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Meet the Mets
Yesterday, we learned that Seth Lugo will require surgery to remove a loose body in his elbow. While the news is certainly not as bad as it could have been, Lugo will be shut down from throwing for six weeks, which means he will not be ready for Opening Day—a big blow to the Mets’ bullpen.
Lugo is upbeat about his prognosis, however. He feared the worst when he went for his MRI; he already has a partially torn UCL that he has been pitching with for the past few seasons. A bone spur was welcome news in comparison.
The Mets announced their list of non-roster invitees to spring training, as well as their full spring raining roster.
That list includes nearly all of the Mets’ top prospects—Pete Crow-Armstrong, Francisco Álvarez, and Ronny Mauricio among them.
Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reviews the Mets’ big questions heading into spring training, including whether Lindor or Conforto extensions may be coming.
Sandy Alderson, Brandon and Chelsea Nimmo, and Mets staff gave out food to 500 local families at Port St. Lucie yesterday.
The Mets promoted Steve Barningham to director of international scouting.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com covered miscellaneous Mets news items, including Zack Scott’s Friday press conference, Noah Syndergaard’s Tommy John recovery, and which Mets have reported to camp so far.
To say Pete Alonso is excited for the season would be an understatement. “This is the best I’ve felt physically and mentally in my career,” he said to Steve Serby of the Post. “I’m ready to make history and ready to drive in 130 steaks.”
Around the National League East
Greg Joyce of the Post took a look at each of the other NL East teams—their key additions and losses and storylines to watch.
Mike Soroka won his arbitration case with the Braves and will make $2.8 million in 2021.
The Phillies are deferring $9.5 million of Didi Gregorious’ two-year contract.
Around Major League Baseball
It was a good day for former Mets yesterday. Jay Bruce has signed a minor league deal with the Yankees, while Matt Harvey has a minor league deal with the Orioles. Harvey will make $1 million if he makes the big league team.
Justin Turner re-signed with the Dodgers on a two-year, $34 million deal with a club option for a third year.
Free agent starter James Paxton signed with the Mariners for one year, $8.5 million. The Mets were in on Paxton, but were reportedly “outbid.”
The Giants could still potentially add rotation arms, but their roster is “pretty settled.”
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Chris McShane reviewed the options still available to bolster the Mets’ bullpen in light of Seth Lugo’s injury.
This Date in Mets History
February 14 does not have a good track record when it comes to the Mets and back-end rotation free agent signings. Hopefully that trend does not continue this Valentine’s Day.