Mets Morning News: Enter Erasmo

Meet the Mets

With the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash along with his daughter and seven others, tributes poured in from the Mets, Robinson Cano, Pete Alonso, Dominic Smith, Edwin Diaz, Dellin Betances, and Marcus Stroman.

Another one of the victims in the helicopter crash was Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli. Jeff McNeil, one of his former players, said that Altobelli is “one of the main reasons I’m still playing baseball” and “got (him) drafted”

Along with Jeff McNeil, Altobelli coached Yankees slugger Aaron Judge once upon a time with the Brewster Whitecaps.

While many young hitters face a sophomore slump in their second season, Pete Alonso already has a plan to remain productive.

He may not be a national name, but Luis Rojas has the official endorsements of the players he saw come up through the Mets system.

With good health and the mind of Pedro Martinez on their side, the duo of Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano look to have a much more successful 2020 season.

Around the National League East

In Miami there is reason to rejoice as 12-year veteran Matt Joyce signed a contract with the Marlins.

Talking Chop created a Royal Rumble out of Atlanta Braves of yesterday and today and the final result is...something.

Around Major League Baseball

There may still be some juice left in this offseason as the Red Sox are said to be weighing offers on Mookie Betts from the Dodgers and the Padres.

For the first time ever, Ryan Braun is considering ending a career that doesn’t belong to an innocent MLB sample collector.

The Cincinnati Reds find themselves leading the hunt for outfielder Nicholas Castellanos.

An incredibly adorable two-year-old looks to have the 2045 Cy Young all but locked up.

This Date in Mets History

Angel Berroa, a legendary member of the historic and celebrated 2009 Mets, turns 42 today.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

John Trupin introduced Mets fans to Erasmo Ramirez, the team’s most recent spring training invitee.