Morning Briefing: Rangers Could Explore James McCann Deal

Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans.

Winter Meetings start today which means the intensity of the offseason may pick up. Things got started Friday when the Texas Rangers announced their signing of now former New York Met Jacob deGrom. Though, it is expected this week deals may move quicker as owners and front office staff of each team embark on the Winter Meetings.

Per Buster Olney of ESPN, the Rangers are likely to attempt to build around deGrom. As part of that, there is a possibility they attempt to make a deal for James McCann.

Latest Mets News

Per Mike Puma of The New York Post, after Buck Showalter was named Manager of the Year, Jacob deGrom sent a congratulatory message to Showalter expressing how much he enjoyed playing for him and praised him for the way the Mets’ team culture had improved. However, deGrom ultimately ended up making the decision to head to Texas.

Following the news of deGrom leaving New York, the Mets tweeted out a heart-felt highlight video of his time in New York, thanking him for all he had done for the Mets.

Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, starting pitcher Andrew Heaney was among the many Zoom interviews the Mets conducted.

Latest MLB News

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson and the Baltimore Orioles agreed on a contract, pending a physical.

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds has requested a trade.

However, Jon Heyman of MLB Network elaborated on the situation saying extension negotiations between the Pirates and Reynolds have not progressed. Heyman stated at this time it does not appear the Pirates are planning to trade him, even with Reynolds wanting out.

This was then followed by Pittsburgh releasing a statement in response to the news of Reynolds asking for a trade: “While it is disappointing, this will have zero impact on our decision-making this off-season or in the future. Our goal is to improve the Pirates for 2023 and beyond. With three years until he hits free agency, Bryan remains a key member of our team. We look forward to him having a great season for the Pirates.”

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Cubs and Phillies are two of many teams interested in free agent Dansby Swanson.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the latest on Aaron Judge on Saturday, saying the contract he ends up signing will likely be for up to nine years in length.

Per the Orioles on MASN, the Baltimore Orioles acquired first baseman Lewin Díaz from the Marlins on Saturday.