Morning Briefing: Happy Opening Day!

Happy Opening Day, Mets fans!

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports is in place between the minor league players in the MLBPA and Major League Baseball on the historic first collective bargaining agreement for minor leaguers. The deal is five years long and includes at least double the current pay at all levels of the minors.

The pay increases are as follows: complex league from $4,800 per year to $19,800, Low-A from $11,000 to $26,200, High-A from $11,000 to $27,300,  AA from $13,800 to $30,250, and  AAA from $17,500 to $35,800. Ross Bentley has more on the story.

Meanwhile, the Mets play a real baseball game today! They’ll take on the Marlins at 4:10 p.m. ET with Max Scherzer on the mound. Buckle up for the first of 162 today!

Now it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post reports Rob Manfred commented on Steve Cohen’s offseason spending on “The Show” podcast Tuesday night: “What Steve spent in the offseason was completely consistent with all of our rules. He perfectly had every right to spend those dollars. There are actually real benefits for the game associated with that spending. It does energize the Mets’ fan base.”

Andrew Tredinnick of the Record Sports reports that Elieser Hernandez will begin the season on the IL with a right shoulder strain, according to Billy Eppler.

Mets PA announcer Colin Cosell announced that he welcomed his first child, Eloise.

Latest MLB News

Jason Mackey of Pittsburgh Sports Now reports that plenty of conversation took place between Bryan Reynolds and the Pirates.  Both sides have moved from their original offers and seem genuinely interested in getting something done.

Rob Manfred said that the automated ball-strike system is “the next big one that’s on the agenda.” He continued by saying, “I do think that improved application of technology in the calling of balls and strikes over the long haul is a really good thing.” However, Manfred has a couple reservations about it that Evan Drellich of The Athletic covers in his article.

Sportico reports that the Miami Marlins have signed a jersey patch deal with home security firm ADT for at least three years. The multi-year deal with an option to extend is estimated to be worth roughly $5 million annually.

Yeimel Mendez reports that Franchy Cordero signed a deal with the New York Yankees.

Sam Blum of The Athletic reports that Angels radio broadcasts will once again call games remotely this season. Arte Moreno said airing in-person doesn’t justify the cost.

Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported news on the minor leaguers’ Senne lawsuit: a federal judge on Wednesday approved the $185 million settlement, finding objections to it lacked merit. The question now is whether an appeal is filed within 30 days. If there is no appeal, players could begin receiving money relatively soon.

Melissa Lockard of the Athletic reports that the Athletics have traded Cristian Pache to the Phillies for RHP Billy Sullivan.

Latest on MMO

Rich Sparago covers loopholes in the MLB’s new anti-shift rules.

Michelle Ioannou has MMO staff predictions on the Mets’ 2023 record and MLB division winners.

Rivka Boord has five bold predictions for the Mets in 2023.

Ricky Keeler covers the 2023 Binghamton Rumble Ponies Opening Day roster.

John Sheridan wrote part two of five prospects that missed MMO’s top 30 list.

Brian Wright covers some of the greatest Mets opening day moments.

On This Date in Mets History

2000: The Mets faced off against the Cubs in Tokyo for the second game of a two-game series. Rick Reed helped the Mets avenge the 5-3 loss from the prior day by giving up only one run in eight innings pitched. In the 11th inning, Benny Agbayani hit a walk-off grand slam to tie the series.

Birthdays: Jake Marisnick (32), Terry Bross (57)