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Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to be posted by the Orix Buffaloes today, meaning teams will now have a 45-day window to negotiate with him. Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies’ plan to be aggressive in their pursuit of the star Japanese righty. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Yamamoto could cost upwards of $200 million.

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Latest MLB News

Aaron Nola has agreed to re-sign with the Phillies on a seven-year contract worth $172 million. The deal includes a full no-trade clause and doesn’t have an opt-out at any point. Nola had a bit of a down year with a 4.46 ERA in 2023, but he racked up over 200 strikeouts for the fifth straight full season.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Braves are interested in free-agent starter Sonny Gray. Morosi added that Atlanta had spoken to Nola’s camp before he decided to stay in Philadelphia. Gray is coming off arguably the best season of his career, finishing second in the AL Cy Young race with a 2.79 ERA/2.83 FIP and 183 strikeouts in 184 innings.

Morosi also reports that Jeimer Candelario is generating a lot of interest from around the majors. The switch-hitting third baseman hit .251/.336/.471 (119 OPS+) with a career-high 22 homers in 576 plate appearances while splitting time between the Nationals and Cubs in 2023. The Nationals, Blue Jays, and Angels are among the teams pursuing him.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Sunday that the Dodgers are in talks with the White Sox to try to acquire right-hander Dylan Cease. White Sox general manager Chris Getz has said that the team is willing to listen to offers for any of its players.

Latest on MMO

Jack Markowski looks at five recently non-tendered free agents who could fit in with the Mets.

Jack Ramsey writes about the Mets’ roster flexibility after the non-tender deadline.

James Villani previews the Mets Madness series between the 2022 and 1999 teams.

On This Date in Mets History

1967: Tom Seaver is named National League Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Mets player to win any major award. Seaver went 16-12 with a 2.76 ERA and 170 strikeouts during the season.

1984: Dwight Gooden becomes the youngest player to win the NL Rookie of the Year award. Gooden went 17-9 with a 2.60 ERA and a major-league-best 276 strikeouts.

2006: The Mets sign veteran outfielder Moises Alou to a one-year contract worth $7.5 million. The five-time All-Star played in just 98 games for the Giants this past season, but he belted 22 home runs with a .923 OPS.

Birthdays: Kevin Lomon (52), Lino Urdaneta (44), Amed Rosario (28)