Morning Briefing: Mets Are Non-Astros Betting Favorite To Get Verlander

Good morning, Mets fans!

As free agency begins today, Michael Mayer reports that Odds Checker has the Mets as the early non-Astros favorite to land Justin Verlander. Verlander has a $25 million player option for 2023 that he could opt out of to entertain free agency. Even if he does plan to re-sign with the Astros, it would make sense for him to opt-out of his contract and test his market value.

Verlander had an 18-4 record with a 1.75 ERA in 175 innings pitched last season and he is a nominee to win the AL Cy Young award. If Jacob deGrom does not return to the Mets, Justin Verlander would certainly be a fine replacement.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

The five-year, $102 million contract between the Mets and Edwin Díaz became official yesterday. Chris Bello has more on the story.

The Mets have declined their end of a mutual option with reliever Mychal Givens, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Mets also claimed Tayler Saucedo off waivers from the Blue Jays. The left-handed reliever had a 5.40 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in his 28 1/3 MLB innings. Chris Bello has more on these stories.

Joel Sherman mentions a potential reunion between Michael Conforto and the Mets in this New York Post article.

Latest MLB News

The MLBPA reports that 10 additional players became XX(B) free agents yesterday.

Zach Meisel of The Athletic reports that José Ramírez had his thumb surgery this morning and it went as expected. Additionally, he will resume baseball activities in 6-8 weeks. The Guardians also traded minor league infielder Jose Fermin to the Cardinals in exchange for cash.

During a press conference yesterday, the Houston Astros said that Dusty Baker has agreed to a one-year deal with the club for 2023.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Orioles declined Jordan Lyles $11M option yesterday.

Jerry Dipoto, president of the Seattle Mariners, said that Chris Flexen drew plenty of trade interest at the deadline and continues to be asked about. According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, it is likely that Flexen could be moved in a package of players to get a position player.

The Detroit Tigers report that Daz Cameron was claimed off waivers by Baltimore and Josh Lester cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. Additionally, the 40-man roster is now at 35.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the MLB plans to have the Automated Ball/Strike (ABS) technology in all 30 AAA parks in 2023.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that The Tampa Bay Rays outrighted right-handed reliever Nick Anderson. He is on waivers, and the other 29 teams can add him to their major league roster. If he clears waivers, he will remain in the Rays’ minor league system.

Paul Goldschmidt won the NL Hank Aaron Award and Aaron Judge won the AL Hank Aaron Award.

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register writes that Blake Treinen might not be a part of the Dodgers bullpen in 2023.