Mets Morning News: RIP Henry Aaron

Meet the Mets

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that the Mets’ interest in Trevor Bauer may have grown in recent days.

1986 manager Davey Johnson had to go to the hospital to receive treatment for COVID, but the 77-year-old is thankfully back home now.

Hall of Famer and Braves legend Henry “Hank” Aaron passed away at the age of 86, and a few former Mets shared their thoughts about the former slugger.

Faith and Fear in Flushing also penned a tribute to Aaron.

The Amazins have now missed out on a few potential options for center field, but there remain a few players out there who could fill that hole.

Jon Heyman suggested that the Mets do indeed have Jackie Bradley Jr. on their radar, although the team would prefer to bring in a right-handed outfielder.

Around the National League East

Talking Chop discussed the enduring legacy of Henry Aaron.

Ryan Zimmerman will return for at least one more season, as he has agreed to a one-year deal with the Nationals for the 2021 season.

The Marlins made an addition to their bullpen by inking free agent reliever Anthony Bass to a two-year, $5 million deal with an option for a third year.

Recent Phillie addition Archie Bradley has been pandering to his new fanbase on social media, and The Good Phight has no complaints.

Around Major League Baseball

Claire Smith from The Undefeated argued that Hank Aaron was in many ways the “direct descendant” of Jackie Robinson.

Like Robinson, Aaron had to deal with a lot of vile racism and hatred as he approached the all-time home run record, and like Robinson he responded with stoicism and grace.

Hitting at least 20 homers in 20 different seasons and playing in playing in over 3000 career games are only a few of the remarkable stats that Aaron accumulated over the course of his remarkable career.

While the stats are certainly impressive, his personal narrative is equally compelling.

A number of athletes, politicians, and other notable public figures offered tribute to Aaron after the news of his death spread.

Aaron played a good chunk of his career in Milwaukee—first for twelve years before the Braves moved to Atlanta, and then in the last two seasons of his career with the Brewers. As such, the Brewers have announced that they will wear a #44 patch on their jerseys during the 2021 season to honor him.

The Red Sox have taken Enrique Hernandez off the board for the Mets, as they signed the veteran utility man to a two-year, $14 million deal.

Jurickson Profar will return to the Padres after agreeing to a three-year, $21 million deal with San Diego.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane opined that the Mets have more work to do to fortify their bullpen.

This Date in Mets History

The Mets officially announced that Luis Rojas would become their 23rd manager in franchise history on this day one year ago.