Good Morning, Mets fans! Happy Friday! Let’s start the weekend off right. Here’s what you need to know:
Latest Mets News
On Thursday, the Mets introduced their latest addition to the bullpen, reliever Dellin Betances, in a press conference at Citi Field. Betances himself expressed excitement at the prospect of pitching in Queens, noting that winning is his top priority. Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen appears to share this excitement, stating that this particular signing was meant to “blow the cover off of our ceiling.”
According to Laura Albanese of Newsday, GM Brodie Van Wagenen believes that closer Edwin Diaz will return to form in 2020. Van Wagenen stated that Diaz’s health and the pitcher’s commitment to working on mechanics has led him to believe that redemption is on the horizon.
Latest MLB News
New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German has been suspended 81 games under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy, reports Hannah Keyser of Yahoo Sports. German served 18 games of this suspension at the conclusion of the 2019 season, meaning that he will miss the first 63 games of the 2020 campaign.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic reflects on the now twenty-year history of Baseball Reference and how the website has transformed over the past two decades.
The Chicago White Sox have designated pitcher Tayron Guerrero for assignment. Chicago had previously claimed the right-hander off waivers from Miami in early December.
Chris Cotillo of Mass Live reports that the Boston Red Sox have designated first baseman Sam Travis for assignment.
Latest NL East News
The Nationals have signed reliever Will Harris according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The veteran right-hander gets three-years, $24 million from the defending champs. He had a 1.50 ERA in 60 innings last season and has a 2.84 career ERA.
Latest on MMO
Michelle Ioannou says what most Mets fans were thinking on Thursday, after the team introduced their latest bullpen reinforcement, Dellin Betances: bring on the 2020 season.
Matt Musico takes a look at just how much of an impact our core three, Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Michael Conforto might have in 2020.
On This Day in Mets History
2000: A little over a year after he was first traded to the Mets (in a deal that essentially involved a swap of not-so-great contracts between New York and the Dodgers) Bobby Bonilla is officially released. The Mets, as many are well-aware, bought out Bonilla’s $5.9M contract upon his release- but chose not to pay him all at once. Thus, Bobby Bonilla will continue to receive an annual payment of $1.2M from the New York Mets up until the year 2035.
Birthdays: Mark Dewey turns 55, Luis Rivera turns 56, John Sullivan turns 79
