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Latest Mets News
As a direct result of his DFA on Friday, Josh Smoker was traded away to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Smoker was the first round pick of the Washington Nationals in 2007 , but found himself in independent ball in 2014. The Mets took a flier on him the following year and it paid immediate dividends as Smoker made his MLB debut in 2016. Smoker will end his Mets career with a 4-2 record and 5.02 ERA in 71.2 innings. We wish all the best to Brown Bear!
In return for Smoker, the Mets acquired reliever Daniel Zamora and their favorite trade target, cash considerations. Zamora is a 24-year-old southpaw who posted a 1.86 ERA in 53.1 innings with the West Virginia Black Bears, the Pirates Single-A team. Zamora profiles as a LOOGY and will appear in the Binghamton bullpen in 2018.
Latest on the MLB
The Diamondbacks announced that they signed nine-year veteran Alex Avila to a multiyear contract worth 8.25 million dollars. Avila posted career-best offensive numbers in 2017 with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs. The Dbacks designated for assignment outfielder Rey Fuentes to make room for Avila on their 40-man roster.
Mookie Betts won his arbitration case yesterday and will earn 10.5 million dollars in 2018.
Jim Morosi of MLBNetwork reports that Eric Hosmer is looking for an eight year contract.
The Rays and the Diamondbacks will extend their netting next year.
According to Bob Nightengale of The USAToday, The Yankees have sold 550,000 more tickets than they did at this time last year.
The White Sox agreed to a minor league deal with former Phillie closer, Jeanmar Gomez.
The Cardinals signed Edward Mujica to a minor-league deal.
Jon Heyman of Fanrag Sports ranks the top outfields in baseball.
Latest on the NL East
Former Phillie outfielder Oscar Gamble passed away at the age of 68.
Matt Breen of Philly.com believes that speedy outfielder Roman Quinn will make the team out of spring training.
In a recent interview with SiriusXM, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo reaffirmed his faith in Matt Wieters as the starting catcher.
Bill Ladson of reports that Davey Lopes, who coached for the Phillies and Nationals, has retired.
Lastest on MMO
John Finkelstein ponders where Seth Lugo will fit into the Mets plans in 2018.
Finkelstein is strictly against Steven Matz moving to the bullpen.
Finally Finkelstein also writes about Jerry Blevins‘s expanding role.
On this date in Mets history
Johan Santana signed a 6 year, 137.5 million dollar contract on this date in 2008.
The Mets also acquired Endy Chavez on this date. Chavez will forever be etched in Mets lore for this incredible catch.
Rich Becker turns 46 today.
Joe Vitko turns 48 today.
