Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning, Mets fans!
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Chicago Cubs are interested in former Met Michael Conforto. Heyman added that Conforto is seeking a two-year deal that includes an opt-out.
Conforto wasn’t a member of the 2022 Mets, but he was a consistent presence on the team for the majority of the past decade. He was a member of the 2015 National League champion team, an All-Star in 2017, and posted a solid .824 OPS across his seven seasons with the Mets. After declining the Mets’ qualifying offer following a down 2021 year, he failed to sign with a team and missed the 2022 season in part because of a shoulder injury.
After being out of the league for a year and having had his last productive year in the shortened 2020 season, it will be interesting to see whether the now 29-year-old can rekindle the talent that made him a staple in the Mets’ lineup for years. It appears the Cubs believe he can.
Now onto the morning briefing!
Latest MLB News
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, first baseman Carlos Santana has signed a one-year, $6.7 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Chicago White Sox have showed strong interest in free-agent Mike Clevinger.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Cody Bellinger has received interest from at least 11 teams including the Astros, Cubs, and Giants. Heyman also reports that the Padres may be a surprise player for a shortstop, which would allow Ha-Seong Kim to become a super-utility player and Fernando Tatis to move to the outfield. They reportedly like Xander Bogaerts.
The Athletic polled ten anonymous scouts and executives about whether they would rather have Jacob deGrom or Justin Verlander for the next two years, salary aside. Seven picked deGrom while three chose Verlander.
Latest on MMO
Matthew Brownstein spoke with Stephen Ridings, one of the Mets’ newest additions, in an MMO Exclusive interview.
Andrew Steele-Davis analyzed reports that the Dodgers and Twins are showing interest in Carlos Rodón.
Tyler Antonelle profiled free agent pitcher Sean Manaea as a potential fit for the Mets.
On This Date in Mets History
1963: Ron Hunt finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year vote behind Pete Rose. Hunt finished the year with what would be a career high 10 home runs and 42 RBIs and became the first Met to ever receive Rookie of the Year votes. He was one of the Mets’ more valuable players during the club’s struggling infant years.
Birthdays: Josh Smoker (34), Brian Schneider (46), Richie Hebner (75)
