Good Morning, Mets fans! Yesterday was the first day in a long time that Mets made a splash in the free agent market, signing outfielder, Jay Bruce.
Here’s what happened in baseball over the past 24 hours:
Mets News (finally!)
Late Wednesday night, it was reported by Jerry Crasnick that Jay Bruce has agreed to a three year deal worth 39 million dollars with the Mets. Bruce’s deal is back-loaded and comes with a limited no-clause. With his 39 million dollar guarantee, Bruce becomes the second most-expensive position player to sign this offseason.
Bruce provides a thump in the lineup that the Mets have been looking for all offseason. He also helps provide much-needed leadership to the young team. The 30-year-old has spent parts of the last two years with the Amazin’s, compiling .245/.313/.482 slash-line and smacking 37 home runs.
Bruce is expected to spend the majority of his time in right field, but don’t be surprised he makes occasional starts at first base.
MMN’s Jacob Resnick looks at the 23 players that the Mets have signed on the international free agent market.
After a poor 2017 campaign, new 51s manager Tony DeFrancesco talked about his goal to win the 2018 PCL championship.
Over at MetsMinors.net, our newest writer has written the first of a series on how to fix the Mets farm system.
NL East News
The Braves released third baseman Adonis Garcia to pursue an opportunity in Korea.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Starlin Castro requested a trade from the Miami Marlins, seemingly showing an unwillingness to stay around during their rebuilding year
Fish Stripes runs through players the Braves could be willing to deal if they are looking to acquire Chrisitian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto
Other MLB News
The Yankees became the newest club to expand on their protective netting, a move that should compel other big-market teams to follow suit.
In a sickening revelation, longtime agent Jason Wood was fired by his agency for allegedly hiding cameras while his clients were showering. He represented many exceptional players, including impending star Andrew Benintendi, Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi, and prospect Riley Pint.
Although multiple sources confirmed that the Pirates had traded their ace Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow quickly quelled those rumors. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that discussions are still ongoing
Jon Morosi reports that former All-star Carlos Gonzalez has offers from the Astros, the Giants and the Padres
Ken Rosenthal talks about the confusion regarding the Orioles shortstop situation in 2018. In his piece, he also mentions that the Diamondbacks are the new entry in the Manny Machado sweepstakes
Yu Darvish tweeted that along with the Rangers, Yankees, Cubs, Twins and Astros, there’s a mystery team vying for his services.
This Date on Mets history
Forgotten 70’s starter Jim McAndrew turns 74 today
Rey Ordonez (remember him?) is 47 today
The Mets signed Scott Hairston on this date on 2012.
They also agreed to terms with Carlos Beltran in 2005, a move that helped shape the franchise for years to come.
