Mets Morning News: Pitchers and catchers report for duty, Tim Tebow walks away from baseball

Mets Morning News

After a long offseason, the first signs of spring returned with pitchers and catchers reporting for duty in Port St. Lucie. They enter the year with a chance at a clean slate but they will need to build a new identity if they want to distance themselves from the previous regime.

The specter of the Wilpons still hangs over the organization with the team missing out on quite a few free agents this offseason and multiple employees being accused of sexual harrassment under the Wilpons’ watch.

One of the changes the new regime made was beefing up the analytics department and it started with bringing in Ben Zauzmer from the Dodgers to oversee research and development.

Noah Syndergaard is back with the team after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year and is still on track to return to action in June.

Manager Luis Rojas met with the media for the first time to discuss his 2021 team. He liked the versatility of the roster which includes J.D. Davis who he would not completely name as the team’s starting third baseman.

Rojas also condemned the actions of Ryan Ellis, the team’s hitting performance coordinator who was recently fired after three woman reported him for sexual harrassment.

The Mets are reportedly interested in signing free agent Taijuan Walker.

After finding little success in the minor leagues, Tim Tebow announced his retirement from baseball.

Around the National League East

The Braves had three players ranked in Fangraphs’s Top 100 Prospect list for 2021.

The Marlins traded prospect Evan Edwards to the Rays in exchange for righty John Curtiss.

Despite being arrested for domestic violence, the Phillies are welcoming Odubel Herrera back into the organization since, according to Aaron Nola, he can help them win ballgames.

The Nationals announced the non-roster invitees to camp which includes old friend Luis Avilan.

Around Major League Baseball

The Padres extended superstar Fernando Tatis to a 14-year megadeal worth $340 million which is the third largest deal in Major League Baseball history. The deal puts him behind Mike Trout and Mookie Betts but he is far younger than they were when they signed their contracts.

Spring training has sprung around the league and there are quite a few storylines to keep an eye on as teams prepare for Opening Day.

The Toronto Blue Jays will be the Dunedin Blue Jays to start the season since they are still unable to play in Canada due to the pandemic.

Fangraphs released their complete list of the top 100 prospects in baseball for the 2021 season.

The Giants have reportedly signed Aaron Sanchez to a one-year deal worth $4 million.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Brian Salvatore took a look at the Mets’ bench which the team spent a lot of time revamping this offseason.

On the latest episode of A Pod of Their Own the offseason, extensions for Francisco Lindor and Michael Conforto, and potential moves they still need to make were all discussed.

Steve Sypa covered the Tebow retirement.

This Date in Mets History

Happy Birthday to Mets legend Shawn Estes!