Morning Briefing: Say Hey, Jay!

While trade rumors between the Mets and Pirates were rampant yesterday, nothing came to fruition. Meanwhile, Jay Bruce was reintroduced at Citi Field.

Latest Mets News

According to MMO’s own Jacob Resnick, the Mets have DFA’ed RP Kevin McGowan to make room for Bruce on their 40-man roster. McGowan made his major league debut this season pitching to a 5.19 ERA in 8.1 innings.

Josh Harrison rumors were abound yesterday. Mike Puma of the NY Post reports that the Mets are balking at the Pirates current asking price of Brandon Nimmo.

At Jay Bruce’s press conference yesterday, GM Sandy Alderson claimed that the Mets still have the room in their payroll for “one significant addition”. Although the signing of Bruce took away much of their offseason budget, the Mets are still lacking a starting second baseman.

Free agent options include old friend Neil Walker, Eduardo Nunez, Brandon Phillips, and Jose Reyes.

Alderson also gave his thoughts why he believes this year’s free agent market is so slow-paced.

Finally, Alderson revealed that the Mets will be without budding superstar Michael Conforto for at least the first month of their season.

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports breaks down the incentives in Bruce’s contract.

MetsMinors.net resumed their countdown of the top prospects in the Mets system.

Latest MLB news

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Red Sox have offered J.D. Martinez a five year deal worth approximately 100 million dollars. This proposed contract pales in comparison to his asking price, which is rumored to be around 180 million dollars for eight years.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Brian Duensing signed a two-year deal worth $7 million with the Chicago Cubs. Duensing had a career year with the Cubbies last season, pitching to a 2.74 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.

R.J. Anderson of CBSSports.com disclosed that the reason why journeyman Dioner Navarro did not sign with a team in the 2016-2017 offseason. His wife of 18 years has suffered severe medical problems for the past few years and instead of chasing a Major League career, he insisted on caring for her everyday and still refuses to give up hope of a full recovery. This story is very touching and highly recommended.

Latest NL East News

Bob Nightengale of USA Today talks about the Nationals secret weapon, GM Mike Rizzo.

In an interview with MLB Network, Peter Gammons claimed that the Marlins have asked for Ronald Acuna and others in a proposed trade for Christian Yelich.

Joel Sherman of the NY Post writes how Yelich only has himself to blame for staying through another Marlins sell-off.