Morning Briefing: Mets To Introduce James McCann Today

Good Morning, Mets fans!

Let’s take a look at what went on with the Amazins’ and MLB yesterday!

Latest Mets News

Mets manager Luis Rojas spoke to the media via Zoom, where he touched on several topics including the discussions they’ve had with Amed Rosario about playing third base, Seth Lugo preparing to potentially start or pitch out of the bullpen, and more of Dominic Smith in left field if there’s no DH. He also was “shocked” to learn of Robinson Cano‘s PED suspension and would not commit to Edwin Diaz as the closer, but said his role will be “significant” out of the pen.

Team president Sandy Alderson joined the Carton & Roberts show on WFAN and told the radio hosts that he expects starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, to return by June. Alderson also mentioned he expects to be involved in the trade market specifically for players with expiring contracts.

The Mets plan to introduce newly signed catcher James McCann at 3:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Slugger Pete Alonso breaks his social media hiatus to share his optimism on the Covid-19 vaccine and send a message to the fans that he’s working hard and ready to be great in 2021.

Mets’ beat writer Anthony DiComo joined SNY for an hour-long edition of Mets Hot Stove that included exclusive interviews with Sandy Alderson and Luis Rojas.

Michael Conforto, Gio Urshela, Luke Voit, Harry Carson, Ivan Rodriguez, and Team USA Soccer player Alyssa Naeher will receive the Thurman Munson Award on Feb. 2, 2021, tweet from Mike Baron.

Latest MLB News

As MLB Insider Jon Heyman reported, the Toronto Blue Jays have been in contact with 25-year-old KBO shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who is coming off a 30 home run season. As Heyman noted, Kim recently had dinner with Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu.

The San Francisco Giants signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Anthony DeSclafani to a one-year, $6 million deal, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle.

The Tampa Bay Rays have re-signed catcher Mike Zunino to a one-year deal, per Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times.

Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman reiterated that DJ LeMahieu is the team’s top priority. He also confirmed that they will not make other moves until the LeMahieu situation is resolved, video from SNY.

Major League Baseball announced that they officially will acknowledge the players, who participated in the Negro Leagues as major leaguers, story from NPR.

Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais discussed the future of top prospect outfielder Jarred Kelenic, story from MLB Pipeline.