Morning Briefing: Focus Back on Hot Stove With Holidays Over

Photo: Mets.com

Good morning Mets fans!

Latest MLB News

The Cleveland Indians confirm that the calendar has, in fact, turned to 2019. Baseball season is just around the corner, and spring training begins next month.

Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reports the Seattle Mariners have signed Japanese left-handed starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a guaranteed four-year deal. Heyman notes that the club can extend Kikuchi to an additional four years after the first three years of the contract. If the Mariners decline the extension, Kikuchi can opt into a one-year player option or elect free agency.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the New York Yankees have signed former all-star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to a one-year contract that is expected to pay him the league minimum. Passan notes that this does not take the Yankees out of the running for superstar infielder Manny Machado. Tulowitzki is expected to fill in at shortstop for the injured Didi Gregorius.

Latest Mets News

Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post notes that New York City experienced its finest sports year 50 years ago in 1969. “We should have savored it more,” said Dick Schaap.

Mike Puma of the New York Post opines that the Mets still have holes to fill after the holiday season. Puma writes that the Mets could pursue help in the outfield, rotation, bullpen, and infield.

Latest on MMO

Former Met Ty Kelly pens his fourth and final piece in his “My Baseball Life” series. He details what his life as a professional baseball player looks like today.

Jacob Resnick provides his breakout prospects from 2018 and lists who he expects to break out in 2019. Resnick notes that right-handed pitcher Simeon Woods-Richardson is in the position for a great 2019 season.