Mets Morning News: More MLB players opt out as season inches closer

Meet the Mets

The Mets are still being cagey about the reason for Robinson Cano’s absence from camp.

Yoenis Cespedes’s rehab continues to advance, but a couple questions remain.

Cespedes is one of two veterans that the Mets are hoping will be able to make an impact for them this season.

Luis Rojas was impressed by Jacob deGrom’s simulation game performance on Thursday.

Brodie Van Wagenen suggested that the Mets’ secondary facility in Brooklyn would open next week.

The Mets GM also asserted that his job is not impacted by the Mets’ ongoing sale discussions.

It continues to be difficult to discuss training camp and the upcoming season in light of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Around the National League East

In news that may be of interest to the Mets’ future owners, it seems likelier and likelier that J.T. Realmuto will hit the open market next winter (although the Phillies will still make every effort to re-sign him).

Talking Chop compared the strength of the Braves’ 2020 schedule to that of their NL East rivals.

The Nationals held a sim game yesterday as the team prepares for the 2020 season.

The Braves and Marlins will play each other in two exhibition games in Atlanta on July 21st and 22nd.

Around Major League Baseball

Buster Posey has become the latest high-profile player to opt out of playing in 2020, as he and his wife are adopting identical twins who were born prematurely.

Michael Kopech has also chosen to opt out from the season. The 24-year-old White Sox pitcher becomes the youngest player to forego play up to this point.

Each National League manager offered their own unique thoughts on the introduction of the designated hitter into the league.

The Blue Jays are taking particularly totalitarian measures in order to keep their players from going outside of the stadium or team hotel.

While the U.S. is nowhere close to being ready to have games with fans in stands, Japanese fans are now able to attend games.

Marc Carig of The Athletic ranked the 38 major league ballparks he’s been to, including 29 of the current ones.

Could one of these nine relievers win the Cy Young award in a shortened season of play?

Having no fans in the stadium will be par for course for the Athletics, according to Matt Chapman.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane examined the Mets’ payroll situation in the wake of rumors surrounding the sale of the team.

Christian Romo discussed the obstacles that Matt Adams will face in finding playing time for the Mets in 2020.

This Date in Mets History

All-time Mets legends Fernandez Martinez and Ruben Tejada signed with the organization on this day in 2005 and 2006, respectively.