Good morning Mets fans!
One part of the free agent market that has been largely untouched is the top end of the bullpen pieces. That could change soon; the Astros are reportedly making a “push” for lefty Josh Hader, and the Mets are one of the teams reportedly interested in right-hander Robert Stephenson.
Now, onto the morning briefing!
Latest Mets News
Mets Hall of Famer Darryl Strawberry talked with vice president of alumni relations and club historian Jay Horwitz about his upcoming number retirement on June 1st but was eager to talk more on the character of the 1986 World Champion team that won 116 games.
Starling Marte went 0-for-4 in winter ball on Thursday. He’s now 1-for-his-last-12, and his OPS is down to .721.
Mets’ first baseman, Pete Alonso, joined MLB Network’s Hot Stove to talk about his annual event called “Battle for The Bay.” Alonso will host the 2024 Battle For The Bay at Plant High School’s baseball field in Tampa. The event, supporting The Alonso Foundation, will feature a new team format with participants from local little leagues and travel teams. Teams across five age groups will compete for the most home runs, coached by Alonso and other MLB players. The competition, open to ages 12-16, includes a family-friendly Fan Fest with food trucks and interactive games.
Latest MLB News
Fox Sports announced that it has added former Cardinals All-Star and World Series-winning pitcher Adam Wainwright as a full-time analyst on broadcasts for Fox’s upcoming 2024 broadcast season.
Sam Blum of The Athletic writes about former major league closer Fernando Rodney and his attempt at a comeback to the major leagues at 47 years of age.
Per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Hunter Dozier has inked a minor league contract with the Angels, which also has an invitation to major league camp. Additionally, as reported by Morosi, the Yankees have signed utility player José Rojas, previously with the Angels, to a minor league agreement, which includes an invitation to the major league camp.
Eno Sarris from The Athletic reports that sources indicate Kyle Boddy from Driveline will take on the role of Special Advisor for pitching Research and Development to Craig Breslow and the Red Sox in the upcoming season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that former pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has been inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
As reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, right-handed pitcher Matt Bowman, with three seasons in the Yankees organization and three New York appearances last season, has agreed to a minor league contract with the Twins. The deal includes an invitation to Spring Training, and he stands to earn $925,000 upon reaching the majors.
Latest on MMO
Jack Ramsey writes about Pete Alonso being named number 6 on MLB Network’s Top First Baseman.
Mets Madness Preview Second Round: 1969 Mets versus the 1988 Mets.
The Houston Astros making a strong push for closer Josh Hader.
Jack Ramsey also highlights what Mets POBO David Stearns says about the Mets current crop of key prospects.
On This Date in Mets History
1972: Yankees mainstay and former Mets manager Yogi Berra gets the call as he’s inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite participating in 15 All-Star games, securing three MVP trophies, and contributing to ten World Series-winning teams, Berra fell short of induction in 1971 by 28 votes.
Interestingly enough, it’s worth noting that the BBWAA did not induct anyone into the Hall that year. Berra could have become eligible for Cooperstown three years earlier if he hadn’t briefly come out of retirement for a cameo with the Mets. In May 1965, he played as a catcher in two games and made two pinch-hitting appearances, resulting in a 2-for-9 performance with two singles and a run scored.
Birthdays: Jon Matlack (74)
