Morning Briefing: Mets Among Strongest Candidates To Sign Yariel Rodríguez

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Friday, Cuban reliever Yariel Rodríguez was declared a free agent by the MLB Commissioner’s Office and he will now be able to sign with any big league club. According to Francys Romero of MLB.com, the Mets are considered to be among 10 teams who are the strongest candidates to sign Rodríguez. Romero adds that several industry experts expect Rodríguez to command a multi-year contract in the range of $40-70 million.

Rodríguez has impressed big league teams from pitching in Japan (1.15 ERA in 54 2/3 innings in 2022) and with Cuba in the World Baseball Classic (two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings). The Mets are surely expected to be interested in his services this winter with their bullpen needing lots of help.

Yariel Rodriguez, Photo by YUHKI OHBOSHI/TWITTER

Latest Mets News

The Mets announced that single-game 2024 spring training tickets are now on sale.

In an interview with Foul Territory on Friday, Mets’ prospect Kevin Parada said of Steve Cohen: “I genuinely think of it as he’s a Mets super fan who gets to run a ball club. Most of you guys have probably played ‘The Show,’ where you get the franchise and you get to pick your favorite team and just run it however the heck you want to run it. That is Steve Cohen on a real level.”

Parada and another Mets’ prospect in JT Schwartz are playing in the Arizona Fall League All-Star Game. The game will take place on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET and will air on MLB Network.

Latest MLB News

Clayton Kershaw announced on Instagram that he underwent left shoulder surgery on Friday. His recovery is expected to keep him out for at least the beginning of the 2024 season.

The MLB Players Association announced that 130 players became free agents at the end of the 2023 season, with a breakdown of players from each team.

Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the White Sox declined Liam Hendriks‘ $15 million club option. Hendriks will still be paid $15 million but it will be deferred over time.

The Angels declined the club options of former Mets Aaron Loup and Eduardo Escobar.

The Red Sox declined the club option for Corey Kluber, while Justin Turner declined his player option.

Cody Bellinger declined his mutual option with the Cubs.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune, the Padres are expected to interview Yankees’ bench coach Carlos Mendoza for their manager role. Acee also reports that Matt Carpenter exercised his player option for 2024.

According to Jon Morosi of the New York Post, the Tigers and the agents of Eduardo Rodríguez have remained in contact about potentially restructuring his contract.