Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets are set to introduce right-hander Kodai Senga at a press conference today at 11 am. The Japanese-born fireballer’s contract became official over the weekend. Senga tweeted yesterday that he needed help deciding a uniform number because his old numbers of 21 and 41 aren’t available. He says he is choosing between 34, 40, and 46.

Latest Mets News

The Mets are reportedly giving their best efforts to trade James McCann before the season starts. Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes that one MLB executive said the Mets were “running a full-court press” trying to trade McCann and are willing to take a big part of his salary. McCann is still owed $12.15 million in each of the next two seasons.

Latest MLB News

The Red Sox have agreed to a two-year contract with former Met Justin Turner. The two-time All-Star battled injuries but was still effective for the Dodgers in his age-37 season, hitting .278/.350/.438 with 13 homers, 36 doubles, and 81 RBIs in 532 plate appearances. Turner is expected to take over Boston’s DH role for the recently-departed J.D. Martinez.

The Cubs are nearing a deal to re-sign left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly. The 33-year-old enjoyed somewhat of a bounce-back season, turning in a 3.47 ERA/4.23 FIP (118 ERA+) and a 1.194 WHIP with 91 strikeouts in 106 1/3 innings.

The Astros agreed to re-sign outfielder Michael Brantley to a one-year contract worth $12 million. The five-time All-Star was hampered by injuries again this season, playing in only 64 games while hitting .288/.370/.416 (125 OPS+) with five homers, 14 doubles, and 26 RBIs in 277 plate appearances.

The Pirates acquired utility man Connor Joe from the Rockies in exchange for right-hander Nick Garcia. Joe was originally a first-round pick by the Pirates back in 2014 before he was traded to the Braves for Sean Rodriguez in 2017. Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020, but he made a triumphant return to the field with Colorado in 2021.

Latest on MMO

Sam Neumann profiles free-agent outfielder and former Met Michael Conforto.

Andrew Steele-Davis looks at southpaw Zack Britton as a potential target for the Mets.

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki profiles outfielder Adam Duvall as a possible depth piece.

Andrew Steele-Davis explains the argument against trading Carlos Carrasco.

On This Date in Mets History

1986: Mets fan Michael Sergio is sentenced to 100 hours of community service and fined $500 for parachuting onto the field before Game 6 of the World Series.

Birthdays: Rob Gardner (78), Tom Wilson (52), Chip Ambres (43), Aaron Loup (35)