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As the Shōta Imanaga’s negotiation window nears its close, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Monday that the Giants are now viewed as the favorites to sign the Japanese lefty. The Cubs, Red Sox, and Angels are also in the running, though Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that Boston seems like a long shot. Teams have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to negotiate with Imanaga.
Feinsand also reported that the Mets are looking to make a trade for starting pitching. The Mets are among teams that have contacted the White Sox about Dylan Cease, though Chicago is asking for “three premium prospects” in exchange for the righty.
Dylan Cease. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Latest Mets News
The Mets are holding auditions for their first ever hip-hop hype team. The Queens Crew will be part of and choreographed dances on game days.
Latest MLB News
The Cardinals have hired Chaim Bloom to join their front office in an advisory role. Bloom was dismissed from his role as the Red Sox’s general manager this past September. The 40-year-old had been linked to St. Louis since the beginning of the offseason.
Wander Franco was released from jail on Monday, though Alden González of ESPN reports that the 22-year-old will be required to appear in front of authorities every 30 days while the investigation into his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old continues. Franco paid 2 million pesos ($34,000) for his conditional release.
Latest on MMO
Rich Sparago breaks down what the Mets’ spending this offseason means going forward.
Matt Mancuso profiles free agent righty Jakob Junis.
Allison Waxman analyzes what a healthy Starling Marte can do for the Mets.
Mojo Hill breaks down the Mets’ signing of Sean Manaea.
On This Date in Mets History
2005: The Mets and All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltrán agree to a seven-year contract worth $119 million. The 27-year-old clubbed a career-high 38 homers in the 2004 season and crushed eight more homers for the Astros in 12 postseason games. Beltrán’s contract also includes a no-trade clause, which the Astros reportedly refused to include in a deal.
Birthdays: Phil Mankowski (71), Edwin Uceta (26)
