Mets Morning News: Rojas Returns

Meet the Mets

During a media session yesterday, Sandy Alderson announced that Luis Rojas would be returning as Mets manager in 2021.

Rojas revealed that he’s thrilled about returning to the Mets.

Count Marcus Stroman among the people happy that Rojas is returning.

Alderson also confirmed that he will not be pursuing the hire of a president of baseball operations. He has instead set his sights on hiring a general manager, and he will be more involved on the baseball side than originally anticipated.

Alderson said that he has not yet engaged with Michael Conforto’s agent on an extension, but they would like to.

He did not commit to any action on Robinson Cano when he returns to the team following his PED suspension.

Somebody also asked a Tim Tebow question, and Sandy replied that he encouraged the former quarterback to return in 2021.

Tim Britton broke down everything you need to know from yesterday’s presser, including why you shouldn’t wait for the team to hire Theo Epstein after his gap year. (Paywall Alert)

Steve Cohen is certainly a smart businessman, and he is obviously a passionate Mets fan, but is he funny? The New York Times investigated this very important question.

In his recent notes, Ken Rosenthal highlighted the relationship between Cohen and Jeff Loria, and how Loria previously recommended that the team look into Bobby Heck. (Paywall Alert)

Despite a bad year in Queens, Michael Wacha is still drawing some interest around the league.

Lou DePaoli, the team’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer, will be leaving the organization at year’s end.

Around the National League East

The Braves, who have already added Drew Smyly to their rotation this offseason, plan to pursue pitcher Charlie Morton as well.

Asian Americans around baseball spoke about Kim Ng’s ascent and what it means. (Paywall Alert)

It appears that a career of tormenting the Mets earned former Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis a free coffee at Starbucks.

There are some rumors connecting the Nationals to Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant.

Around Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball announced their tentative plans for the 2021 Field of Dreams game in Iowa. The game will feature the White Sox and Yankees and will take place on August 12.

Five Thirty Eight analyzed the best free agent fits this offseason.

Lindsey Adler hosted a Yankees mailbag to answer questions surrounding the team from the Bronx. (Paywall Alert)

The Rays are open to trading starter Blake Snell.

Could the Cardinals swing a deal to pick up Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado?

Kohei Arihara will be posted by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. The 28-year-old pitcher was a candidate for 2019 Sawamura Award as the top pitcher in NPB.

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez has been taken into custody by the National Dominical Police in Puerto Plata for violating social distancing protocols and not wearing a mask.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Congratulations to the winners of the 2020-2021 AAOP contest!

Chris McShane explored some more starting pitchers that the Mets can potentially sign.

Listen to Episode 89 of From Complex to Queens!

This Date in Mets History

One offseason after failing to reel in Carlos Delgado, the Mets nabbed him in a trade with the Marlins on this date in 2005. New York acquired the slugging first baseman in exchange for Mike Jacobs, Yusmeiro Petit, and Grant Psomas.