Morning Briefing: Happy Trade Deadline Day!

Good Morning Mets fans! The Mets are back in black jerseys tonight for the first time since July 21, 2012. The fans spoke, and the Mets answered. Beginning tonight, the Mets will dawn their black jerseys for every Friday home game through the remainder of the season.

The MLB trade deadline also comes to a close at 4 p.m. ET today. All eyes will be on if the Mets make any moves before the deadline comes to an end.

Latest Mets News

Michael Mayer of Metsmerized Online reported on Thursday that Jacob deGrom threw “light side” and felt good. Per Luis Rojas, deGrom is progressing and continues to be day-to-day.

Per Tim Britton of The Athletic, the Mets will start Carlos Carrasco, Rich Hill, and Marcus Stroman against the Cincinnati Reds in this weekend’s series. Carrasco will be the first pitcher since 2012 to wear the black jersey.

As reported by Michael Mayer of Metsmerized Online, Akeem Bostick becomes the 56th player the Mets have used in 2021, which ties the franchise record set in 2018.

Mets Minor League Affiliate Scores from July 29, 2021:

Lucie Mets 4 Daytona Tortugas 1 – Game 1(Makeup of 7/28 ppd)
Lucie Mets 3 Daytona Tortugas 4 – Game 2
Syracuse Mets 1 Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders 3
Brooklyn Cyclones vs Jersey Shore BlueClaws – Postponed due to rain. Makeup on July 30
Binghamton Rumble Ponies 5 Hartford Yard Goats 6

Latest MLB News

Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, according to a source, the Chicago White Sox are finalizing a deal to acquire second baseman Cesar Hernandez from the Cleveland Indians.

As noted in a story by Eric Stephen of SB Nation, after once again being traded this season, Billy McKinney has been traded during the season six times in eight years. The Dodgers are his third team in 2021.

According to MiLB-Transactions, the Chicago White Sox have released right-handed pitcher Tyler Johnson.

The New York Yankees officially announced on Thursday that their deal with the Rangers is officially complete. They have acquired infielder/outfielder Joey Gallo and left-handed pitcher Joely Rodriguez, along with cash considerations from the Texas Rangers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Glenn Otto, infielder Ezequiel Duran, infielder Trevor Hauver, and infielder Josh Smith. Otto, Duran, Hauver, and Smith are all players at the minor league level.

Jared Pettitte, son of Yankees great Andy Pettitte officially announced his signing with the Marlins on Thursday via Instagram, following in his dad’s footsteps as a professional baseball player.

According to Sarah Langs of MLB, each of Joey Votto’s last eight hits have been home runs, which ties the second longest home run streak since 1961.

The Chicago Cubs announced on Thursday that they have acquired minor league left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn from the Chicago White Sox for right-handed pitcher Ryan Tepera.

Per Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Craig Biggio, Tom Glavine, and Ken Griffey Jr. have been voted onto the baseball hall of fame board of directors. Ortiz also reported that Curt Schilling requested to be taken off of the hall of fame ballot and was denied.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that trade talks involving right-handed pitcher Jose Berrios are increasing. The Twins have offers from San Diego, Toronto, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay, and the Yankees.

Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, according to a source, the Toronto Blue Jays are acquiring left-handed pitcher Brad Hand from the Washington Nationals for Triple-A catcher Riley Adams.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers are finalizing a deal to acquire left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy from the Kansas City Royals.

The New York Yankees announced on Thursday that they have acquired infielder Anthony Rizzo and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Alexander Vizcaino and outfielder Kevin Alcantara.

Earlier on Thursday it appeared as if Max Scherzer might go to the Padres. But it was later reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN that according to sources, the Los Angeles Dodgers are finalizing a deal to acquire Scherzer and shortstop Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals for a number of prospects. Some of those prospects, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, would include right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray, catcher Keibert Ruiz, among others.

The Cleveland Guardians announced on Thursday that manager Terry Francona will step away from the team and his managerial duties for the remainder of the season to focus on his health and recovery. DeMarlo Hale will assume managerial duties for the remainder of the season.

Jeff Passan of ESPN was busy on Thursday. One of his many reports on the day included the report that the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a deal to acquire relief pitcher Diego Castillo from the Tampa Bay Rays pending medical review. In exchange for Castillo, the Rays will receive right-handed pitcher JT Chargois and third base prospect Austin Shenton.

Team USA Baseball takes on Israel in round 1 of the Tokyo Olympics today at 6 a.m. EST. Game 2 against South Korea is Saturday, July 31 at 6 a.m. EST.

Per Robert Murray of Fansided, according to source with knowledge of the situation, the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a trade deal to acquire Kyle Schwarber from the Washington Nationals. Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post confirmed the news and added that in return, the Nationals will be receiving right-handed pitcher Aldo Ramirez.

The Nationals’ locker room clearing continues as Robert Murray of Fansided also announced late Thursday night that according to sources, the San Diego Padres are in “serious talks” with the Nationals to acquire Daniel Hudson from the Nationals. Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic, Mason Thompson is headed to Washington in exchange for Hudson.