Good morning, Mets fans!
Former major leaguer and current ESPN analyst Xavier Scruggs and analyst Buster Olney note on “Get Up” that if Shohei Ohtani becomes available for trade, the New York Yankees would be in the mix to land the Angels superstar. Also on Ohtani, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com notes the chatter of Ohtani’s future is a hot topic around Seattle during the All-Star break.
Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Major League Baseball, along with all 30 partner clubs, announced their schedules for the 2024 regular season, which include the Opening Day matchups and international series for next season. The New York Mets start their season on March 28th, 2024 at home against the Milwaukee Brewers. For more on the schedule, check out our piece detailing next season’s ledger!
Now onto the morning briefing!
Latest Mets News
On Tuesday, the New York Mets picked LSU pitcher Christian Little as the 576th selection in the 19th round of the 2023 MLB draft. However, Little has informed Leah Vann of The Advocate that he will not be signing his professional contract and will instead return to LSU.
Kiley McDaniel of ESPN highlights the draft classes of the 15 National League teams, who had the privilege of selecting the top two picks from this highly talented pool of players and the 15 American League clubs. Among the notable selections, the New York Mets made a standout choice with their first pick, securing Colin Houck (16) as the 32nd overall pick, which was a favorite of McDaniel’s in the article, from the entire draft.
According to Carlos Collazo of Baseball America, the New York Mets have signed Austin Troesser, the No. 135 pick, with a contract worth $350,000, which is slightly below the slot value of $478,200 for that selection. Additionally, the Mets signed Jack Wenninger, their sixth round pick, to a deal worth $225,000, falling just under the slot value of $299,800 for that pick.
The New York Mets have signed Boston Baro, their eighth round pick from Capistrano Valley High School. Notably, Baseball America’s draft prospect list positioned the talented shortstop as high as 98th.
Mets also signed their ninth rounder 3B Nick Lorusso ($175,100 slot value) and 10th rounder C Christian Pregent ($165,800 slo value), both given a $50,000 bonus.
Latest MLB News
Zack Raab of MLB tweets that as Zack Gelof takes the field for the Oakland A’s in his MLB debut, he will join the ranks of Jewish players making an impact in the big leagues this season. With his appearance, he will surpass the previous record of 17 players from last year, becoming the 18th Jewish player to showcase his skills at the highest level of baseball.
According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, veteran pitcher Chris Flexen has reached an agreement with the Colorado Rockies, signing a Triple-A contract. After starting the year with the Seattle Mariners, Flexen brings experience from 104 Major League appearances, including 68 starts over the span of six seasons. He is set to bolster the rotation of the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes and provide the Rockies with a valuable starting option.
Mike Petriello of MLB.com tweets about the new options featured on Baseball Savant.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network indicates that the Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito, Considered as one of the premier pitchers available, Giolito’s impressive track record has caught the attention of the Dodgers. Notably, Giolito shares a connection with LA, having attended high school in the area. Currently boasting a solid 3.45 ERA this year, Giolito’s performance adds further allure to the Dodgers’ pursuit.
Kenny Van Doren of the Astros Future podcast reveals that the Los Angeles Dodgers have reached an agreement with outfielder Jake Marisnick on a major-league contract, which followed his decision to decline a minor-league assignment with the Tigers as Marisnick opted for free agency.
Evan Drelich of The Athletic reports that in a significant development, Major League Baseball has concluded the Senne case, which involved a lawsuit filed by minor league players regarding wage violations. One year after reaching a groundbreaking $185 million settlement, the process of distributing the funds to the players can now move forward. It is expected that over 20,000 minor leaguers will receive their payments by mid-August, marking a major milestone in providing fair compensation.
Latest on MMO
MMO is giving away a free “Get Metsmerized” T-shirt! All you need to do is retweet this tweet, follow us on Twitter and follow our friends at Chiddy Cheesesteaks!
On the latest edition of MMO Roundtable, the MMO crew answers the question of whether the Mets should be sellers or buyers for this upcoming trade deadline.
Christian De Block wrote about the Mets first half report card for outfielders and Mathias Altman-Kurosaki gave his report card for relievers.
On This Date In Mets History
2001: On July 14, 2001, a memorable moment unfolded for Mets manager Bobby Valentine as he achieved his 1,000th career win. This notable victory was made possible by an exceptional performance from pitchers Glendon Rusch and Armando Benitez, who combined to throw a one-hit shutout. Rusch, after allowing a bunt single to Trot Nixon of the Red Sox in the first inning, proceeded to dominate the game with ten strikeouts, matching his personal best. Benitez then closed out the game with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, securing the save and adding to the significance of the milestone win for Valentine.
Birthdays: Tim Locastro (31), Jack Leathersich (33), Robin Ventura (56)
