Morning Briefing: McNeil Says New York is Home

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The New York Mets and second baseman, who can also be a reliable outfielder, Jeff McNeil formally announced his contract extension and hosted a press conference from Citi Field. On the live stream, McNeil and Mets general manager Billy Eppler talked shop and discussed the contract talks between the two.

According to McNeil, talks about an extension took about a week to finally pin down and began after his arbitration period was up. McNeil also thanked the Cohens for the generosity and said shortstop Francisco Lindor has not given him the car he promised if McNeil had won the National League batting title.

Now, where’s the Pete Alonso extension?

Latest Mets News

MLB released the times for most of the games in the 2023 season, with the Mets having a game airing exclusively on Peacock, the NBC streaming service. That game, against the Los Angeles Angels, airs at 12:05 p.m. It is the only time the Mets will be featured on the Peacock streaming service’s MLB Sunday Leadoff.

MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo asked today about outfielder Starling Marte, who is recovering from core surgery, and Mets GM Billy Eppler did not dismiss the notion that Marte may be limited at the start of spring training. Eppler also did not say no to the possibility that Marte could play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

The Mets are adding Patrick McCarthy to their radio team, The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand has learned. Patrick is the son of former Mets play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy, and will do the pre and postgame shows for WCBS Radio. McCarthy will also take over for Howie Rose when he is not on the call for the games.

Mets owner Steve Cohen held another community visionary meeting where residents in the area around Flushing, Queens gave their input on what they would like to see around the stadium. During the meeting, it seemed most residents would like to see more economic opportunities open up for businesses in the area and more transportation around the stadium.

Former Mets Wally Backman and Nelson Figueroa will be on the coaching staff for the Long Island Ducks. Backman will be returning, while Figueroa is coming over from the Staten Island FerryHawks.

Latest MLB News

Two-time MLB All-Star Shohei Ohtani has signed an endorsement deal with New Balance, the company announced on Tuesday. Ohtani joins Lindor as the faces of New Balance for their baseball apparel and outerwear. Ohtani will wear the exclusive 547 cleats this season as part of the deal.

Nationals have signed Wily Peralta to a minor league deal with an invite to MLB camp, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com. The 33-year-old has been a starter most of his career, but pitched in relief for Tigers last season.

Chad Green is in agreement on a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Michael Marino of Fantrax. Green missed all of last year with Tommy John surgery and make his way back into MLB with the Jays.

Former MLB outfielder Dexter Fowler is retiring from the game, according to a tweet he published on his personal account. Fowler played for five MLB teams during his 14-year career, including winning the World Series with the Chicago Cubs back in 2016.