Morning Briefing: Mets Claim José Castillo, Ji-Hwan Bae

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets announced several roster moves Thursday. The team claimed lefty José Castillo off waivers from Baltimore and utility player Ji-Hwan Bae off waivers from Pittsburgh. At the same time, infielder Nick Madrigal has elected free agency, according to the official Mets account.

Castillo is returning to the Mets, having posted a 2.35 ERA in 16 games this season. The 26-year-old Bae had a .290 OPS in 25 big league plate appearances this year, though he was much better in Triple-A with a .805 OPS and 23 stolen bases in 67 games.

Now onto the morning briefing!

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Latest Mets News

The Mets have brought in Tim Leiper from the Padres to serve as their new third base coach, replacing Mike Sarbaugh, who was dismissed in the team’s coaching overhaul. Leiper, who spent the last two seasons in San Diego and began his coaching career in the Mets organization in 1996, has extensive experience that includes managing in several farm systems and serving as the Blue Jays’ first base coach for five years. More on his hire here.

The Mets have officially offered a $22.05 million qualifying offer to closer Edwin Díaz, who has until Nov. 18 to accept or decline. Díaz opted out of the final two years of his five-year, $102 million deal, leaving $38 million on the table. If he signs elsewhere, the Mets will receive a draft pick between the third and fourth rounds. More on this story here.

Latest MLB News

Juan Soto and Pete Alonso were named Silver Slugger Award winners for 2025, with Soto earning his sixth career honor and Alonso capturing his first, edging out Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson. Francisco Lindor was a finalist at shortstop but lost to Arizona’s Geraldo Perdomo.

The other winners of the National League Silver Slugger Award include Hunter Goodman (COL) for catcher, Ketel Marte (ARI) for second base and Manny Machado (SD) for third base. The other outfield honors were awarded to Corbin Carroll (ARI) and Kyle Tucker (CHC). Shohei Ohtani (LAD) received the designated hitter award, while Alec Burleson (STL) earned the utility award. Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers were recognized as the NL’s top offensive team. The American League Silver Slugger winners will be announced later today.

In San Diego, Kevin Acee reports that Craig Stammen has been named the Padres’ new manager. The club also picked up Ramón Laureano‘s $6.5 million option after a strong season between Baltimore and San Diego, per Jon Heyman.

Jon Heyman notes that Don Mattingly is stepping away from the Blue Jays “on great terms,” though it’s not a retirement. He remains open to new opportunities. Jim Salisbury adds that the Phillies have discussed hiring Mattingly as their bench coach.

MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Cubs have agreed to a one-year extension with right-hander Colin Rea, keeping him in Chicago for a second season under a restructured deal.

The Rays have exercised Brandon Lowe‘s $11.5 million option for 2026, according to Marc Topkin. However, they declined Pete Fairbanks‘ $11 million option, making the reliever a free agent, as reported by Jeff Passan.

The Dodgers made some moves of their own, picking up Max Muncy‘s $10 million option for 2026 (Alden González) while designating Tony Gonsolin for assignment (Fabian Ardaya).

Jeff Passan reports that the Colorado Rockies are deep in talks with Paul DePodesta to lead their baseball operations department. DePodesta, currently with the Cleveland Browns, is a longtime MLB executive and one of the minds behind Moneyball. DePodesta worked in the Mets organization from 2010 to 2016 before leaving for the NFL.

Bobby Nightengale Jr. reports that LaTroy Hawkins will serve as the Twins’ bullpen coach next season.

In other former Mets news, lefty Nate Lavender has been designated for assignment by the Rays. Lavender was taken from the Mets in the Rule 5 Draft last December. If he clears waivers, Lavender would then be offered back to the Mets.

Continuing with former Mets, the Orioles added right-hander Anthony Nunez to their 40-man roster. Nunez was traded with fellow right-handers Raimon Gómez and Chandler Marsh to the Orioles at the deadline for outfielder Cedric Mullins.

Latest on MMO

The 2025–26 MLB offseason has begun with the Mets tied for the league lead in free agents with eleven. To celebrate, MMO is hosting a free agent prediction contest with prizes including bobbleheads, MMO gear and Mets cards. Entries are due by Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. ET. Click here for more information!