Good morning, Mets fans!

According to the Journal Sentinel, should the Milwaukee Brewers decide to equal the highest offer for manager Craig Counsell receives in free agency, it is highly probable that they will keep him as their manager. However, if they opt not to match the offer, which is expected to come from the New York Mets, Counsell will most likely manage a different team in 2024.

The report goes on to mention that Counsell is determined to set a new standard for managerial compensation and is not inclined to accept a reduced salary for staying with his hometown team. In terms of finances, Counsell is seeking to increase his earnings to at least double his 2023 salary of $3.5 million, according to sources cited by the Journal Sentinel.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Craig Counsell. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Mike Ozanian of Forbes writes that the New York Mets are set to benefit significantly this year due to reduced debt payments resulting from owner Steve Cohen’s refinancing of bonds used to construct Citi Field in 2021. The ballpark, originally financed with various long-term PILOT bonds, was managed by the Wilpon and Katz families under a lease agreement with the New York City Industrial Development Agency until 2049.

The Mets have introduced Keechant Sewell as their new Senior Vice President for Security and Guest Experience. Sewell brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served as the 45th New York City Police Commissioner, where she headed the nation’s largest municipal police force. “The opportunity to bring my passions of community building and public safety to the Mets is truly a dream job. As someone who grew up in Queens, this legendary organization is vital to local communities and so many across the world,” Sewell said.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets have taken steps to create room on their 40-man roster by designating several players for outright waivers.. The list includes right-handed pitchers Peyton Battenfield, John Curtiss, Elieser Hernández, Bryce Montes de Oca, and Denyi Reyes, along with outfielder Tim Locastro. If no other teams claim them,  Montes de Oca and Battenfield could be retained by the Mets.

The Mets announced that Omar Narváez has exercised his player option for 2024.

Latest MLB News

The Atlanta Braves announced that they’ve signed reliever Joe Jiménez for three years at $26 million. Jiménez, who’ll be 29 in January, had been a Tiger his whole career until he joined the Braves in 2023. He had a strong season, making 59 appearances and rocking a solid 3.04 earned run average.

As reported by Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the company chosen by the New York Yankees for analytics assistance has been made known to the public. According to an inside source from the league, Zelus Analytics, a sports analytics firm, is the organization that will give the Yankees insight into their data analysis processes, covering player performance, in-game strategies, and various other aspects.

Nelson Cruz recently announced his retirement from baseball on The Adam Jones Podcast. His accomplishments include seven All-Star selections, the 2011 ALCS MVP title, four Silver Slugger awards, and the prestigious 2021 Roberto Clemente Award as well as 464 career home runs.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the qualifying offer this offseason will be set at $20.325 million.

The 2023 MLB free agent class, according to Keith Law of The Athletic, is weaker than the previous year, lacking star power, especially among position players. Law identifies just 11 hitters with significant 2023 performances, and his rankings reflect potential player value to a GM, accounting for factors like future performance and contract length. He also speculates on player and club options, with room for updates as the free agency season unfolds.

Robert Murray of FanSided notes that Sean Newcomb and the Oakland A’s are in agreement on a contract for the 2024 season. Murray also reports that sources have reported that infielder Max Muncy is engaged in substantial discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers regarding a two-year contract extension.

The Milwaukee Brewers are acquiring infielder Vinny Capra off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Additionally, they’ve opted not to exercise the club options for left-handed pitchers Andrew Chafin and Justin Wilson, as reported by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees have placed pitcher Domingo German on outright waivers. Additionally, Matt Bowman, Franchy Cordero, Jimmy Cordero, Billy McKinney, and Ryan Weber have also been placed on outright waivers and can now be claimed by other teams or choose to become free agents.

For the 2023 MLBPA Players Choice Awards, Ronald Acuña Jr. received top honors as the overall Player of the Year and NL Outstanding Player, while Marcus Semien was awarded the Marvin Miller Man of the Year for the second time. Phil Bradley was recognized with the Curt Flood Award for his long-time advocacy on behalf of players. Additional accolades went to Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, and Corbin Carroll in the National League, and Shohei Ohtani, Gerrit Cole, Liam Hendriks, and Gunnar Henderson in the American League for various outstanding player categories.

Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports that Marlins received word that outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler intends to exercise his opt-out clause, marking his departure from the final year of his three-year contract with the team. Soler had an impressive 2023 season with 36 home runs for Miami and is also recognized as a finalist for the Silver Slugger Award.

Ari Alexander, a sports reporter for the NBC affiliate in Houston, Texas, tweets that pitcher Seth Lugo has declined his player option for 2024.

Latest on MMO

On the latest episode of MMO Weekly, Sal and Mike are joined by Mets 2022 second-round draft pick Nick Morabito.

Andrew Tripaldi reports on Scott Boras’ comments about Pete Alonso‘s possible contract.

Evan Mazza writes on Mark Kotsay being in the mix for the Mets managerial position.

On This Date in Mets History

1973: Mets shortstop Bud Harrelson incurred a $250 fine for his role in instigating a brawl during the NLCS.

Birthdays: Armando Benitez (51), Rick Herrscher (87)