Morning Briefing: McNeil, Lugo Make MLB Network's Top Ten Lists

Good morning, Mets fans! It may be Sunday, but we’re that much closer to actual baseball.

Here’s what you need to know:

Latest Mets News

MLB Network ranked Jeff McNeil as the No. 5 third baseman in baseball.

When it came to relievers, MLB Network ranked Seth Lugo as the seventh best in the game.

On Saturday, Mets’ general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said that we could see both Yoenis Cespedes and J.D. Davis at first base throughout Spring Training.

According to Tim Healey of Newsday, pitcher Drew Smith, who had undergone Tommy John surgery in March, started throwing bullpen sessions last week.

Also from Tim Healey of Newsday: Chad Kreuter, former manager of High-A St. Lucie, has been named the new manager of the Triple-A Syracuse Mets.

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com: Tim Tebow and his foundation hosted their annual event, “Night to Shine,” during which approximately 115,000 children with special needs had the opportunity to attend prom.

Latest MLB News

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today: The Minnesota Twins have officially bowed out of the Mookie Betts deal, leaving Boston and Los Angeles to navigate the terms of the deal on their own. Minnesota’s portion of the trade would have sent top pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol to the Red Sox, while Kenta Maeda of the Dodgers would be shipped to the Twins.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, free agent reliever Sean Gilmartin signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. The lefty’s deal extends an invite to major league spring training.

The Red Sox announced on Saturday that they have signed Andrew Benintendi to a two-year deal, avoiding salary arbitration with the outfielder.