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Brandon Nimmo told Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman on The Show that he thinks Pete Alonso “wants to and should stay a Met.” Nimmo also praised Alonso for being a positive influence in the team’s clubhouse and spoke about his own experience in free agency, when he chose the Mets over other suitors. Nimmo also mentioned that David Stearns approached him about signing a center fielder and is willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better.

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Latest Mets News

DJ Stewart will be the honorary starter at the Swing Into Spring Training 5k in Port St. Lucie on February 11. There is still time to register for the race, and you can do so here.

Jay Horwitz wrote Monday that Bobby Valentine had no issues with kids on the field during batting practice, but he admitted he was a little concerned when Pat Mahomes was on the field because he was the smallest kid. However, Valentine was impressed by the young Mahomes’ athleticism when he was shagging flyballs at Shea Stadium.

Latest MLB News

The Royals agreed to an 11-year, $288.7 million contract extension with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The contract is the first nine-figure deal in franchise history. The deal includes opt-outs after the last four years of the deal and club options for an additional three years, which could bring the total value of the contract to $377.7 million. Witt clubbed 30 homers and stole 49 bases in 2023, recording the first 30-30 seasons in the team’s history.

A Nevada teachers’ union is suing the state and Governor Joe Lombardo to block the bill that would grant the A’s $380 million for their new stadium. The teachers lost in court back in November, but now they are alleging that the bill violates the state constitution.

The Giants are reportedly in talks with slugging outfielder Jorge Soler. The 31-year-old made his first All-Star Game in 2023, smacking 36 homers with an .853 OPS in 580 plate appearances.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Monday that Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is drawing trade interest from multiple teams, but it’s unlikely he will get dealt. The two-time All-Star is under team control through 2028.

The Dodgers have signed reliever Ryan Brasier to a two-year contract worth $9 million. The deal can reach $13 million with incentives. The 36-year-old was fantastic for the Dodgers after they picked him up in June, posting a 0.70 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings.

In other Dodgers news, they traded Southpaw Caleb Ferguson to the Yankees in exchange for another lefty, Matt Gage. Ferguson posted a 3.43 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings in 2023. Gage meanwhile will head to his third organization this offseason, as he was recently claimed by New York off waivers from the Astros.

The Brewers have agreed to a contract with right-hander Jakob Junis, pending a physical. Junis made 40 appearances (four starts) for the Giants in 2023, pitching to a 3.87 ERA with 96 strikeouts in 86 innings. He is expected to be a starter for Milwaukee.

The Reds have signed Josh Harrison to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. The two-time All-Star spent 2023 with the Phillies, posting a .554 OPS in 114 plate appearances in the majors.

Phil Maton‘s contract with the Rays is worth $6.5 million for the 2024 season and includes an option for the 2025 season. If the option is exercised, he will make $14 million over the life of the deal.

The Tigers have claimed lefty Kolton Ingram off waivers from the Angels. Ingram appeared in five games for the Angels in 2023. In a corresponding move, the Tigers designated infielder Nick Maton for assignment. Maton hit just .173/.288/.305 in 293 plate appearances for Detroit in 2023.

Latest on MMO

Elliot Teichman previews what to expect from non-roster invitee Kyle Crick.

Chris Bello breaks down the remodeled Mets bullpen.

On This Date in Mets History

1998: The Mets send minor leaguers A.J. Burnett, Rob Stratton, and Jesús Sánchez to the Marlins in exchange for second baseman Ralph Milliard and All-Star lefty Al Leiter. A two-time World Series champion, Leiter pitched a 4.34 ERA in 151 1/3 innings for the Marlins in 1997. Leiter also grew up a Mets fan in New Jersey.