Mets Morning News: Spring training preview

Meet the Mets

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training tomorrow, so spring training previews have arrived. Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News, Tim Healey of Newsday, and Matt Cerrone of SNY all break down the big questions for the Mets as they head into spring training.

It’s been a long, hectic, and frustrating offseason for the Mets, so getting back to baseball will be a welcome change of pace.

Brodie Van Wagenen said that both Yoenis Cespedes and J.D. Davis could see reps at first base this spring.

Drew Smith, who had Tommy John surgery in March of 2019, began throwing bullpen sessions last week, reports Tim Healey of Newsday.

In the aftermath of the botched deal with Steve Cohen, David Roth writes about the Wilpons for the New York Daily News in the way only David Roth can.

The Mets are not exactly a franchise that is well known for having a cohesive organization-wide philosophy. Brodie Van Wagenen is looking to change that, writes Kevin Kernan of the New York Post.

Mets’ new pitching coach Jeremy Hefner has reportedly turned Steven Matz from an analytics skeptic into a believer.

Tim Tebow held his annual Night to Shine event on Friday, which holds proms all across the world for children with special needs.

Around the National League East

The Mets aren’t the only team drawing comments about how their roster could benefit from having the DH in the National League. Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post says the same about the Nationals.

Sports Illustrated takes a look at how the Braves rotation stacks up against the rest of the National League East.

Fangraphs released the ZiPS projections for the 2020 Marlins.

The Phillies have signed righty Tommy Hunter.

Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer thinks that Bryce Harper will improve upon his 2019 performance for the Phillies this season.

Around Major League Baseball

The Twins have officially pulled out of the blockbuster three-way trade that would have sent Mookie Betts to the Dodgers. The Red Sox and Dodgers are still looking to complete the trade on their own.

Former Astros pitcher Charlie Morton says that he regrets not doing more to stop the sign stealing scandal in 2017.

Jon Heyman reports that the MLB investigation into the Red Sox found “far less serious transgressions” than those of the Astros.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post lists the 50 most interesting people in baseball.

The Rays and Padres have worked out a trade that will send relief pitcher Emilio Pagan to San Diego and Manuel Margot and catching prospect Logan Driscoll to Tampa.

Tyler Glasnow called his wrist surgery that he had in November “super minor” and says he will be ready to go ahead of the start of spring training for the Rays.

Former Met Sean Gilmartin is a non-roster invitee to Rays camp.

Hunter Pence received a very warm welcome at Giants FanFest after a one-year deal reunited him with his former club.

Former MLB player Angel Echevarria died on Friday at the age of 48 of an as of yet unknown cause.

MLB.com ranked all of the closers in the major leagues. Edwin Diaz came in at number 25.

This Date in Mets History

Happy birthday to beloved Met Mookie Wilson!