Morning Briefing: Aoki Lands Three-Year Contract In Japan

In less than two weeks, pitchers and catchers report! Hopefully this should prompt some urgency in the free-agent market as over 100 players still remain unsigned.

Latest Mets News

Mike Puma of the New York Post believes that the Mets are not likely to explore the trade market for a second baseman, instead will likely sign a free agent.

Who are you going to call when you need an outfielder? Apparently, it won’t be Norichika Aoki anymore, as per Yahoo Japan, he agreed to terms with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. Aoki played for the Mets in September and slashed palatable .284/.371/.373 in 102 at-bats. We wish him all the best!

Baseball America released their rankings of the MLB’s top farm systems. To no one’s surprise, the Mets finished in 27th place. Overall, Baseball America remained pessimistic about the system, but suggested that Anthony Kay will be a pitcher to keep an eye on in the upcoming season.

In a recent interview with The Post, Asdrúbal Cabrera made it clear that he would prefer to play second base in the 2018 season.

Latest MLB News

Phil Munsick of the New York Post broke down baseball’s new fad: bat flips.

Starting in 2019, the Indians will cease to wear their “Chief Wahoo” logo.

The Brewers signed reliever Matt Albers to a multi-year contract. Albers posted a career best 1.62 ERA in 61 innings with the Washington Nationals. Despite his successful year, Albers only received a five million dollar guarantee due to his 3.40 FIP and .203 BABIP.

Bob Nightenale of USA Today talked to agent Scott Boras, who believes that the “tanking” is responsible for this slow offseason.

Nightenale also reported that outfielder Gregor Blanco will return to the Bay Area and play his sixth season with Giants in 2018.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com revealed that utility man Danny Espinosa signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees. Espinosa turned in a horrendous 2017 season, finishing with a 41 wRC+ and .173/.245/.278 slash line.

Andy McCullough of The Los Angeles Times believes that Yu Darvish is holding up the rest of his market and patiently waiting for the Dodgers to offer him a contract.

Brandon Moss will return to the Oakland Coliseum as the Athletics and Royals swung a trade late Monday night.

The Athletics acquired reliever Ryan Buchter and Moss for pitcher Jesse Hahn, minor-leaguer Heath Fillmyer and cash. The Royals may be attempting to shed salary in order to sign a notable first baseman that they are certainly familiar with. (If I am not making it obvious enough, I am talking about Eric Hosmer)

Latest NL East News

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Reid Brignac has signed a minor-league deal with the Washington Nationals.

The Braves were atop Baseball America’s list of the top minor league systems. The remaining NL East teams also fared pretty well on their rankings: Phillies(6), Nationals(15), and Marlins (19).

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com discloses that the Nationals took top prospects Victor Robles and Juan Soto off the table in trade talks about Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.