Morning Briefing: Steve Cohen Takes Over and Cleans House

Good Morning, Mets fans!

Friday was a big day in baseball, so let’s dive right in!

Latest Mets News

Steve Cohen is officially the new owner of the New York Mets. He tweeted to confirm the sale was finalized: “It’s official, we are closed.” Cohen made an official statement, shared by the Mets via Twitter, following the news: “This is a significant milestone in the history of this storied franchise. I want to thank everybody who helped make this happen. The 2021 season is right around the corner and we’ve got a lot of work to do, so I’m excited to get started. Let’s Go Mets!” Cohen’s introductory press conference will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Cohen’s first order of business was to rid the front office of those whose services were no longer needed with the team, i.e. those who he, or Sandy Alderson, has not directly hired or worked with in the past. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets are saying goodbye to GM Brodie Van Wagenen, Senior Assistant GM Omar Minaya, VP and Assistant GM of scouting and player development Allard Baird, Assistant GM Adam Guttridge, and Executive Director of Player Development Jared Banner.

Deesha Thosar of the NY Daily News reported the statement from Brodie Van Wagenen following the news that he was leaving the Mets.

Alex Cohen, 89, father to Mets owner Steve Cohen, is a true Mets fan through and through. Mr. Cohen has been to every home game for the last 20+ years, and is a lifelong Mets fan. He is thrilled by his son’s purchase of his favorite team, according to SNY.

Latest MLB News

Alex Cora is returning to the Red Sox to continue his role as manager, after being suspended for a year due to the Red Sox’s cheating scandal. Jon Heyman of MLB Network was first to report the reunion.

Following the positive COVID-19 test from Justin Turner during Game 6 of the 2020 World Series, he was taken to a room in the stadium to isolate himself from the team. Once the Dodgers won the World Series, Turner was seen coming back onto the field to be with his teammates for their team picture, and there was an investigation to understand how he left isolation, and why he left.

On Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers released three separate statements regarding the investigation of Justin Turner’s action: one from the MLB Commissioner, Justin Turner, and the Dodgers. The MLB has decided not to discipline Turner for his actions.

Yankees catcher Erik Kratz announced that he will not participate as a player in the 2021 MLB season. As a 40-year-old catcher, this could likely be the end of his professional career.

The Detroit Tigers hire Chris Fetter as their pitching coach. Fetter, 34, was the pitching coach at the University of Michigan, and he will be replacing Rick Anderson. Additionally, the Tigers announce that Juan Nieves will be the new assistant pitching coach, and their current quality control coach, Josh Paul, and Ramon Santiago will return to the staff.

Charlie Morton is a hot commodity this offseason, according to Robert Murray of Fansided, after the report that the Tampa Bay Rays have declined his $15M club option.

Trey Mancini was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his colon back in March forcing him to miss the entire 2020 season. On Friday, Mancini posted a video to Instagram taking swings in the batting cage and told reporters that he is doing his full workouts and getting back into the swing of things this offseason.

Latest on MMO

Ryan Finkelstein discusses whether to not Marcus Stroman‘s should accept the Mets’ qualifying offer.

Mike Mayer wrote about the new era of Mets baseball with Steve Cohen taking over as owner.

Tim Ryder advises the Mets to ask the Rockies about All-Star and Platinum Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado.

Joe D runs this week’s MMO Mailbag article on the depth or possible lack thereof for the Mets pitching depth in the minors.

Rich Mancuso talks about the re-signing of Alex Cora and A.J. Hinch as managers following their respective cheating scandals, and what that means for Carlos Beltran.