Good morning, Mets fans!

The Texas Rangers announced the signing of pitcher Tyler Mahle to a two-year contract. He is set to receive a $22 million guarantee, with the potential to earn an additional $5 million in bonuses based on his innings total in 2025. Mahle is expected to sit out the beginning of the 2024 season as he concludes his rehabilitation from last year’s Tommy John surgery.

In other news, Jeff Passan of ESPN announces that the Detroit Tigers have reached an agreement with right-handed starter Jack Flaherty on a one-year contract worth $14 million. Flaherty’s agreement with the Tigers has the potential to reach a maximum of $15 million, featuring performance-based bonuses of $250,000 for the 26th start, another $250,000 for the 28th, and an additional $500,000 for the 30th. Flaherty is now part of a Tigers rotation that welcomed Kenta Maeda earlier in the offseason and boasts a promising mix of young talent.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

On Thursday, the New York Mets officially announced the signing of relief pitcher Jorge López to a one-year contract worth $2 million. As the Mets focus on bolstering their bullpen without breaking the bank, López provides them with another seasoned pitcher. Last season, the right-hander contributed to three playoff teams, boasting a record of 6-2 with a 5.95 ERA and securing three saves in 61 relief outings for Minnesota, Miami, and Baltimore.

Major League Baseball introduced Spring Breakout, a new Spring Training event from March 14-17. Teams, including the Mets, will field rosters of 20-25 top prospects to compete against emerging talents from other organizations in seven-inning exhibition games. The Mets’ Spring Breakout game is on March 15th at 3:10 PM in Port St. Lucie against the Nationals, as tweeted by our own Mike Mayer. This event is part of a doubleheader alongside a Mets major league spring game.

MLB Network Radio spoke to John Gibbons, former Mets catcher and minor league manager, comes full circle as he joins Carlos Mendoza‘s coaching staff for ’24. “I was trying to get a big league coaching job [with the Mets] forever, and now I finally got it.” Gibbons said during his interview.

In a post, the New York Mets announced that shortstop Francisco Lindor has teamed up with Players For The Planet and Rescate Playas Borinquén for a cleanup initiative. They engaged in trash pickup and planted over 200 trees in the maritime zone to combat coastal erosion and promote environmental conservation.

Latest MLB News

Shohei Ohtani received his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, complete with heavy media attention and his first non-Photoshopped picture in a Dodgers jersey. Among other things, Ohtani talked about how how LA’s recent winning history persuaded him to pick them, in addition to how they still considered the last 10 years a failure despite all their regular season success.

The Rays agreed to complete the Tyler Glasnow trade, sending him and Manuel Margot to the Dodgers for Ryan Pepiot and Johnny Deluca. Check out more on the timeline of this deal here.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Klutch Sports Group, led by Rich Paul and known for representing LeBron James and Jalen Hurts, is making strides into Major League Baseball. The agency has broadened its reach by acquiring Rep 1, which brings on board notable players such as Red Sox star Rafael Devers, All-Star closer Devin Williams, and Platinum Glove winner Andrés Giménez.

The Cincinnati Reds inked a one-year major league contract with catcher Austin Wynns and designated outfielder TJ Hopkins for assignment.

The Kansas City Royals have formally announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo to a two-year deal, which includes a player option for 2026. Additionally, they acquired minor league right-hander Ryan Brady and infielder Cam DeVanney from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Taylor Clarke.

Latest on MMO

Metsmerized Online has partnered with digital artist and Mets fan Athlete Logos for merch that is now available on the MMO store. Click here for more!

On the latest MMO Weekly episode, Mike and Sal cover Ohtani’s record-setting Dodgers contract, discuss the ongoing Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, address the Mets’ potential pivot if they miss out on Yamamoto, and touch on the adjustments to the offseason plan due to Ronny Mauricio‘s injury.

Michael Famulari profiles free agent outfielder Adam Duvall.

On This Date in Mets History

2004: Pedro Martinez was officially introduced by the Mets, along with his lucrative four-year, $53 million contract, in a press conference at Shea Stadium on this date in 2004. Martinez lived up to the expectations, topping MLB in WHIP in 2005 and sustaining a 3.88 ERA throughout his four-season tenure with the Mets. While facing a slew of injuries with the Mets, Pedro still performed and became a fan favorite to many in Queens.

Birthdays: Johneshwy Fargas (29), Trevor Hildenberger (33), Scott Copeland (36), Mo Vaughn (56)