Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Blue Jays extended their new third baseman Matt Chapman on Tuesday, agreeing to an extra two years and $25 million to his contract, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported. The extension surprised the baseball world with how cheap it was, considering Chapman’s immense talent. His AAV won’t be much more than the one Ryan McMahon got on his recent extension with the Rockies, not to mention the fact that McMahon got six years compared to Chapman’s two.

Meanwhile, Jacob deGrom is back. He pitched just two innings Tuesday because it’s the first week of spring training, but he was his usual dominant self, giving up one hit and no runs with five strikeouts. The Mets won 2-0 and have a 2-2 record this spring. They have today off before getting back to work Thursday against the Marlins.

DeGrom was also named the top starting pitcher in baseball by MLB Network. Check out more on that in Dan Quinones’ article for MMO.

Let’s get into the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

The Mets surprised Edwin Diaz and Carlos Carrasco with a joint birthday cake. Yum. Happy belated birthday, Sugar and Cookie! (Missed opportunity to not make sugar cookies for them, but oh well.)

James McCann was scratched with back tightness, while Starling Marte made progress nurturing his sore left oblique. John Flanigan of MMO wrote more on this story.

The Mets reached arbitration with six players. Read who in Nate Mendelson’s report for MMO.

Latest MLB News

In other extension news, the Giants agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million contract with Darin Ruf, per Passan of ESPN.

There were some rule adjustments made by MLB, as rosters were expanded to 28 through April and the extra-inning ghost runner made its ghoulish return. Read more on this story in Andrew Steele-Davis’ article for MMO.

The Dodgers signed former Met Kevin Pillar, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Passan of ESPN posted his takeaways regarding free agent spending.

The Red Sox will be honoring Jerry Remy with commemorative patches on their uniforms and pregame ceremonies, Ian Browne of MLB reported.

Kevin Goldstein announced he will be leaving FanGraphs and joining the Minnesota Twins as a Special Assistant, Player Personnel.

Latest on MMO

Check out Matt Lazzaro‘s recap of Tuesday’s Mets game — his first article for MMO!

On This Date in Mets History

1978: Bud Harrelson was traded to the Phillies for Fred Andrews and $50,000.

2007: The Mets signed Fernando Tatis to a minor league deal. Not to be confused, of course, with Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr.

Birthdays: Dellin Betances (34), Mike Remlinger (56)

Let’s go Mets!