Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning, Mets fans!
On Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Cubs have signed Michael Fulmer to an undisclosed contract. The former Mets minor leaguer was traded to the Tigers as part of the Yoenis Céspedes trade and remained an integral part of the Detroit bullpen until he was shipped off to the Twins at the trade deadline this past year. Between these two AL Central teams he recorded a 3.82 ERA in 67 games. Mets fans clamored to acquire Fulmer at the trade deadline and again as a free agent this offseason, but he now heads to Chicago as the Cubs continue their busy offseason.
Now onto the morning briefing!
Latest Mets News
In a video posted on SNY‘s Twitter account, Eduardo Escobar expressed excitement about being back with the Mets in 2023, stating “I love it here.”
Khalil Lee has cleared waivers and has been sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse. Lee was designated for assignment this past week amidst assault allegations.
Latest MLB News
MLB Pipeline took a look at some of MLB’s top prospects in this year’s World Baseball Classic. Sal Frelick, Harry Ford, and Bo Naylor are the participants in MLB’s top 100 prospects, while several other players sit in their respective team’s Top 30.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said at a recent owners’ meeting that the league is prepared to take over local broadcasts for the teams whose rights belong to Bally Sports. There is concern that Diamond Sports Group, the company that operates Bally Sports, will not be able to make the necessary payments for the fourteen teams it holds the rights to.
The Astros signed pitcher Cristian Javier to a five-year, $64 million contract extension that includes a $2 million signing bonus.
The Dodgers signed outfielder David Peralta to a one-year, $6.5 million contract, with incentives that can take the deal up to $8 million.
Yasiel Puig and renowned attorney Ben Crump will address federal charges against Puig today in Los Angeles. Crump calls the charges, relating to illegal sports gambling, “erroneous.” Puig originally plead guilty as part of a plea deal but has since withdrawn from that deal.
Former major league first baseman Justin Bour announced his retirement from baseball.
Jack Harris of the LA Times wrote a piece on Mookie Betts‘ passion for bowling and how it helps him during MLB’s offseason.
Latest on MMO
Rich Sparago broke down how the pitch clock will work in MLB this year.
Brian Wright rated Vince Coleman as the worst free-agent signing in Mets history.
Ricky Keeler profiled Mets’ Non-Roster Invitee Hayden Senger.
Rivka Boord listed the top five questions facing the Mets heading into the 2023 season.
On This Date in Mets History
1987: Coming off a memorable World Series victory in which he won World Series MVP, Ray Knight left the Mets in free agency and signed with the Baltimore Orioles. He became the first player to win World Series MVP and switch teams the following offseason.
2o10: The Mets signed Hisanori Takahashi, who had been playing professionally in Nippon Professional Baseball, to a minor league contract. In his lone season with the Mets Takahashi served as both a starter and a reliever, taking over the closer role after Francisco Rodriguez became injured. He pitched to a 10-6 record with a 3.61 ERA with the Mets that year.
Birthdays: Brian Daubach (51)
