Morning Briefing: Soto, Lindor Among MLB Network's Top 10 Players

Good morning, Mets fans!

MLB Network revealed the final leg of their annual “Top 100 Right Now” list on Thursday, which featured Juan Soto at No. 4 and Francisco Lindor at No. 6. Pete Alonso (No. 49), Mark Vientos (No. 81) and Brandon Nimmo (No. 91) all made previous appearances in the rankings.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns joined Pablo Torre on his podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” where he discussed the Soto contract along with his journey from racing in a hot-dog costume to working for Steve Cohen, texting with Darryl Strawberry and somehow having no idea who Grimace was. Click here to listen to the entire interview.

Stearns also appeared on MLB Tonight to discuss Clay Holmes‘ potential as a starter and the team’s offseason moves as a whole.

"He's developed a changeup that I think has the potential to be a plus pitch."@Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns joins #MLBTonight to talk about Clay Holmes as a starter, the team's offseason and more.@SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/aWMKJsgUdz

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 14, 2025

Latest MLB News

The San Diego Padres have added to their rotation, signing Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million deal, pending a physical, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic. The move could potentially impact trade discussions involving Dylan Cease.

Padres general manager AJ Preller addressed trade speculation surrounding Cease, stating that the recent pitching additions only strengthen an already solid rotation. He emphasized that the team is focused on maintaining a strong staff moving forward, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.

San Diego agreed to a major-league deal with free-agent pitcher Kyle Hart, per Robert Murray of FanSided. Hart will earn $1 million in 2025 while having a $5 million club option for 2026.

Clayton Kershaw is officially back with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing a one-year, $7.5 million deal that includes incentives based on starts and active roster time, per Murray.

The Chicago Cubs have signed former Mets prospect Jaylen Palmer to a minor league contract, per Chase Ford of MiLB Central. Palmer has 140 extra-base hits and 100 stolen bases in his professional career.

Alex Bregman is expected to arrive at Red Sox camp tomorrow after signing a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after the first two seasons, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.

The Atlanta Braves have added veteran outfielder Jake Marisnick as a non-roster invitee, reports Justin Toscano of the AJC.

The Cincinnati Reds have signed Scott Barlow to a one-year deal with a club option for 2026 while placing Julian Aguiar on the 60-day injured list.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Christian Arroyo to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp, per Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors.

Joey Gallo is headed to the Chicago White Sox on a minor league deal with a spring training invite, reports Murray.

Marcus Stroman has been absent from the New York Yankees’ first two spring training workouts after reporting for his physical on Tuesday. Manager Aaron Boone said he knew Stroman might miss time but did not disclose the reasoning. According to Erik Boland of Newsday, Stroman isn’t technically required to participate until Feb. 22 under the CBA.

St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak shut down trade rumors surrounding Nolan Arenado, telling Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Our mindset is Nolan Arenado is our third baseman.”

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Nick Kalantzopoulos gives us camp notes emanating from spring training, which include updates regarding reliever Dedniel Núñez, top prospect Brandon Sproat and more!

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