Good morning, Mets fans!

On Friday, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced the cap selections for the Hall of Fame class of 2024. Todd Helton and Joe Mauer are naturally going in with Rockies and Twins caps respectively, since those are the only teams they played for during their careers. Manager Jim Leyland, who managed four teams during his career, will go in with a blank cap while Adrián Beltré, who played for four teams during his career, will enter with a Rangers cap.

Latest Mets News

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Friday that the Mets and RHP Shintaro Fujinami were in agreement on a one-year deal worth $3.35 million. Between the A’s and Orioles in 2023, Fujinami posted a 7.18 ERA. Fujinami, though, recovered after a dreadful start to the season so his ERA doesn’t demonstrate the strides he made during the season. Fujinami averaged a 99 mph fastball in 2023, so he will be bringing some much-needed heat to the Mets bullpen.

The Mets agreed to terms with another reliever on Friday, inking lefty Jake Diekman to a one-year deal worth $4 million, per SNY‘s Andy Martino. Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that Diekman has a vesting option for another $4 million in 2025 if he appears in at least 58 games for the Mets. Diekman spent 2023 between the White Sox and Rays and, like Fujinami, found more success with his second team. Diekman finished the year with a 3.34 ERA, but had a 2.18 ERA in 50 appearances with the Rays. While Diekman excels at limiting hard contact, he struggles with walking batters. He joins Brooks Raley as another lefty out of the Mets bullpen.

Per Mike Puma of the New York Post, former Met Daniel Murphy will join the booth for at least two games during spring training, replacing Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez.

The Mets announced that they traded catcher Tyler Heineman to the Red Sox for cash considerations. Heineman had recently been designated for assignment after the Mets added Adam Ottavino to the 40-man roster.

Latest MLB News

Former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein is re-joining the Red Sox as a part owner and senior advisor. Epstein’s return is the best news of what has been an inauspicious offseason for Boston, after Red Sox chairman Tom Werner vowed the Red Sox would go “full throttle” in their efforts to improve the team.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post announced that the Braves are signing Ken Giles to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Giles has the opportunity to make $1.75 million if he reaches the majors in 2024. Giles was once one of the best closers in the game, but he has not pitched regularly in the major leagues since 2019.

Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic announced that the Giants traded starting pitcher Ross Stripling to the A’s. The Giants announced that they would be sending cash along with Stripling, and their return would be outfielder Jonah Cox, a 22-year-old who was a sixth-round pick of the A’s in the 2023 draft. In 2023, Stripling alternated between starting and long relief, recording a 5.36 ERA across 89 innings.

Robert Murray of FanSided reported that there are five teams showing interest in former Met Dominic Smith. Smith hit 12 home runs and recorded a .692 OPS in 2023 with the Nationals, but hit six home runs and had an .846 OPS over the final month of the season.

Per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the White Sox are signing former Met Kevin Pillar to a minor league deal. He can make $3 million if he reaches the big league roster.

Darren Wolfson of Skor North reports that the Twins signed Carlos Santana to a one-year deal.

The Yankees announced on Friday that they have scheduled a two-game exhibition series with the Diablos Rojos del México for March 24 and 25. The games will be played at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium in Mexico City.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer analyzes the latest ESPN and Baseball America farm system rankings, with the Mets coming in at no. 11 and no. 8 respectively.

On This Date in Mets History

1983: The Mets signed Ed Hearn to a minor league deal on this day 41 years ago. Hearn worked his way up the minor leagues for a few years before becoming Gary Carter‘s backup in early 1986. Hearn had a very brief career, but he will always be a member of the 1986 World Series champion Mets.

Birthdays: Lucas Duda (38)