Good morning Mets fans! Pitchers and catchers reported to camp in Port St. Lucie yesterday, and position players are expected to join them this Saturday. A number of position players, including Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, Amed Rosario, and Dominic Smith have reported to camp early, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Latest Mets News
Dicomo writes that Jacob deGrom and his representatives have set Opening Day as the deadline for a contract extension with the Mets.
Jeff Mcneil is taking fly balls in centerfield this spring, per David Lennon of Newsday. “I love it,” McNeil said. “I had a blast out there in college.”
Baseball America expects the Mets to sign Alexander Ramirez, a 16-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, on July 2.
The Brooklyn Cyclones announce that Edgardo Alfonzo will return as manager for 2019. The coaching staff adds former Met Endy Chavez.
The Mets Instagram story features video of first baseman Dominic Smith taking batting practice in Port St. Lucie, per @DeeH_NYC on Twitter.
The Long Island Ducks have signed former Met Tyler Badamo for the 2019 season. The Mets drafted Badamo in 2014, and he has been playing independent league baseball since 2017.
Latest MLB News
Major League Baseball announced that all clubs will wear “MLB 150” patches in 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1869 Reds, the first all-salaried professional baseball team.
Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLB Players Association, criticized rumors about free agent contract offers. “Whoever is initiating these rumors has an obvious agenda and complete lack of respect for the free agency process,” Clark said.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs will continue to hold shortstop Addison Russell to a high standard.
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors writes that the San Francisco Giants claimed right-handed pitcher Jose Lopez off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. In a corresponding move, the Giants designated left-handed pitcher Josh Osich for assignment.
Latest NL East News
Former Mets Scott Copeland and Matt Reynolds are joining the Washington Nationals for spring training as non-roster invitees. Copeland pitched one game for the Mets in 2018, allowing one hit and striking out two batters in 1.1 innings of work.
Craig Mish of Sirius XM reports that the Miami Marlins will add former Yankee Jorge Posada to the organization as a special advisor to Baseball Operations.
Latest on MMO
Mickey Jannis pens part four of “A Knuckleballer’s Journey,” his story as a professional baseball player. In part four, Jannis describes how he modeled his mechanics off former Met and Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey.
MMO publishes its briefing on No. 10 Mets prospect Franklyn Kilome. Kilome, a 6-foot-6 pitcher from the Dominican Republic, was acquired from the Phillies in exchange for Asdrubal Cabrera last season.
This Day in Mets history
Birthdays: Mike Nickeas is 36. Brian Rose is 43.
2003: The New York Mets sign free agent pitcher David Cone for the final season of his career. Cone appeared in 5 games for the Mets in 2003, compiling a 1-3 record while pitching to a 6.50 ERA in 18 innings.
