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On Friday, the Boston Red Sox signed starter Lucas Giolito to a two-year, $38.5 million contract that includes an opt-out after the 2024 season. Giolito, who had a 4.88 ERA across three teams in 2023, is a reclamation project for the Red Sox but has proven to be durable in his career, a desirable attribute even if the product on the mound in 2023 didn’t live up to expectations.

Several reports in recent days and weeks pointed to Giolito as a potential option for the Mets, and Tim Healey of Newsday confirmed the Mets’ interest in the veteran starter on Friday. According to Healey, the team was among the most aggressive for his services and did indeed offer him a contract before Giolito decided on Boston. Now the Mets will continue to look elsewhere, likely not for high-end starters, as they aim to fill out the rest of their rotation for the 2024 season.

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Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the White Sox signed former Met Chris Flexen to a one-year contract. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that he would be making $1.75 million in 2024 with the chance to make an additional $1 million.

According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN, the Blue Jays have taken the lead in the race for Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Rojas notes that Rodríguez is close to making a decision on where he will play in 2024. He most recently pitched professionally in Japan in 2022, where he compiled a 1.15 ERA in 54 2/3 innings. He also pitched for Team Cuba during the World Baseball Classic earlier this year.

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Mojo Hill and Jorge Eckhardt argue whether the Mets should sign J.D. Martinez or Justin Turner.

Brian Wright makes a Hall of Fame case for Carlos Beltrán.

The latest Mets Madness Series Recap sees the 1969 Mets matched up against the 1997 Mets.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: Nearly three months after the Mets won the first World Series in franchise history, general manager Johnny Murphy suffered a heart attack which proved to be fatal as he passed away weeks later. Murphy was one of the main architects of the Miracle Mets, bringing manager Gil Hodges to the club and overseeing one of the biggest upsets in World Series history when the Mets bested the heavily-favored Orioles.

Birthdays: Ralph Milliard (50)