Good afternoon Mets fans! With the NFL season ending last night we are just another day closer to baseball season. Yesterday was a pretty slow day in the baseball world, but let’s get caught up on what we learned.
Astros Settle with Righty Chris Devenski
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Houston Astros and righty Chris Devenski have settled on a $1.525MM salary for the 2019 season. Devenski had originally asked for $1.65M and the Astros had offered $1.4M.
Rosenthal also notes that the deal includes a $2.65M club option for the 2020 season. As part of the deal, if Devenski appears in 50 or more games the salary will increase to $2.725M, and if he appears in 60 or more games it will rise to $2.825MM.
The 27-year old righty took the league by storm with a breakout rookie season in 2016. He followed that up by making the 2017 All-Star team and posting a 2.68 ERA, 0.942 WHIP, and 11.2 K/9. Last season, he struggled posting a career worst 4.18 ERA, 4.49 FIP, and 1.16 WHIP over just 47 innings.
If Devenski can have regain his All-Star form he will play a big role in the Houston bullpen next season alongside the Astros big arms such as Roberto Osuna, Hector Rondon, and Will Harris.
San Francisco Giants and Oakland Raiders Reach Deal for 2020 Season
According to Raj Mathai of NBC Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Raiders have reached a deal for the Raiders to remain in the Bay Area for the 2020 season.
As part of the deal, the Raiders will now play their home games in San Francisco at Oracle Park/AT&T Park next season. The Raiders spent the past 24 years in Oakland, but the team’s lease for the Oakland Coliseum ran out this past year.
An official announcement is expected to be made this week, though the deal needs to be approved by the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers first. The Raiders are set to be relocated to Las Vegas, though the new stadium is not expected to be ready until 2020.
Interest in Outfielder Adam Jones Builds Up
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, interest in veteran outfielder Adam Jones has picked over the past couple of days. Despite being on a steep decline, Cafardo notes that teams “value his leadership and the fact that he still has something left as a player.”
At this point in his career, Jones is likely better suited for a corner outfield position. In 2018, he posted minus-18 Defensive Runs Saved and a minus-10.5 Ultimate Zone Rating in center.
Jones has still produced at times offensively, but has been a league-average performer. Last season, he hit .281/.313/.419 with 35 doubles, 15 home runs, and a .732 OPS over 145 games. Perhaps a change of scenery could be good for the 13-year veteran who has spent his past eleven seasons with the Orioles.
