Good morning, Mets fans!
The baseball world quieted down a bit after a busy Winter Meetings, but there are still plenty of rumors going around. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that there are about half a dozen teams interested in Justin Turner, with the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Marlins included among those teams.
Now it’s time for the morning briefing!
Latest Mets News
On Friday, the Mets officially announced the signings of José Quintana and David Robertson. On Quintana, Mets’ GM Billy Eppler said: “Over the last decade, José has been one of the most dependable starting pitchers in the majors. Adding another left-handed option to our rotation, especially one with his durability, experience, & moxie, will give our starting staff quality depth.” The Mets clearly value dependability and durability and that is exactly what Quintana brings. He is the only pitcher since 2013 to make at least 30 starts in eight different seasons.
On Robertson, Eppler said: “We’re very excited to add a pitcher of David’s caliber to our bullpen. He has been pitching in high-leverage situations for teams with Postseason expectations since his career started.” Robertson has 157 career saves including 20 last year, and a 2.78 ERA across 45 1/3 career postseason innings. The Mets believe he, as well as Quintana, can be counted on when it matters most in 2023.
Mike Puma of the New York Post tweeted that Brandon Nimmo was in New York yesterday taking his physical after signing a big contract with the Mets, and is anxious to get to the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie to start working out.
Our very own Mathew Brownstein tweeted about David Robertson and his wife Erin’s non-profit called High Socks for Hope. The goal of this non-profit is “to create long-term relief for natural disaster victims and homeless veterans.” Every year, Robertson pledges $100 for each strikeout and $200 for each save, something that will continue this season with the Mets.
David Peterson appeared on the Elite Baseball Development Podcast with Eric Cressey in which he talked about his breakout 2022 season and his open-mindedness to new ways of attacking his development.
Latest MLB News
A hundred MLB players qualified for the first ever pre-arbitration bonus pool, including Dylan Cease who stands to make over $2.4 million due to his WAR and second-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times tweeted a rendering of a proposed Rays stadium in St. Petersburg that would have a pavilion style roof and “an outdoor feel.”
Latest on MMO
Jack Markowski assessed the Mets’ needs even after their strong start to free agency.
Christopher Soto broke down the Mets’ expected payroll for the 2023 season.
Sam Neumann takes a look at the current state of the Mets’ bullpen, including the team’s newest additions.
On This Date in Mets History
1971: The Mets traded a package of players including Nolan Ryan to the Angels for six-time All-Star Jim Fregosi.
1984: The Mets traded four players to the Expos for Gary Carter, who would help them win a World Series just two years later.
2008: The Mets traded a large package of players including Endy Chavez and Jason Vargas as part of a three-team trade that gave the Mets J.J Putz, Sean Green, and Jeremy Reed.
Birthdays: Victor Diaz (41), Dan Wheeler (45), Mel Rojas (56), Doug Henry (59), Ted Martinez (75)
