Good morning, Mets fans!
Major League Baseball is introducing a brand new showcase for top prospects around the league to show off their talent, titled “Spring Breakout.” The event will put each organization’s best prospects against each other in a game that will be part of a doubleheader with a regularly scheduled spring training game. MLB is looking to use this as an opportunity to better market their minor leaguers; the games will be in the main major league spring training stadiums and fans will have the opportunity to meet the prospects after the game. The article by Jeff Passan of ESPN also detailed how MLB could televise the game on MLB Network.
When asked about the event, commissioner Rob Manfred talked glowingly about it, saying, “We are thrilled that Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and all of our Clubs are working closer than ever to grow the game and to shine a brighter light on our future All-Stars.”
The event will take place March 14-17.
Jett Williams, Photo by Bronson Harris of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies
Latest Mets News
The Mets came to an agreement on a minor league deal with veteran outfielder Trayce Thompson, the deal comes with an invite to spring training, per Andy Martino of SNY. For a more in-depth look at the Mets’ signing, click here!
Former Mets relief pitcher, and 16-year MLB vet, Tommy Hunter, has officially retired from baseball, per Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic.
Andy Martino of SNY reported that the Mets are now in the race for Yoshinobu Yamamoto after there being no buzz between the star pitcher and the Mets for an extended period of time.
The Mets held their annual holiday party on Wednesday, José Quintana appeared as Santa Claus and Mark Vientos came as his elf along with an appearance from manager Carlos Mendoza. Of note, Mendoza mentioned how the Mets feel good about what they have internally at third base despite the loss of Ronny Mauricio; Vientos mentioned how he has learned a lot while working out with Francisco Lindor during the offseason and will work with him again in January, via Danny Abriano of SNY.
Latest MLB News
A report from Beth Harris and Ronald Blum of AP, detailed how Shohei Ohtani‘s $700 million contract with the Dodgers has potential opt-outs if current owner Mark Walter or president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman lose their roles with the club.
Shohei Ohtani’s introductory press conference as a Los Angeles Dodgers will take place on Thursday at 6 P.M. eastern, per the club.
On a Bleacher Report live stream, Jon Heyman reported that it is likely that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will receive the longest pitching contract of all-time. Along with that, Heyman also reported that Yamamoto has meetings planned with the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Phillies. For more information on the star pitcher’s free agency, click here!
Among a flurry of reports on Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s free agency on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani were present at the Japanese superstar’s meeting with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers are reportedly in trade talks with the Tampa Bay Rays where they would acquire starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca are part of a possible package that could be going back to Tampa.
Shohei Ohtani set Fanatics’ all-time record for highest sales within 48 hours of a jersey release, via Fanatics.
Former White Sox, and now free-agent, closer Liam Hendriks is looking to return to the field around the trade deadline after undergoing Tommy John Surgery on August 2, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
The Chicago Cubs signed free agent catcher Jorge Alfaro to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training, per Robert Murray of FanSided.
Right-handed relief pitcher Daniel Hudson and the Los Angeles Dodgers came to an agreement on a minor league deal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. If Hudson makes the team he will earn $2 million and has the ability to make $2 million more in performance bonuses.
On what would have been his 100th birthday, former Cleveland Guardian Larry Doby was awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal. Members of the Doby family gathered at the United States Capitol to honor his achievements both on and off the field.
Former Washington Nationals and Minnesota Twins outfielder Andrew Stevenson signed with the Nippon Ham Fighters of the NPB, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Veteran catcher Roberto Pérez agreed to a minor league deal with the Red Sox which includes an invite to spring training, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Latest on MMO
Andrew Tripaldi looks back at the possibility of Ken Griffey becoming a New York Met.
Check out the Mets Madness series recap between the 1973 and 2007 Mets.
What options do the Mets have at third base following Ronny Mauricio’s injury?
On This Date in Mets History
2013: The New York Mets and veteran free-agent starting pitcher Bartolo Colón agree to a two-year, $20 million deal. Colón would go on to be a vital part of the Mets World Series run in 2015 and was named an all-star with the club in 2016.
1995: The New York Mets sign reigning AL hit king and outfielder Lance Johnson to a two-year deal. In 1996, Johnson would hit .333 and become the first and only hitter to lead each league in hits.
Birthday: Shaun Marcum (42)
