Shohei Ohtani. Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning, Mets fans!
According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Mets or the Yankees trading for Shohei Ohtani seems highly unlikely at the moment. While it was previously thought that the trade package it would take for the Mets to get Ohtani would be massive and include top prospects such as Francisco Álvarez and Brett Baty, Arte Moreno saying on Monday that he will not sell the Los Angeles Angels franchise further complicates the situation. Andy Martino concludes that the best chance for the Mets to get Ohtani would be through free agency rather than a trade.
Now, it is time for the morning briefing.
Latest Mets News
Jacob Resnick of MLB Pipeline reports that the Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Humberto Mejía to a minor league contract. Mejía has eight games of MLB experience with the Marlins and D-backs, including his debut at Citi Field in 2020.
Tomás Nido called Francisco Alvarez “the real deal” while being interviewed with SNY’s Eamon McAnaney. More of the interview is below.
.@tnido24 joined @emacSNY on Mets Hot Stove to discuss his impressions of Max Scherzer's work ethic & leadership, the 2022 season from Edwin Díaz, what he's learned about Justin Verlander, and his expectations for Francisco Álvarez https://t.co/OBsVnK69C3 pic.twitter.com/l2Mmek4tc7
— SNY (@SNYtv) January 26, 2023
Latest MLB News
Neil Solondz of the Rays broadcasting team reports that Jeffrey Springs has been signed to a four-year, $31M contract through the 2026 season, including a club option for the 2027. The pact is worth up to $65.75M if the club option is exercised, IP incentives are reached & Cy Young Award escalators are triggered.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks have signed veteran reliever and closer Jeurys Familia to a minor league contract with an invite to their majo -league spring training camp.
Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports that Jim Crane said he has not requested permission from the Brewers to interview David Stearns.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Jeff Kent said to her over text: “the voting over the years has been too much of a head-scratching embarrassment.”
Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit Tigers signed veteran César Hernández to minor league deal with an MLB spring training invite.
The official 30-man World Baseball Classic roster for Cuba. 🇨🇺 pic.twitter.com/yISOcaifhg
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) January 26, 2023
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that former World Series closer Ken Giles will be throwing on February 8 at Arizona State University for interested teams. Giles is said to be fully healthy two years removed from his Tommy John surgery.
T.J. Quinn of ESPN reports that the Pedro Gomez foundation is having auction items and packages for the foundation’s upcoming fundraiser. Check out the items and the causes that they’re supporting at this link.
Latest on MMO
Michael Mayer writes about players who are first-time baseball HOF eligible for the 2024 ballot.
Matthew Brownstein interviewed Danny Mendick.
On This Date in Mets History
1989: MLB made a rule change that made umpires less strict on balks after 924 balks occurred during the 1988 season. Also in that season, the Mets were called for 40 balks (second in MLB behind the Expos – 41 balks), 10 of which were called on David Cone.
Birthdays: Andres Torres (45)
