Good morning, Mets fans!

Baseball is officially back, and free agency hit the ground running in its first full day post-lockout. Friday was a highly anticipated day in the game, after no signings were reported after the lockout Thursday.

The first main signing was Carlos Rodon signing with the San Francisco Giants. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the lefty signed a 2-year, $44 million contract with the defending AL West champions. The Mets were reported to be keeping an eye on Rodon throughout the winter, but ended up choosing to not dole out a contract to the veteran.

After Rodon, another major southpaw signed. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Clayton Kershaw returned to the Dodgers on a one-year $17 million contract. This was not a shoe-in this off-season, as there were reports that he was seriously considering the Rangers as a destination as well. The Mets were also a possible landing spot. However, the 2014 NL MVP returned to the place where he has spent all 14 years of his career, the Dodgers.

Those were the two major signings among other deals that took place Friday.

Latest Mets News

Michael Mayer of MMO reported that former Mets minor leaguer Matt Koch signed a minor league deal with the Mariners.

Andy Martino of SNY reported that the Mets have received numerous calls on J.D. Davis, Jeff McNeil, and Dominic Smith. However, the Mets aren’t actively shopping any of the three.

Martino also reported that the Mets have done some research on Luke Weaver of the Diamondbacks.

Bob Klapisch of the Newark Star-Ledger reported Max Scherzer told coaches, “I’m here to help Jake [deGrom]. He should get the ball whenever he wants. He comes before me.”

Latest MLB News

Robert Murray of FanSided reported that the Rangers signed Martin Perez to a one-year, $4 million contract.

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported that any unvaccinated players will not be allowed to play games in Toronto, and will also not receive pay or service time for those games.

The Marlins released a statement from owner Bruce Sherman welcoming fans back to baseball.

Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reported all the details in the MLB labor agreement.

Tony Clark and Bruce Meyer of the MLBPA addressed the media regarding the results of the lockout.

The Cubs announced an extension through 2024 with manager David Ross, including an option for the 2025 season.

Mark Feinsand of MLB reported that Drew VerHagen signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Cardinals.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets will be holding an intra-squad game just for fans the day before Spring Training games begin.

Erik Boland of Newsday reported that Miguel Andujar was robbed by three gunman in the Dominican Republic, but is okay will report to Spring Training on time.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reported that Max Muncy will be healthy for Opening Day.

Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported that Joe Buck will be leaving Fox Sports, as he joins ESPN as the new voice of Monday Night Football. This means he will no longer be calling the World Series.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that A.J. Ramos signed a minor league contract with the Angels.

The Associated Press reported that the new CBA includes a rule where extra innings in the All-Star game will be resolved by a home run derby.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the Cubs signed Andrelton Simmons to a one-year, $4 million contract.

Tom Daykin of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the Brewers are secretly asking for $100 million in public funding for renovations to American Family Field.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that left-hander Cole Hamels intends to pitch again.

Robery Murray of FanSided reported that Brandon Workman signed a minor league deal with the Rangers.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that talks between the Dodgers and Freddie Freeman are intensifying, and that they have offered him a multi-year contract.

Latest on MMO

Johnluke Chaparro wrote on J.D. Davis, and how the third baseman knows there is a chance he gets traded.

Nate Mendelson wrote on how the “Steve Cohen Tax” works.

On This Day in Mets History

Birthdays: Darryl Strawberry (60)

2020: MLB suspended spring training and delayed the season indefinitely because of COVID-19 concerns. While this was not a major shock at the time, it certainly sent a shock through the world. This marked the first time since the 1995 strike, Major League Baseball would lose games in a season. Baseball didn’t return until late July, 2020, as it played a 60-game season.

Let’s go Mets!