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Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Sunday that the Yankees’ brass is flying to Los Angeles today to meet with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Heyman also noted that every big-market club is interested in the star Japanese righty and his contract could eclipse $300 million. The Mets and Dodgers are among the contenders for Yamamoto’s services.

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Ronny Mauricio went 2-for-4 with a triple and a walk on Sunday in the Dominican Winter League, playing his fifth straight game without an error. However, the 23-year-old left the game with the trainer after he came up limping while running the bases.

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The Dodgers are turning their attention to acquiring starting pitching help, and Bruce Levine of The Score reported Sunday that the team has engaged in trade talks with the Rays regarding Tyler Glasnow. In 2023, the Dodgers didn’t have a single pitcher qualify for the ERA title and only two of their starters had an ERA+ above 100.

The Royals have signed lefty reliever Will Smith to a one-year contract worth $5 million. This is Smith’s second go-around in Kansas City – he debuted with the team back in 2012, spending two seasons with them. In 2023, Smith pitched to a 4.40 ERA/3.36 FIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 saves in 57 1/3 innings for the Rangers. He also became the first player ever to win three World Series rings in consecutive years while playing for three different teams.

The Marlins acquired catcher Christian Bethancourt from the Guardians in exchange for a player to be named later. Bethancourt spent the 2023 season with the Rays, hitting .225/.254/.381 with 11 homers in 332 plate appearances.

The Tigers have agreed to a one-year contract with left-hander Andrew Chafin. The 33-year-old split time between the Diamondbacks and Brewers in 2023, posting a 4.73 ERA/4.01 FIP with 63 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings. He was effective for Detroit in 2022, turning a 2.83 ERA in 57 1/3 innings.

The Guardians have reunited with backstop Austin Hedges on a one-year contract worth $4 million. Hedges spent 2023 with the Pirates and Rangers, hitting just .184/.234/.227 in 212 plate appearances, though he still ranked in the league’s 98th percentile in pitch framing.

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James Villani goes through what’s remaining on David Stearns’ checklist for the offseason.

Christian De Block profiles free agent outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

On This Date in Mets History

1987: The Mets trade closer Jesse Orosco to the Dodgers as part of a three-team trade with the Oakland A’s, acquiring minor league hurlers Kevin Tapani and Wally Whitehurst from Oakland and another righty, Jack Savage, from Los Angeles. Of the arms the Mets acquired, Savage is the only one who has pitched in the majors so far. The Mets also flip shortstop Rafael Santana to the Yankees in exchange for catcher Phil Lombardi and minor leaguers Steve Frey and Darren Reed. This is the first trade between the New York clubs that involves a major league player.

1991: The Mets acquire two-time Cy Young award winner Bret Saberhagen and shortstop Bill Pecota from the Royals in exchange for Gregg Jefferies, Kevin McReynolds, and Keith Miller. Saberhagen pitched to a 3.07 ERA in 196 1/3 innings in the 1991 season, while Pecota posted a career-best .756 OPS in 448 plate appearances.

2000: The Mets sign a pair of former All-Star pitchers, inking Kevin Appier to a four-year contract and Steve Trachsel to a two-year deal. Appier pitched to a 4.52 ERA over 195 1/3 innings for Oakland during the 2000 season, while Trachsel posted a 4.80 ERA across 200 2/3 innings for the Devil Rays and Blue Jays.

2001: The Mets acquire 12-time All-Star Roberto Alomar from Cleveland along with outfielder Danny Peoples and lefty Mike Bacsik in exchange for top prospect Alex Escobar, Matt Lawton, Earl Snyder, and Billy Traber. The 33-year-old Alomar posted a .336/.415/.541 batting line with 20 homers and 100 RBIs for Cleveland this past season.

2013: The Mets sign All-Star hurler Bartolo Colon to a two-year contract worth $20 million. The 40-year-old finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting for the A’s this year, posting a career-best 2.65 ERA over 190 1/3 innings.

Birthdays: Jay Bell (58), Derek Bell (55), Mark Vientos (24)