Morning Briefing: Kodai Senga Had 'Iffy' Physical Before Correa Saga

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes in his MLB notes piece that Mets pitcher Kodai Senga had a bit more wear and tear on his arm and that the physical was OK’d before numbers for a contract were being thrown around. Heyman also states that folks in the know say that Japanese pitchers show more mileage on their arm due to them throwing more innings at earlier stages in their careers.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

The Mets’ pursuit of pitcher Shohei Ohtani may hit a snag due to the upcoming 110% luxury tax payment. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, he suggests that if Steve Cohen were to spend $50 million on Ohtani, the tax would be $105 million annually and total close to about $1 billion by the time a 10-year contract is completed. Heyman also notes that the Padres, who currently have a smaller luxury tax penalty, might come out as the high bidder for Ohtani’s services.

Will Sammon of The Athletic highlights Mets infielder Brett Baty and his offseason program working with former major league shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. John Sheridan has more on this story of Baty being mentored by the former All-Star shortstop.

Latest MLB News

Reported by Erik Bacharach of the Sports Business Journal, the Arizona Diamondbacks have reached a deal with Avnet as their jersey patch partner, becoming the third MLB team to announce a sponsorship deal to be displayed on a team uniform.

Major League Baseball announced that the 2023 Draft Combine will be held at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. from June 20-25.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Rays reliever Jason Adam has been placed on Team USA’s 50-man preliminary roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Last season, Adam had a 1.56 ERA, 0.758 WHIP, with eight saves, and 75 strikeouts through 63 1/3 innings pitched.

MLB Network released their top-10 list for catchers in baseball at this current moment. Former Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud comes in at No. 7.

Latest on MMO

On the latest episode of MMO Weekly, Sal and Mike chat with new Mets Triple-A hitting coach Collin Hetzler. They spoke about talked Ronny Mauricio, Francisco Álvarez, and how Steve Cohen’s money is giving the Mets minor leagues an advantage.

Fantastic show with Mets Triple-A hitting coach @C_Hetz. We talked about Mauricio, Álvarez, and how Steve Cohen's money is giving the Mets minor leagues an advantage.https://t.co/mkwHv9vTR7

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) February 2, 2023