Morning Briefing: Alonso and Mets Not Close to Agreement
Good morning, Mets fans!
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that there’s currently a significant gap in contract talks between the Mets and Pete Alonso, though a deal isn’t off the table. The team could explore other options at first and third base, including moving Mark Vientos to first and giving younger players like Brett Baty or Ronny Mauricio a chance at third. While Alonso remains a fan favorite, his slightly down season and the declining value of power hitters may work against him in negotiations.
Now onto the morning briefing!
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In his column, Heyman highlights the Mets’ agreement with Sean Manaea on a three-year, $75 million contract. Manaea had previously turned down a $67 million offer from the A’s—the same deal his friend Luis Severino accepted. His market was somewhat limited by the draft pick compensation attached to his qualifying offer.
Mets team historian and VP of alumni relations Jay Horwitz reflected on the recent loss of 1969 Met Jack DiLauro. Teammate Ron Swoboda expressed sadness over DiLauro’s passing. A versatile left-handed pitcher who both started and relieved, DiLauro became the fifth member of the Miracle Mets to pass away this year, joining Buddy Harrelson, Jerry Grote, Jim McAndrew and Ed Kranepool.
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Another few tidbits from his MLB notes column for the New York Post, Heyman shared that Gleyber Torres declined a potential move to the Washington Nationals, as he wasn’t interested in playing third base. The New York Yankees are prioritizing left-handed bullpen arms, with Andrew Chafin and Tim Hill among their top targets.
Aram Leighton of Just Baseball reports that the Colorado Rockies and pitcher Diego Castillo have agreed to a minor league deal that includes an invite to spring training. Castillo, 30, has mostly pitched at Triple-A the last two seasons but owns a career 3.20 ERA in 278 1/3 IP with 35 saves.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Japanese pitching star Roki Sasaki met with the Yankees, Mets, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers, though the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are seen as favorites. The Dodgers are the top contenders due to their success with Japanese players, while Sasaki’s admiration for Yu Darvish boosts the Padres’ chances. A source described the Dodgers’ odds as “better than 50/50 but not 100 percent.”
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Mathias Altman-Kurosaki takes a look at the updated 40-man roster for the Mets. He also takes a look at the team’s pitching rotations’ Steamer projections for the 2025 season.
On This Date In Mets History
2001: The Mets traded Kevin Appier to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Mo Vaughn, who, during the final two seasons of his career, hit 29 home runs, including an impressive 505-foot shot at Shea Stadium against the Atlanta Braves.
1988: Gary Cohen is hired as a radio announcer for the Mets. Cohen replaces Gary Thorne and joins Bob Murphy in the broadcast booth.
Born On This Date: Addison Reed (1988), Rick Porcello (1988), David Aardsma (1981), Jeff D’Amico (1975), Raúl González (1973), Bobby Klaus (1937)
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