Morning Briefing: Blue Jays Sign Daniel Vogelbach

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided announced that the Blue Jays signed former Met Daniel Vogelbach to a contract. Jon Heyman of the New York Post confirmed that it is a minors deal with an invite to spring training. Vogelbach was a polarizing figure in his year-and-a-half tenure with the Mets to say the least, and he most notably drew criticism for his lack of speed and inability to play a defensive position. He now finds himself in Toronto with hopes to see the major league team as the designated hitter.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Jeff McNeil spoke to reporters on Friday at spring training about finally being pain-free. McNeil, who partially tore the UCL in his left elbow at the end of last season, said he took two months off before getting an MRI in December which still showed a tear. McNeil clarified “it’s a symptom-based kind of injury and I have no symptoms at all.”

The Mets have signed first baseman/DH Ji-man Choi, according to his agency. The deal is a split contract that would be worth $3.5 million if Choi makes the Opening Day roster. Choi posted a .624 OPS between the Pirates and Padres in 2023.

Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that the Mets plan to try Jett Williams and Luisangel Acuña at different positions during spring training. Both players will still earn shortstop reps but Williams will get some looks at center field while Acuña will spend soe time at second base.

The Mets posted a photo on X of the team’s new batting practice hats as part of New Era’s 2024 Batting Practice Collection.

Latest MLB News

The Blue Jays officially announced that they signed former Met Eduardo Escobar to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Escobar split 2023 between the Mets and Angels and recorded a .613 OPS.

PitchCom announced that they will serve as the exclusive provider of signal-calling systems for MLB and Triple-A through the 2026 season.

Robert Murray of FanSided reported that the Dodgers signed former Met Justin Wilson to a contract. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic confirmed that it is a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Padres manager Mike Shildt told reporters on Friday that Xander Bogaerts will play second base this season, with Ha-Seong Kim returning to shortstop. In 2023, Bogaerts only played shortstop while Kim spent most of his time defensively at second base.

The Phillies signed utilityman Whit Merrifield to a one-year, $7 million deal with an $8 million club option. The deal was first reported by Foul Territory.

Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Philies also signed David Dahl, with his deal being a minor league agreement.

According to Evan Drellich of The Athletic, Sacramento has emerged as the frontrunner to host the A’s from 2025-2027 before the team moves to Las Vegas.

According to Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, Major League Baseball and the Oakland mayor’s office have had preliminary talks about granting Oakland an expansion team in return for the city grantng the A’s a lease extension for the Coliseum.