Mets Morning News: Everybody loves Jacob

Meet the Mets

The Athletic’s Eno Sarris compiled a list of the 175 best starting pitchers in baseball. Unsurprisingly, Jacob deGrom came in at number one. (Paywall Alert)

In total, four Mets made Eno’s list: deGrom (1), Noah Syndergaard (14), Marcus Stroman (49), and Steven Matz (59).

MLB Network Radio meanwhile ranked Edwin Diaz as the ninth best relief pitcher in baseball despite a down season.

With a week to go until Pitchers and Catchers report to spring training, SNY took their second shot at guessing the team’s 26-man roster given the moves they made since their first predictions.

Syndergaard can’t wait until next Monday, as he plans to report tomorrow.

Taking over a team so close to the start of the season isn’t easy, but some people who’ve done it before have some advice for Mets’ skipper Luis Rojas. (Paywall Alert)

Rojas talked about the team’s new approach and fixing Diaz next season.

Jon Sickels of The Athletic put together his list of Top 100 MLB prospects, which features Ronny Mauricio as the lone Met representative. (Paywall alert)

Phil Regan has done it all, and the key to his secret may surprise you.

Around the National League East

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is a prime extension candidate.

The Marlins officially announced their deals with Matt Joyce and Brandon Kintzler.

Thankfully, the Nationals won’t be one of the many teams looking to acquire Mookie Betts from the Red Sox.

Around Major League Baseball

Cory Schwartz and Sam Sharpe take an in-depth look at MLB’s pitch classification system.

According to Ken Rosenthal, a Betts trade is all but inevitable.

James Click will become the new Astros’ GM.

The Mariners signed starting pitcher Marco Gonzalez to a four-year contract extension worth $30 million with a team option for a fifth year, starting in 2021.

The Diamondbacks have inked Jon Jay and Edwin Jackson.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane argues the team could improve their pitching depth by inviting Tommy Hunter to spring training.

Lukas Vlahos examines how signing Scooter Gennett could held the team’s thin bench.

Steve Sypa, Lukas Vlahos, Kenneth Lavin, and Thomas Henderson shared the complete list of Amazin’ Avenue’s Top 25 Mets Prospects for 2020, as well as how they each voted.

Episode 45 of From Complex to Queens, meanwhile, focused on the top four spots on the list.

This Date in Mets History

“I’m calling it Shea!” may have become a movement after Citi Field received its name, but it became possible on this date in 1963. That was the date when Mayor Robert Wagner rewarded Shea for his hard work bringing National League baseball back by naming the new Mets’ home William A. Shea Municipal Stadium.