Mets Morning News: A crosstown battle for Realmuto?

Meet the Mets

Top-tier talent at the catching position is hard to come by. And both the Mets and Yankees will be seeking it this offseason, which could lead to a bidding war over free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.

A committee of about a half-dozen MLB owners met recently to discuss Steve Cohen’s purchase of the Mets. There were “no major objections” to the deal, according to reporting from Charles Gasparino. The deal will soon go before all of the ownership groups for approval.

Around the National League East

Dave Roberts announced yesterday that Walker Buehler will pitch Game 1 against the Braves and in the NLCS Clayton Kershaw will pitch Game 2, as expected.

The Braves are definitely considered underdogs against the powerhouse Dodgers in the NLCS.

But despite the Dodgers’ dominant pitching, the Braves have young arms of their own that can go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers rotation—thanks to the patience of the Braves organization with their pitching prospects paying off, writes Buster Olney of ESPN.

Kevin Long is not expected to return as Nationals hitting coach next season. His three-year deal with Washington expired this offseason.

Around Major League Baseball

Richard Justice of MLB.com puts forward his bold predictions for the ALCS.

ESPN gave us their power rankings of the four Championship Series teams and storylines to watch.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post critiqued some of the Yankees’ roster and managerial decisions that may have led to their elimination from the playoffs.

Mike Vaccaro pays tribute to legendary Yankees beat reporter, George A. King III, who is retiring after covering the Yankees for the New York Post since 1997.

This Date in Mets History

On October 11, 1969, the Mets played in the first World Series game of the franchise’s history.