Morning Briefing: Angels Sign Matt Moore

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Angels have signed free agent left-hander Matt Moore, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported. The 33-year-old was surprisingly effective in his 74 innings with the Rangers last year, posting a 1.95 ERA. Moore was a potential option for the Mets to target, but they ended up acquiring plenty of reinforcements elsewhere to amend their rotation.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

In the first bit of news out of spring training, newly signed pitcher Kodai Senga, in his first action in Mets camp, threw 52 pitches and hit 96 mph on the gun during his first bullpen outing. For more on his outing and how Senga will have to adjust to major league pitching, our own Michael Mayer dove deeper into the Japanese pitcher’s outing.

For the first time in about 30 years, Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, the spring training home of the Mets, has seen its first on-field renovation. Drainage issues were affecting the on-field performance of the ball and the players, so the field itself was replaced. In addition to the raised field, retention walls were added, the outfield fence was swapped out and the bullpens were moved off the field as well as the field’s surface got a much-needed makeover.

Mets GM Billy Eppler discusses with the New York Post his first impressions of Justin Verlander, Senga the growth of upcoming prospects and Carlos Beltran‘s new role with the organization.

Tim Healey of Newsday highlights the bullpen session of pitcher Tylor Megill. Healey notes that Megill has slimmed down about 15 pounds from his weight from last season.

Former Mets broadcaster Tim McCarver passed away at the age of 81. The team released a tweet remembering McCarver, as he was a major part of the team’s broadcasts during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Latest MLB News

Marlins GM Kim Ng officially hired former Mets manager Terry Collins as a baseball consultant, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported.

Corbin Burnes talked about how his relationship with the Brewers was hurt by what happened in his arbitration hearing.

The Padres signed Cole Hamels to a minor league deal, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.

The Red Sox signed infielder Yu Chang to a one-year deal, the team announced.

The Phillies signed Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year extension, POBO David Dombrowski announced.

Shohei Ohtani hasn’t discussed his future with the Angels, according to Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group.

Speaking of Ohtani, the Angels announced that he will pitch on opening day.

Dana Brown told Scott Boras that he wants Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman to play the rest of their careers in Houston, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reported.

Former major leaguer Victor Martínez has joined the Blue Jays’ front office as a special assistant, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.