Good Morning, Mets fans! We’re here to take your mind off the fact that the weekend is almost over. Here’s what you need to know:
Latest Mets News
Gary Cohen told reporters on Saturday night that Ron Darling has beat cancer and received a clean bill of health as detailed by Tim Healey of Newsday.
The Mets have signed free agent infielder Eduardo Nunez to a minor league deal, reported Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. The deal includes a non-roster invite to Spring Training. Jon Heyman of MLB Network adds that he will make $1.25 million and has $750K worth of incentives he can obtain.
MLB.com’s latest Top 100 Prospect List includes four Mets.
Jeff McNeil stated at Mets Fan Fest hat he expects a majority of his playing time to be at third base this upcoming season.
Brandon Nimmo looked back at a 2019 season plagued with injuries. New bullpen addition Dellin Betances answered some questions about his health, as he continues to recover from a season-ending Achilles injury.
Steven Matz shared his excitement regarding the opportunity to work with new pitching coach Jeremy Hefner.
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom isn’t satisfied, as he revealed his quest for a third consecutive Cy Young– as well as a World Series title.
Manager Luis Rojas declined to commit to one set closer for 2020.
Per Gregg Henglein of Newsday, former Mets second baseman and current Long Island Ducks manager Wally Backman was found not guilty in his harassment case.
Dominic Smith appears to have switched his jersey number from 22 to 2, noted Jacob Resnick of Mets Minors.
In her latest, Deesha Thosar of New York Daily News reported on the mentor/mentee relationship that developed this offseason between Mets’ closer Edwin Diaz and Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez as the former sought to recover his lost mechanics.
Latest MLB News
Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com spoke with former Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon, who said that he is not ready to retire just yet. The righty hopes to receive a minor league deal from a club in the near future.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of several teams interested in veteran Brian Dozier, reported Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic heard that the former San Francisco Giants’ general manager, Bobby Evans, has interviewed for the Houston Astros’ current GM vacancy. The Astros’ recently fired Jeff Luhnow for his involvement in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
Latest NL East News
Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reported that the Miami Marlins are signing Brandon Kintzler to a one-year, $3 million deal with a club option worth $4 million for the 2021 season.
In case you missed it: David O’Brien of The Athletic noted that the Braves’ recent addition of veteran pitcher Felix Hernandez could shake up the fifth starter competition brewing in Atlanta.
On This Date in Mets History
1989: Major League Baseball implements a rule change, stating that the league would return to original interpretations of the balk rule, after attempting a more “strict” enforcement of the rule in 1988. Perhaps suffering the most from this enforcement were Mets pitchers, who were called for a total of 40 balks in 1988.
Birthdays: Andres Torres turns 42.
