Morning Briefing: Starling Marte Reaches Base Three Times in Winter Ball Action

Good morning, Mets fans!

Starling Marte had a strong night on Friday for the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League, recording two hits including a double and reaching base a total of three times. Marte also recorded an RBI and a run. This was in Marte’s second winter ball game, following a Wednesday night effort in which he recorded a hit in five innings played. Marte’s 2023 season with the Mets was marred by injuries and poor performance, and the Mets will be hoping he can parlay a strong winter into a bounce-back 2024 season.

Starling Marte. Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

Latest Mets News

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets have reportedly checked in with the White Sox on starter and potential trade target Dylan Cease.

The Mets announced that they claimed infielder Diego Castillo from the Diamondbacks. Castillo has recorded a .630 OPS in 284 career big league plate appearances but he succeeded in Triple-A in 2023, posting a .313 batting average and .431 on-base percentage.

Latest MLB News

Jon Morosi of MLB Network announced the retirement of Michael Brantley. Brantley released a statement shortly after thanking those who supported him throughout his career. Brantley was a five-time All-Star between Cleveland and Houston and was known as one of the premeir contact hitters in baseball, finishing his career with a .298 batting average.

The Mariners and Giants completed a trade on Friday, which sent former Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray to the Giants in exchange for Mitch Haniger, who reutrns to Seattle, and Anthony DeSclafani.

The Mariners completed another trade, this time with the Rays, sending shortstop José Caballero to Tampa Bay in exchange for outfielder Luke Raley. Raley joins Haniger in Seattle as they acquire two outfield bats, while Caballero joins a Rays team in which he will get the chance to compete for the starting shortstop position.

The Rays then completed another trade, sending reliever Andrew Kittredge to the Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Richie Palacios. Kittredge has been a good arm out of the bullpen despite missing most of the last two years, while Palacios joins the Rays following a year in which he recorded an .823 OPS in 93 at-bats.

Thomas Harding of MLB.com announced that the Rockies signed pitcher Dakota Hudson and catcher Jacob Stallings to one-year contracts.

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com announced that the Brewers signed catcher Austin Nola to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

The Braves signed former Met Luis Guillorme to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million, while also signing Huascar Ynoa to a one-year, $825,000 contract to avoid arbitration.

Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Cubs claimed catcher Brian Serven off waivers from the Rockies.

Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the 2024 trade deadline has been set for July 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET.