Good morning, Mets fans! Today is day two of full squad workouts in Port Saint Lucie and we are just six days away from the Mets’ first spring training game of the season.

Latest Mets News

Metsmerized live Tweeted parts of Jeff McNeil’s Monday press conference. During his press conference, McNeil stated that he understands that he will get reps at multiple positions this offseason, but expects a majority of them to be at second base. “I don’t see a huge difference between playing second, third, or outfield on my body,” McNeil said.

Per Tim Healey of Newsday, tickets to Mets spring training home games sold out about nine minutes after they went on sale to the general public on Saturday. Most of the approximately 1,400 tickets per game were bought by season ticket holders, who got first rights at tickets. Capacity at Clover Park for spring training 2021 is limited to 20%.

Per Metsmerized’s Michael Mayer, according to Ken Rosenthal, former Met Yoenis Cespedes will hold a showcase on March 2 in Fort Pierce, Florida (just north of Port Saint Lucie where Mets spring training takes place). Per Rosenthal, Cespedes intends to play in 2021.

Tim Britton of The Athletic depicts in an article that the first time you see Francisco Lindor play baseball up close is a where-were-you-when moment; the Mets get to experience it this week.

Per Mike Puma of the New York Post, Fred Wilpon was in camp over the weekend with Steve Cohen. The former Mets owner, who still holds a minority stake in the team, is expected back this spring.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network breaks down Taijuan Walker’s deal with the Mets:

  • $23 million for three years
  • Signing Bonus – $2 million
  • 2021 – $8 million
  • 2022 – $7 million
  • Player Option for 2023 for $6 million; $3 million buyout
  • Base in 2023 increases by $250k for 125ip; 135ip; 500k for 145ip; 155ip; 165ip; 175ip
  • Plus: $1 million if traded (once)
  • Player will donate one percent of salary to club charity

In an article on northjersey.com, Justin Toscano deails ‘why Tomas Nido’s swing coach believes the Mets’ catcher will shock people.’

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Dominic Smith and Carlos Carrasco were among four Mets players absent from the Mets’ first day of full-squad workouts due to a “non-injury-related issue,” per Luis Rojas. All four should be on site by the end of the week.

McNeil also stated that he put a gym in his garage in California this offseason to workout.

McNeil says “Hitting next to Lindor would be nice.”

Latest MLB News

 MLB released their first power rankings of the 2021 season. The Mets came in fifth behind the Braves, Yankees, Padres, and in first Dodgers.

Ken Rosenthal discusses the logic behind the Tatis deal, a possible Lindor extension, the Giants’ flexibility, Cespedes’ March 2 showcase, and more in an article on The Athletic.

The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday that they have signed right-handed pitcher Brad brach to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training camp.

Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Jeremy Jeffress has agreed to a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals, per source.

Per Mark Feinsand, Ian Kennedy has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers, per source. He can earn $2.15 million plus performance bonuses if he makes the team.

Mark Feinsand breaks down FernandoTatis Jr.’s 14-year, $340 million contract, per source:

  • 2021 – $1 million
  • 2022: $5 million
  • 2023: $7 million
  • 2024: $11 million
  • 2025: $20 million
  • 2026: $20 million
  • 2027: $25 million
  • 2028: $25 million
  • 2029: $36 million
  • 2030: $36 million
  • 2031: $36 million
  • 2032: $36 million
  • 2033: $36 million
  • 2033: $36 million
  • 2034: $36 million

Per Jon Heyman, Tyler Clippard has agreed to a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Per MLB Trade Rumors, the Atlanta Braves have claimed Phillip Ervin off of waivers from the Cubs.

Per MLB Trade Rumors, the New York Yankees have shut down Clarke Schmidt for three to four weeks.

Lindsey Adler of The Athletic talked with Schmidt, who said he believes he developed an extensor strain while working on a new four-seam grip. He reiterated that an MRI showed no structural damage and nothing involving his UCL.

Per Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com, Trey Mancini is back with the Orioles and is thankful for his health and support from his teammates.

The Seattle Mariners’ chairman and managing partner John Stanton released a statement on the resignation of Kevin Mather as president and CEO, effective immediately.

Deidre Pujols posted on Instagram Monday afternoon that Albert Pujols is retiring from baseball after the 2021 season.

Fabian Adaya of The Athletic discusses initial reactions to the Pujols news.

Following Pujols’ announcement, Bob Nightengale of USA Today stated that Albert Pujols says he remains undecided whether he will retire after the season. He will play it by ear and decide once the season is over.

Per Bill Shaikin, tickets for opening day for the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are selling for $8,644 each in the bleachers.

Per Bob Nightengale, Brett Gardner’s deal with the Yankees is official. Gardner has signed a two-year, $5.15 million contract. He will earn $1.85 million in 2021 with a $1 million signing bonus. He has a $2.3 million player option for 2022. If he declines, Yankees have a $7.15 million option with a $1.15 million buyout.

Per MLB Transaction Tracker, outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has signed with the SK Wyverns of the KBO.

Per Lindsey Adler, Aaron Boone announced that Gerrit Cole will be the Yankees’ opening day starter.

Latest on MMO

Alexis Farinacci breaks down Dominic Smith’s interview of Barry Bands.

Matt Musico discusses that Sandy Alderson’s focus on the pitching rotation isn’t necessarily new.

Jack Ramsey discusses the Mets debuting at No. 5 on MLB’s Power Rankings.

Alexis Farinacci breaks down Francisco Lindor’s first press conference since the start of Mets spring training camp and his first impressions of camp.

Michael Mayer discusses Dominic Smith and Carlos Carrasco being among four players not in Mets camp on Monday.

Michael Mayer discusses Mets general manager Zack Scott stating the Mets are comfortable with Davis at third and wants Lindor extension talks soon.

MMO Digital

On today’s episode of Locked On Mets, host Ryan Finkelstein is joined by fellow MMO contributor Jack Ramsey to talk about the incredible amount of pitching depth the Mets have stockpiled. In part one of this two-part episode, Ramsey discusses some of the more intriguing arms that are close to the big leagues and how they can all function as depth for the upcoming season.

They also begin to compare the Syracuse Mets rotation to some of the lesser rotations in MLB to see how the Mets Triple-A affiliate stacks up to the likes of teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates.

On This Date in Mets History

2016: At a news conference at Borough Hall in Queens, the Mets announce the team will host an LGBT Pride Night on August 13 at Citi Field, featuring discounted seating for the game against the Padres and a free postgame concert.

Birthdays:

Let’s go Mets!