Mets Morning News: Mets fire GM Porter

Meet the Mets

Early this morning, Steve Cohen announced via Twitter that the Mets have terminated GM Jared Porter.

The firing came eight hours after a story broke late last night that detailed Porter sending explicit and unsolicited photos to a female reporter while with the Cubs organization in 2016.

Prior to the firing, Sandy Alderson released a statement in which he said, “The Mets take these matters very seriously, expect professionalism and ethical behavior from all of our employees, and certainly do not condone the conduct described in your story”.

Anthony DiComo and Tim Healey each wrote about the story and the team’s initial response.

A Mets player anonymously told the Daily News that they believed Porter should be fired for his actions.

Joel Sherman stated that the Mets should fire Porter as a result.

The Diamondbacks, who were Porter’s previous employer, also released a statement.

Hard to believe it was just yesterday that the Mets picked up left-hander Joey Lucchesi as part of the Joe Musgrove-to-the-Padres deal. In the trade, the Mets parted with No. 14 prospect Endy Rodriguez.

Mike Puma does not believe that the Mets are done after the trade.

Anthony DiComo has heard that the club intends to stretch out Lucchesi as a rotation piece, which will likely affect either Steven Matz or David Peterson.

It looks like George Springer could make a decision this week. The Mets and Blue Jays remain the top two likeliest destinations for the All Star center fielder. Toronto is reportedly making a strong push for the outfielder.

The Mets are reportedly one of at least ten teams who are interested in free agent reliever Jeremy Jeffress.

Marcus Stroman did his part to try and attract Jeffress by tweeting at him to “Come through!”

Jeffress responded by telling Stroman that it was “not a bad idea.”

The Mets will be sending scouts to today’s showcase for starters Julio Teheran and Anibal Sanchez in Miami.

Anthony DiComo explored the best single-game pitching performances in franchise history.

Around the National League East

The Phillies designated outfielder Kyle Garlick for assignment to make room for Archie Bradley on their 40-man roster.

Speaking of Bradley, the newest Phillie took to social media to implore his new ballclub to resign J.T. Realmuto.

For what it’s worth, Ken Rosenthal sees a Realmuto/Phillies reunion happening.

Philadelphia picked up infield prospect C.J. Chatham from the Red Sox for a player to be named later. The team DFA’d Victor Arano, in a corresponding move.

Talking Chop looked at whether outfielder Brett Gardner could be a fit for the Braves.

The Nationals have added lefty Jon Lester to their rotation on a one-year deal with a mutual option.

Around Major League Baseball

On MLK Jr. Day, former MLB outfielder and current ESPN Analyst Doug Glanville wrote about the league’s need for more black managers, and why that won’t be him right now.

Tom Verducci highlighted the forgotten exhibition game of 1970, where more than 20 Hall-of-Famers suited up to honor MLK Jr.’s memory.

The Padres continued their busy offseason, landing starting pitcher Joe Musgrove from the Pirates. In return, they are parting with a prospect package that includes well-regarded center fielder Hudson Head.

According to Jon Heyman, while the Yankees and Masahiro Tanaka are still in contact, there’s a good chance he pitches elsewhere next year. A return to Japan remains an option.

A day after rumors surfaced that the Yankees could potentially land Luis Castillo in a trade with the Reds—rumors which turned out to be false—it was revealed that Cincinnati was asking for Gleyber Torres in return for their young ace.

Following D.J. LeMahieu’s return to the Yankees, CBS Sports looked at five other reunions that make sense.

As mentioned earlier in Mets Morning News, Toronto is trying to sign Springer, and they are also interested in free agent relievers Brad Hand and Kirby Yates. However, they are finding landing free agents difficult given the uncertainty about where they will be playing in 2021.

Toronto were able to make a big splash after all, coming to terms with right-handed pitcher Tyler Chatwood on a one-year, $3 million deal.

The Red Sox plan to exercise caution with Chris Sale’s rehab from Tommy John Surgery.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Christian Romo covered the Porter story.

I argued that the Mets should sign Springer, luxury tax be damned!

On Episode 97 of From Complex to Queens, the crew returned to talking about the Top 25 Prospects List!

This Date in Mets History

Happy Birthday to Jon Matlack, who turns 71 today!