Morning Briefing: Trade Market Heating Up For Mets

Photo by Allen Greene Photography

Good morning, Mets fans!

We received great news yesterday as governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York arenas can now host fans at 10% capacity starting on Feb. 23.

Let’s take a look at what went on surrounding the Amazins’ and MLB on Wednesday.

Latest Mets News

The Mets acquired outfield prospect Khalil Lee in a three-team trade that saw the Boston Red Sox send outfielder Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas Royals, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. As MLB Insider Jon Heyman later reported, Josh Winckowski one of the pitchers the Mets recently acquired in the Steven Matz trade, is the player they are sending to the Red Sox.

As Joel Sherman of The New York Post noted afterwards, the Mets will also send a player to be named later in the trade.

The Mets have remained in contact with free-agent left-handed reliever Justin Wilson, per Pat Ragazzo of Metsmerized.

As Mike Mayer reported last night, things are picking up for the Mets on the trade market as they are looking to upgrade at third base and in their rotation.

According to Mike Puma of The New York Post, one road block the Mets have had in trade talks with the Cubs and Reds has been that both teams have asked for No. 2 prospect Francisco Alvarez.

The Mets opened up their mass vaccination site at Citi Field on Wednesday, photos from SNY’s Steve Gelbs.

Newly signed center fielder Albert Almora‘s deal is worth 1.25 million, plus an additional $100,000 each for 200, 250 and 300 plate appearances, per MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

In order to make room for Almora on the 40-man roster, the Mets have designated pitcher Corey Oswalt for assignment, tweet from Mayer.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, rival teams say the Mets have been trying to move the contracts of Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances this offseason.

First baseman / outfielder Dominic Smith was ranked No. 67 on MLB Network’s top 100 list after a breakout 2020 campaign.

Tim Britton of The Athletic breaks down the Mets roster projection for the 2021 season.

Latest MLB News

According to Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media, there have been no negotiations between the Yankees and free-agent outfielder Brett Gardner about a reunion.

Free-agent closer David Robertson‘s showcase at The University of Alabama is set for later today, per Heyman.

The Oakland Athletics signed Jed Lowrie to a minor league deal, per Fansided’s Robert Murray.

According to Baseball America, minor league baseball spent their merchandise revenue plus took out a loan of $500,000 and the owners are reportedly not happy.

The Boston Red Sox have invited top prospects Triston Casas, Jeter Downs and Jarren Duran to spring training, per MLB Insider Chris Cotillo.