Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets officially announced RHP Rick Porcello‘s one-year contract with the team on Monday. During a conference call with the media, Porcello said, “This is a big deal for me. I grew up a lifelong Mets fan as a kid. To get the opportunity to play for the organization that I cheered on for so many years is a huge honor.”
Latest Mets News
The $57 million renovations of First Data Field are expected to finish on Feb. 10 according to Keona Gardner of the Treasure Coast Palm. That is the same day that Mets pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training.
The Mets designated RHP Stephen Nogosek for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for Porcello.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com listed and wrote about the Mets’ top-10 defensive plays of the decade.
Danny Abriano of SNY looked at five relievers the Mets could target in free agency or in trades that could add the final piece to the bullpen.
Latest MLB News
The Milwaukee Brewers and OF Avisail Garcia agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
The Cincinnati Reds and LHP Wade Miley agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with a team option for 2022 according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
The Houston Astros re-signed RHP Joe Smith to a two-year, $8 million contract.
The New York Yankees and RHP Adam Warren agreed to minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed C Luke Maile to a one-year contract.
The Texas Rangers signed C/OF Blake Swihart, LHP Brian Flynn, RHP Tim Dillard and RHP Arturo Reyes to minor league deals with invitations to spring training. The team also signed RHP Matt Bush to a two-year minor league contract.
Latest NL East News
The Philadelphia Phillies officially introduced RHP Zack Wheeler and SS Didi Gregorius at a news conference on Monday.
In response to comments made by Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen regarding the Mets’ projections for Wheeler not matching his market, Wheeler told Kevin Kernan of The New York Post, “I don’t need any more motivation. I already got it. But that’s his opinion. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but yeah, that may help me out a little bit.’’
Wheeler also complimented the Phillies’ analytics team and said, “I think it’s definitely going to help me get to that next step.”
The Washington Nationals are aggressively pursuing 3B Josh Donaldson according to Heyman of MLB Network. Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports reported that the Nationals are willing to pay Donaldson $90 million-plus for four years.
Latest on MMO/MMN
Matt Musico analyzed how Porcello’s pitch mix should change in 2020 to rebound from a tough 2019 campaign.
Tim Ryder uploaded the latest episode of the Simply Amazin’ podcast, with Michael Mayer as guest.
Michelle Ioannou wrote about Porcello’s Mets fandom as a kid.
Jack Ramsey wrote an “MMO Rumor Roundup.”
John Sheridan wrote about LHP Kevin Smith, who had a breakout season for the St. Lucie Mets in 2019.
This Day in Mets History
2012: The Mets completed a trade of RHP R.A. Dickey, C Josh Thole and C Mike Nickeas to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for C Travis d’Arnaud, RHP Noah Syndergaard, C John Buck and OF Wuilmer Becerra.
Birthdays: LHP Josh Edgin turns 33, RHP Dale Thayer turns 39, RHP Edwin Almonte turns 43 and LHP Bob Ojeda turns 62.
