Good morning, Mets fans!
The Giants and Red Sox have both offered Yoshinobu Yamamoto a contract that exceeds $300 million, according to MLB Analyst Jim Bowden. Yamamoto was rumored to receive a contract of this size all offseason, and now the front-running Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets will have to match or outbid this offer.
With the Yamamoto news, the Giants continue their push for top-tier starting pitching. The Giants are also reportedly interested in Shōta Imanaga according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, whose market should solidify after Yamamoto signs.
Now, onto the morning briefing!
Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Latest Mets News
The Mets won’t overspend for Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell if they don’t sign Yamamoto, according to Will Sammon of the Athletic. Instead, the Mets will focus on the next tier of starters such as Lucas Giolito.
Major League Baseball released its All-MLB starting rotations and teams on Friday night. Kodai Senga was left out of both the All-First MLB and All-Second MLB rotation, despite finishing fifth in the majors in ERA (2.98) and striking out 202 batters in his rookie season.
Francisco Lindor, however, appeared on the All-MLB second team. The Mets’ shortstop had another great year with the Mets, finishing 2023 with 31 homers and a 120 OPS+. Lindor finished behind Corey Seager, who took home the All-MLB first-team honors.
Latest MLB News
Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani won the 2023 Hank Aaron Award for their respective leagues. The Hank Aaron Award is given to the best offensive performer in each league.
The Mariners are interested in Rhys Hoskins, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Hoskins, who will be 30 for the 2024 season, tore his ACL in spring training last year and missed the entire 2023 season.
MLB released its All-MLB teams, which distinguishes the best player at each position from 2023. You can click here to view the All-MLB first team and here to view the All-MLB second team.
Latest on MMO
Allison Waxman wrote a free agent profile for Kevin Kiermaier and stated her case to bring the lefty to Queens.
Brian Wright debated whether or not José Bautista should qualify for the Hall-of-Fame.
Chris Bello gave his opinion on who the Mets should pivot to if they don’t sign Yamamoto.
MMO is giving away a prize every day until the new year. The website is currently on its second day and is giving away two Francisco Álvarez baseball cards. Click here to enter.
On This Date in Mets History
1999: With the departure of John Olerud to the Mariners in free agency, the Mets signed Todd Zeile to be the team’s first baseman. Although it was tough to replace the steadiness and productivity Olerud offered, Zeile had one of his better seasons in the big leagues in 2000 and helped lead the Mets to the World Series.
Birthdays: Daniel Vogelbach (30), Josh Edgin (36), Dale Thayer (42), Edwin Almonte (46), Bob Ojeda (65)
