to steal signs—in 1900.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution sat down with Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos to talk Ozuna, the state of the Braves’ roster, and passing up on Josh Donaldson.

Around Major League Baseball

After a trial run in the Atlantic League, robot umpires are not yet ready for prime time.

As in 2019, Double-A will use the minor league baseball while Triple-A will use the major league baseball for the coming season, according to reports.

Dallas Keuchel spoke to the media about the sign-stealing scandal and said that he was “personally sorry for what’s come about the whole situation,” but also hedged that by saying it was “not like every game we had it going on.”

Brad Ausmus is being considered for the Astros managerial vacancy.

Patrick Mahomes’ talent and athleticism was apparent from a very young age, according to those that watched him shag fly balls as a child during batting practice while his father was in the big leagues.

The Rockies have signed Trevor Story to a two-year extension worth $27.5 million, which buys out his final two years of arbitration.

The Cubs have signed free agent outfielder Steven Souza.

The Mariners claimed Nick Margevicius off waivers from the Padres.

Justin Morneau has been elected to the Twins Hall of Fame.

The finalists for the 2020 SABR Analytics Conference Research Awards were announced yesterday.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

The prospect team published their profile on Mark Vientos, the Mets’ fifth best prospect.

This Date in Mets History

Mets legendary organist Jane Jarvis passed away on January 25, 2010.