Morning Briefing: Juan Soto Joins Judge, Verdugo In The Bronx

Good morning, Mets fans!

After months of speculation and weeks of negotiating, the New York Yankees finally completed the trade to acquire star outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported last night that the trade was finally official as the Yankees will be adding their second and third outfielders of the off-season. Along with acquiring Juan Soto, they will also be getting Trent Grisham and in return will be sending San Diego relief pitcher Michael King, catcher Kyle Higashioka, and a slew of prospects. The Yankees have now added Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and Juan Soto to their outfield to pair with former AL MVP Aaron Judge.

For the rest of the trade details check out our article on the trade here!

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Mets owner Steve Cohen met with Mets free-agent target Yoshinobu Yamamoto, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. Andy Martino of SNY gave an update to that report, noting that Stearns was also apart of this meeting as they met Yamamoto and his family. Click here for more information on their meeting!

Pete Alonso‘ agent Scott Boras spoke with the media yesterday and said “I spoke to David, we told him we’re all ears.” in regards to contract extension negotiations between the Mets and their star slugger. You can read more about Boras’ words on Alonso here!

Mark Vientos posted a video of him and Francisco Lindor working on their defense on his instagram page.

The Mets acquired left-handed pitcher Ryan Ammons from the Texas Rangers following the Rule 5 draft on Wednesday. For all the Mets moves during the Rule 5 draft click here!

Latest MLB News

Former Tigers left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. For more details on the deal, click here!

Jon Morosi of MLB Network came out with a new report on Wednesday that Shohei Ohtani is expected to decide on his free-agent destination before the end of the weekend.

The New York Yankees are going to be meeting with star Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the United States on Monday, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

The Cincinnati Reds and third-baseman Jeimer Candelario agreed to a deal pending a physical, per Mark Feinsand of MLB Network.

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register gave an update to the Dodgers meeting with Shohei Ohtani, saying that the meeting was Friday afternoon at Dodgers Stadium. All stadium tours were postposed or cancelled and the team store was closed so there would be no accidental sightings.

The St. Louis Cardinals announced that they are bringing back Yadier Molina as the Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced that broadcaster Joe Castiglione has won the 2024 Ford C. Crick. Mets TV play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen was also up for the award but fell short for the second year in a row.

The New York Yankees signed right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training and is expected to compete for a spot in their bullpen, per Jessica Kleinschmidt of The Comeback.

Former Phillies closer and member of the 400-save club Craig Kimbrel agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The deal also contains an option for the 2025 season.

Isaac Azout of Fish on First reported that the Marlins plan on experimenting with relief pitcher A.J. Puk as a starter in Spring Training.

The Atlanta Braves and outfielder Leury García agreed to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training, per Robert Murray of FanSided.

Right-handed relief pitcher Adam Cimber agreed to a one-year, $1.65 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. Cimber was formerly non-tendered by the Blue Jays and is one of three bullpen signings the Angels have made in the past couple of days.

Bryce Harper is hoping to discuss an extension with the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal that would make him a Phillie for the rest of his career, per Scott Lauber of the Philly Inquirer.