Meet the Mets
Jeff McNeil expects to spend the majority of his time in 2020 at the hot corner.
The Mets didn’t end up with Starling Marte after all, as the request of 2 of their top 5 prospects was deemed “too steep”.
Passing on Marte ended hopes of the Mets making a late offseason splash.
It looks like Jessica Mendoza may be out at Sunday Night Baseball.
Three Mets made Baseball Prospectus’ list of Top 101 prospects: Shortstop Ronny Mauricio (48), catcher Francisco Alvarez (88), and shortstop Andres Gimenez (90). Matthew Allen just missed the cut.
A Nolan Arenado trade appears inevitable, but the Mets did not make Jim Bowden’s list of the eight teams most likely to acquire the All Star third baseman. (Paywall Alert)
Pitcher Rob Whalen is back in the Mets’ organization. The team traded Whalen, whom they selected in the 12th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, to the Braves in the Kelly Johnson/Juan Uribe deal in 2015.
Around the National League East
The NL DH would be a big boost to the Phillies.
The Nationals appear to have completed their roster.
A Q&A with Cole Hamels reveals why he chose the Braves and touches upon his admiration of Tom Glavine.
Baseball won’t be played at Marlins Park for another two months, but the stadium held some Super Bowl festivities yesterday.
Around Major League Baseball
The universal DH could soon be a reality, and with the collective-bargaining agreement expiring in December 2021, it’s possible the DH could come to the National League in 2022.
While that rule change is still up in the air, MLB has made a change to their replay system. Umpires will now be mic’d up so they can explain whether a call is upheld or overturned to those in the stands, as well as those listening on the radio or watching on the television.
The Reds signed outfielder Nicholas Castellanos to a four-year, $64 million contract. There is an opt out after years one and two.
The Reds are considering trading Nick Senzel, according to Jon Heyman.
The Diamondbacks have landed Pirates outfielder and former future Met Marte. In return, Pittsburgh will get prospects Liover Peguero and Brennan Malone along with $250,000 in international money in the trade.
The Padres are willing to give up a lot to land Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts.
The Red Sox are unlikely to hire their next manager before next week.
Pitcher Mickey Jannis is taking his knuckleball to the Orioles.
The Athletics could be getting a new stadium, as it looks like final approval could come this summer according to team president Dave Kaval.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
On this week’s episode, From Complex to Queens covers spots 9-5 on Amazin’ Avenue’s Top 25 prospect countdown.
Brett Baty, last year’s first round pick, comes in at number four on Steve Sypa’s list of the team’s top prospects.
This Date in Mets History
Happy Birthday to former Mets’ outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo, who turns 48 today!