Morning Briefing: Former Mets Pay Tribute to Buddy Harrelson

Good morning, Mets fans.

Yesterday, the Mets family and baseball community lost one of their own as Mets Hall of Famer Buddy Harrelson passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. The sad news prompted many tributes to pour in from former Met players such as Ron Darling, Kevin Mitchell, Art Shamsky, Ron Swoboda, and many more.

Now, onto the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

Ron Darling reacted to the passing of Buddy Harrelson on MLB Hot Stove, stating, “He is one of the dearest people I’ve ever met in the game.”

"He is one of the dearest people I've ever met in the game."

Ron Darling reacts to news that Mets Hall of Famer Bud Harrelson has passed away 🧡 pic.twitter.com/KBLH5Bp9xl

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 11, 2024

Alex Cohen, the president of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and co-owner of the Mets, has been acknowledged as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in U.S. Philanthropy by Inside Philanthropy.

The Mets avoided arbitration with seven of eight eligible players, including giving Pete Alonso a $20.5 million salary for his final season before free agency.

Latest MLB News

Our own Mike Mayer was the first to report that the Yankees have signed former Met Marcus Stroman. The deal is for two years, $37 million, with a vesting option for a third year.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Joey Votto, the former six-time All-Star and MVP of the Cincinnati Reds, is currently drawing interest from three teams as a veteran free-agent first baseman.

The Chicago Cubs have officially announced their agreement on a four-year major league contract with left-handed pitcher Shōta Imanaga.

As reported by ESPN‘s Jeff Passan, the Chicago Cubs are set to acquire third baseman Michael Busch and reliever Yency Almonte from the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, they will be parting with two promising teenage prospects, left-handed starter Jackson Ferris and outfielder Zyhir Hope.

The Tampa Bay Rays announced that they have signed RHP Naoyuki Uwasawa to a minor league contract with an invite to major league camp.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Milwaukee Brewers and All-Star closer Devin Williams have reached an agreement on a one-year, $7.25 million deal with a club option. Williams is set to receive a $7 million salary for the current season, along with a $10.5 million salary for 2025, featuring $1 million in escalators and a $250,000 buyout.

The Reds signed Mets bullpen target Brent Suter to a one-year deal.