Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Billy Eppler was introduced as the 16th general manager in Mets history Friday, in a press conference with owner Steve Cohen and president Sandy Alderson. The three made it clear that the Mets intend to spend big this Winter. Cohen said that Alderson and Eppler will be given “whatever they need,” with regards to resources this winter.

Patrick Glynn of MMO wrote on how the Mets intend to “swing big” this offseason, further displaying Cohen’s desire to win now. Glynn also noted how Eppler mentioned that he was receiving messages from agents almost immediately after being officially announced as the next GM.

Nate Mendelson of MMO also wrote an article on the introduction, noting the five biggest takeaways from the press conference. At the top of the list was how detailed the Mets vetting process was, and how Eppler was the only person to receive an offer for the job.

Latest Mets News

Buster Olney of ESPN wrote on the advice other executives offered Billy Eppler upon his new position with the Mets.

The Mets added Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, Adam Oller, and Jose Butto to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.

Ariel Cohen of FanGraphs released another episode of the Beat the Shift podcast with Mets reliever Trevor May.

Sam Blum of The Athletic reported that Noah Syndergaard received a few multi-year offers that had less AAV than the qualifying offer. He chose instead to go for one year and more money, taking a gamble on himself to earn that big contract next winter.

The Giants announced that they were returning Rule 5 selection Dedniel Núñez back to the Mets.

Latest MLB News

Cleveland officially becomes the Guardians, as the team released a video on Twitter announcing the change taking place on Friday.

Bill Shea of The Athletic wrote on all the hurdles it took for Cleveland to rename their franchise to the Guardians.

MLB announced that the Royals received the 2021 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence.

The Royals also released images of new uniforms for the 2022 season, that feature all-new road uniforms.

Hannah Keyser of Yahoo Sports clarified some of the confusion regarding dates and the potential MLB lockout.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Rangers have extended manager Chris Woodward through 2023, with a club option for 2024.

Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that the Twins DFA’d Charlie Barnes and Willians Astudillo to clear 40-man roster space.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported the Rays traded pitcher Brent Honeywell to the Athletics.

The Yankees announced a trade with the Phillies, in which they acquired minor leaguers T.J. Rumfield and Joel Valdez from the in exchange for Nick Nelson and Donny Sands.

The Yankees also announced that they designated Clint Frazier, Rougned Odor and Tyler Wade for assignment to clear 40-man roster space.

The Phillies announced a trade with the Astros where they acquired catcher Garrett Stubbs from the in exchange for outfielder Logan Cerny.

Blake Harris of True Blue LA announced that the Dodgers have designated Billy McKinney and Zach Reks for assignment.

Latest on MMO

Nate Mendelson wrote on five things to know about new Mets general manager Billy Eppler.

Michael Mayer provided the latest on Mets players in offseason leagues, highlighted by Ronny Mauricio two-double game.

Matt Musico wrote a free agent profile on 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Amed Rosario (26)

1967: Tom Seaver wins the Rookie of the Year award. In 251 innings, Seaver pitched to a 2.76 ERA. He tossed 18 complete games, two of which were shutouts, and struckout 170 batters. Little did Mets fans know, but this season was just the beginning of a career that would make Seaver the best player in Mets history.

1984: Dwight Gooden wins the Rookie of the Year award. Most believed that Doc was going to be the next Tom Seaver for the Mets. Gooden’s rookie season saw him make 31 starts, pitching to a 2.60 ERA and a MLB-best 1.073 WHIP. His season was so good, that he finished second in the Cy Young voting.

Let’s go Mets!