Mets Morning News: Cohen tells Mets fans to ‘hang in there’ as things develop slowly

Meet the Mets

Steve Cohen implored Mets fans to ‘hang in there’ since ‘things are developing slowly’ this offseason.

Cohen might be calling Sandy Alderson to find out what’s happening at the winter meetings.

The Mets signed pitcher Jared Robinson to a minor league deal.

It appears the Mets and Blue Jays discussed a potential trade for Steven Matz prior to the Mets and Matz settling on a 2021 salary at the non-tender deadline. (Paywall Alert)

The Score made five predictions for the virtual winter meetings. Their top guess is that Cohen’s crew steals the show.

Tim Britton laid out his ideal plan for the Mets at the winter meetings, as well as a back-up plan. (Paywall Alert)

Tim Healey explained why no DH in the National League would be a disaster for the Mets.

The fate of the DH will affect how the Mets approach this offseason.

The Mets may have the new billionaire owner, but the location helped make Chris Young’s decision to choose the Rangers an easy one.

Andy Martino pleaded with MLB execs to consider the Mets’ “really good job opening!!!”

Jeff Passan listed the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Dodgers among the players for DJ LeMahieu.

A longtime baseball exec speculated that it is ‘inevitable’ that former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber will end up with the Mets, Yankees, or Red Sox this offseason.

Meanwhile, Buster Olney said on ESPN radio that he is “just about ready to bet the family farm in Vermont” that George Springer will be a Met.

MLB.com’s Matt Monagan spoke with former Mets closer and Hall-of-Fame hopeful Billy Wagner about how he switched from a righty to a lefty after breaking his right hand twice as a child.

Around the National League East

Dick Allen, a seven-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year recipient, and NL MVP who spent nine of his 15 major league seasons with the Phillies, passed away at the age of 78.

The Phillies shared a statement on Allen’s passing.

On Sunday, rumors surfaced that the Phillies were looking to trade Zack Wheeler. Later that day, John Middleton said they wouldn’t even trade the right-handed starter for Babe Ruth.

The Nationals claimed pitcher Rogelio Armenteros off waivers from the Diamondbacks.

Around Major League Baseball

During his storied career, Dick Allen withstood bigotry.

Is it possible that the 2021 season won’t go a full 162 games? It could happen, according to Ken Davidoff, as talks are set to begin at the virtual winter meetings about what shape the upcoming MLB season will take.

In the same article from The Athletic that detailed the discussions between the Mets and Blue Jays, it was also noted that, “MLB instructed clubs in a memo last week to proceed under the assumption the DH will not be used in the NL this year.” (Paywall Alert)

The Athletic has set up a free agency and winter meetings tracker, which is unlocked for all readers.

After everybody went to sleep last night, the White Sox acquired pitcher Lance Lynn in a trade with the Rangers. In return, Chicago sent Texas right-handed pitcher Dane Dunning and left-handed pitching prospect Avery Weems.

Prior to trading for Lynn, the White Sox were interested in acquiring Sonny Gray from the Reds.

The Angels acquired Raisel Iglesias from the Reds in exchange for Noé Ramirez and a player to be named later.

The Yomiuri Giants have posted right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, effective as of 8:00 this morning. MLB clubs willing to pay the necessary fee(s) have been informed that they must submit any terms of an agreement by January 7 at 5:00pm Eastern.

In a series of roster moves, the Mariners acquired pitcher Robert Duggar off waivers from the Marlins and claimed pitcher Ian Hamilton off waivers from the Phillies and Former Met Great Walker Lockett off waivers from the Blue Jays.

CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa made five bold predictions for the winter meetings.

Adam Wainwright was named the recipient of the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award.

In an article published prior to the Lynn trade, Joel Sherman made a case for the Yankees trading for Lynn.

In an article published after the Lynn trade, Joel Sherman argued that the Yankees are playing a dangerous game with their rotation right now.

MLB.com named one player on each team that could be primed for a big comeback in 2021.

A lot of baseball merchandise is popping up around specific moments. Yahoo’s Hannah Keyser looked at this trend’s rise, and the potential pitfalls that surround it.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Brian Salvatore examined whether either of the non-tendered catchers make sense for the Mets.

In Episode 91 of From Complex to Queens, the team takes a look at baseball in the Carribean!

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1983, the Mets acquired Sid Fernandez in a trade with the Dodgers.