Morning Briefing: Opening Day in Focus After DeGrom Extension

Ed Delany/MMO

Good morning Mets fans! Yesterday the New York Mets held a team workout in Syracuse, New York to usher in their new triple-a franchise. Opening day is only one day away, and the New York Mets have arrived in Washington in preparation of Thursday’s season opener.

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Yesterday the Mets officially signed Jacob deGrom to a five-year, $137.5 million extension with a team option for 2024. The ace of the staff had a career year in 2018, posting a 1.70 ERA in 217 innings and winning the National League Cy Young award.

“This is a tremendous day for Jacob, his family, our fans and the entire Mets organization,” Jeff Wilpon said, per Newsday. “Mets fans can celebrate knowing their ace will remain in Flushing.”

Tim Healey of Newsday writes that deGrom is prepared to continue his 2018 performance and win another Cy Young award in 2019.

Michael Mayer reported on Monday night that the Mets and deGrom had traction on a possible deal. Andy Martino of SNY broke the deal Tuesday morning.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com writes about deGrom’s record-setting contract. DeGrom’s contract guarantees $137.5 million, just shy of David Wright’s $138 million deal.

Bo Wulf of The Athletic details the baseball life of relief pitcher Josh Zeid. Zeid appeared in 48 games for the Astros between 2013 and 2014. He played in the Mets system in 2016, posting a 4.61 ERA in 91.2 innings between double-A and triple-a.

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com writes that the Rangers have claimed Kyle Dowdy from the New York Mets. Dowdy, a Rule 5 draft pick from Cleveland, was in contention for the final spot in the Mets bullpen.

Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports projects Tim Peterson to make the Mets as the final bullpen arm.

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Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic writes about Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon, his approach to making coffee and his approach to pitching.

The Rockies selected the contract of infielder Mark Reynolds. Reynolds returns to Colorado after spending the 2018 season with the Washington Nationals.

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports that the Cubs have extended starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Ken Rosenthal reports that the deal is for four years and $55.595 million.

Jake Seiner of the Associated Press writes that a Rays’ minor leaguer will live in a school bus during the season. Jack Labosky, a Rays reliever, purchased a school bus and transformed it into a home.

Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports that Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to triple-a Pawtucket.