Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets officially introduced Carlos Beltran as their 22nd manager in franchise history with a press conference at the Foxwoods Club at Citi Field on Monday morning.
Latest Mets News
In addition to Beltran’s news conference, the Mets made a trio of moves on Monday. The Mets extended a qualifying offer to Zack Wheeler, selected Blake Taylor‘s contract from Triple-A Syracuse and claimed Stephen Gonsalves off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
As expected, Pete Alonso and Jacob deGrom were named finalists for the National League Rookie of the Year Award and National League Cy Young Award, respectively.
Beltran intends to bring back many former Mets to work with the team’s current group of young players during spring training, according to Marly Rivera of ESPN.
Brodie Van Wagenen told reporters that it is unclear whether Yoenis Cespedes will play in 2020 as he rehabs from ankle fractures that he sustained from a violent fall at his ranch in May.
Jared Diamond of The Wall Street Journal shared his thoughts on the Mets’ decision to hire one of their former star players as their manager.
Latest MLB News
MLB announced the finalists for the MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year awards.
J.D. Martinez will not be opting out of the remainder of his five-year, $110 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
A total of 10 players were extended qualifying offers before Monday’s deadline. In addition to Wheeler, Josh Donaldson, Jose Abreu, Jake Odorizzi, Madison Bumgarner, Stephen Strasburg, Will Smith, Marcell Ozuna, Anthony Rendon and Gerrit Cole all received qualifying offers, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
The Milwaukee Brewers declined their $7.5 million option on Eric Thames. The Brewers also traded Chase Anderson to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league first baseman Chad Spanberger.
The Los Angeles Angels declined their $14 million option on Kole Calhoun.
Latest NL East News
President Donald Trump hosted the Washington Nationals at the White House to celebrate their World Series championship.
The Atlanta Braves re-signed Nick Markakis and Tyler Flowers to one-year, $4 million contracts. The Braves also declined Julio Teheran‘s $12 million option.
The Philadelphia Phillies declined team options on Jared Hughes, Pat Neshek and Jason Vargas. Also Jake Arrieta opted to stay with the team by exercising his $20 million player option, while Jerad Eickhoff, Mike Morin, Blake Parker, Edubray Ramos and Phil Gosselin all elected free agency after the Phillies outrighted them from their roster.
Latest on MMO/MMN
John Sheridan put together an All-Decade Team of Mets who played during the 1990s.
Matt Musico analyzed the recent shortcomings of Juan Lagares following the Mets’ decision to not pick up his $9.5 million option.
Laney Ortiz discussed five takeaways from Van Wagenen at Beltran’s introductory press conference.
Rob Piersall wrote about how Beltran wants to rewrite his story with the Mets as their manager.
Marshall Field took a closer look at Beltran’s prolific career.
This Day in Mets History
1990: Darryl Strawberry was granted free agency, thus ending his eight-year tenure with the Mets.
Birthdays: Jose Santiago turns 45 and Jim Bethke turns 73. Mike Bishop was also born on this day in 1958.
