Good morning Mets fans! ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez shared a conversation he had with OF Yoenis Cespedes on MLB Network Radio that revealed Cespedes’ personal high expectations and hopes for the 2020 season.
Cespedes told Perez, “I’m ready. I’m going to go out with a bang this year. I’m not just going to hit 40 home runs.”
When Perez told him that means he would have to play in 140+ games, Cespedes told him, “Then I’ll be out there for 140+ games.”
Perez also added that Cespedes told him he could match his home run production to the number on his jersey (52).
Latest Mets News
The Mets have had teams reach out to them about Cespedes’ availability in potential trades following his contract restructuring, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. DiComo also noted that nothing is close, imminent or even likely, but the Mets have had initial conversations with these teams regarding Cespedes.
Despite the fact that the Mets have had trade talks with the Cleveland Indians regarding SS Francisco Lindor and the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding OF Starling Marte, they are not actively pursuing either player according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, RHP Seth Lugo was disappointed after the Mets added RHP Michael Wacha and RHP Rick Porcello in free agency as he believed he had a legitimate chance in spring training to earn the fifth starter spot. However, Lugo is still approaching the situation as if he’s a starter.
“I’m going to come in and show them that I somehow prepared over the offseason for what my goals for spring were and hopefully I can stretch out a little bit, but I understand what’s going on,” Lugo said per Puma. “I’m going to keep working at what I want and that’s the way I’m going to approach it.”
Latest MLB News
The MLBPA filed a grievance against the New York Yankees in an effort to recoup the $26 million due to OF Jacoby Ellsbury, according to Ronald Blum of AP Sports.
The Los Angeles Angels and RHP Julio Teheran agreed to a one-year contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal will be worth $9 million according to Ken Rosenthal.
The Milwaukee Brewers and 1B Justin Smoak agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to Jeff Passan. Smoak’s contract includes a $5.5 million club option for 2021, with a $1 million buyout.
The Chicago White Sox and LHP Gio Gonzalez agreed to a one-year contract, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Heyman also reported that the Kansas City Royals and 3B Maikel Franco agreed to a one-year contract. Franco will receive $2.95 million in guarantees and up to $1.05 million in incentives.
Latest NL East News
The Washington Nationals announced their 2020 MiLB coaching staff.
Mark Bowman of MLB.com answered Atlanta Braves fans’ questions which ranged from asking about LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, to whether the Braves will trade prospects, to what the team’s bullpen plans are, to who the Opening Day starter will be in 2020.
Latest on MMO/MMN
Michael Mayer listed and wrote about the Mets’ top-10 defensive plays of the decade.
Matt Musico wrote about why the Mets’ current bullpen mindset is frustrating.
Dilip Sridhar listed and wrote about five pitchers who could find similar success in the bullpen as LHP Drew Pomeranz did with the Brewers last season.
Tim Ryder wrote an “MLB Rumor Roundup.”
This Day in Mets History
2002: The Mets and OF Cliff Floyd agreed to a four-year, $26 million contract. Floyd hit .268/.354/.478 with 81 home runs and 273 RBIs in 1,643 at-bats across 468 games while in Queens.
2011: The Mets announced that they would not operate a Rookie League team in the Gulf Coast League for 2012. The team operated eight minor league teams instead in 2012 due to continued financial troubles.
Birthdays: RHP Erik Goeddel turns 31 and 3B David Wright turns 37.
