Morning Briefing: Ricco Transitions to New Role in Front Office

Good morning Mets fans! Yesterday John Ricco took on a role within the Mets, transitioning from Senior Vice President, Baseball Operations to Senior Vice President, Senior Strategy Officer.

Latest Mets News

The Mets announced that Citi Field will host Seinfeld night on Friday, July 5.

The Sugar Land Skeeters announced that outfielder Barrett Barnes has signed a minor league contract with the Mets. Barnes, a first-round pick of the Pirates in 2012, posted a .785 OPS with the Skeeters in 2018.

Latest MLB News

Andrew Simon of MLB.com writes about the hardest-throwing rotations in Major League Baseball. The Mets, led by Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler, slot in at No. 3 on the list.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today describes the details of AJ Pollock’s contract with the Dodgers. The deal includes escalators that could increase his 2023 option value from $10 million to $20 million.

Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic writes that the current pressure on the relationship between players and owners in Major League Baseball could lead to a work stoppage.

The New York Yankees created an environmental science advisor position. “The appointment represents a defining moment in the team’s decades-long commitment to sustainability,” the Yankees said in a press release.

Jeff Todd of MLB Trade Rumors writes that the Detroit Tigers named Kirk Gibson Special Assistant to General Manager. Gibson was a first-round pick by Detroit in 1978, and he spent 12 seasons with the team in his 17-year career as a player.

Rosenthal reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks have extended manager Torey Lovullo’s contract. The length of the extension was not specified.

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors notes that the Texas Rangers have designated outfielder John Andreoli for assignment. The move creates a 40-man roster spot for the recently-signed Shawn Kelley.

Latest NL East News

Nightengale reports that the Philadelphia Phillies have hired former shortstop Jimmy Rollins to serve as a special advisor. Rollins, who spent most of his career in Philadelphia, owns a career .264/.324/.418 slash line, four Gold Glove awards, and the 2007 National League MVP award.

Rosenthal tweets that the Nationals hired Jack McKeon as senior advisor to General Manager. McKeon, 88, will join his son, Kasey, in the Nationals front office.

Wells Dusenbury of the Sun Sentinel reports that the Miami Marlins have designated reliever Nick Wittgren for assignment to make room for former Met Neil Walker. Wittgren posted a 2.94 ERA in 33.2 innings with the Marlins last season.

The Marlins signed Neil Walker to a one-year, $2 million contract, per Rosenthal.

Michael Mayer of our very own MMO reports that outfielder Ezequiel Carrera signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Carrera last appeared in Major League Baseball in 2017, posting a .764 OPS in 131 games with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Mayer reports that lefty reliever Ian Krol inked a minor league deal with the Reds.

Latest on MMO

Sam Lebowitz profiles Walker Lockett, the No. 25 prospect in the Mets farm system. Lockett was acquired from the Cleveland Indians in the Kevin Plawecki trade.

Matt Musico writes about the Mets’ expected bullpen production in 2019, comparing the current unit to recent results.