Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, the New York Mets’ bullpen was going to be potentially very different heading into the 2023 season.

For all of the rightful chatter regarding whether the Mets were going to re-sign Jacob deGrom, Chris Bassitt, Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Díaz (which they did the first day of free agency), the majority of the Mets pen was set to hit the open market.

As the team looks to rebuild its pen for the ’23 season, the Mets claimed an intriguing arm off waivers from the New York Yankees in mid-November. With clubs facing roster squeezes prior to the 40-man roster deadline in order to protect prospects from the Rule 5 Draft in December, the Mets had several spots available to take advantage of other teams’ roster crunches.

Long Island native and hard-throwing right-handed reliever Stephen Ridings is that intriguing arm who the Mets hope can be a potential option out of the pen.

Ridings, 27, was an eighth-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 MLB Draft out of Haverford College in Pennsylvania.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery early in his minor league career, Ridings had his breakout season in 2021 with the Yankees after he signed a minor league deal with the team before the start of the season.

In 22 appearances out of the pen for the Yankees’ Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, Ridings posted a career-best 1.24 ERA and 0.690 WHIP, and struck out 42 of the 110 batters he faced (38.2 K%).

That same season, Ridings made his major league debut on August 3 in front of family and friends in the Bronx. The six-foot-eight righty tossed a scoreless inning against the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh, recording all three outs via strikeout.

Of the sixteen pitches Ridings threw in his scoreless inning, two were clocked at 100+ mph and 11 were 97+ mph.

Overall, Ridings made five appearances for the Yankees in the month of August, posting a 1.80 ERA with seven strikeouts to two walks over five innings pitched.

Unfortunately for Ridings, the 2022 season would not be one in which he built off his ’21 success. A lower back injury, shoulder injury and nerve-related complication kept Ridings off the mound except for two late rehab appearances in September.

This offseason, Ridings is continuing a throwing program to strengthen his arm and build the velocity back to his fastball and slider. He’s optimistic on his fastball velocity, as he was sitting 97-99 mph in his rehab outings.

For the Mets, the addition of Ridings provides them with an optionable arm (with all three of his minor league options remaining), which gives them flexibility with their roster construction.

I had the privilege of speaking with Ridings, where he discussed when the triple-digit velocity materialized, the injuries he dealt with in 2022 and joining the Mets.

MMO: Who were some of your favorite players growing up?

Ridings: I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t watch a ton of baseball growing up. I’m from Long Island, so I knew the Mets and Yankees. I probably didn’t have favorite players until maybe high school or college.

I always looked up to guys like [Jacob] deGrom and [Noah] Syndergaard; pretty much anybody that threw hard. I was a big fan of the old Josh Beckett. Those were probably my upper-tier guys.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

MMO: Did you play other sports besides baseball?

Ridings: I played basketball and volleyball.

MMO: Considering your height, did you get any collegiate offers for basketball?

Ridings: No. Although, I did get attempted to be recruited out of our college intramural early if that counts for anything. [Laughs.]

MMO: At what point during your development did you start focusing primarily on pitching?

Ridings: I always enjoyed pitching. I would say I became more of a pitcher only right around my junior year of high school.

Obviously, on the travel ball teams, everybody plays every position. When it got a little more competitive that took a back seat. I did not get recruited as a two-way player in college.

MMO: When you made your major league debut in 2021, you hit triple-digits on the radar gun. Do you remember when that kind of velocity started to come into play?

Ridings: Yeah, it was January 6, 2021, the day I got signed by the Yankees. It was kind of out of nowhere. I touched 98 once in college; I had been up to 96 pretty consistently but never averaging anywhere close to [triple-digits].

At the beginning of my minor league career, I had Tommy John [surgery] and the velo dipped a lot. It came back a little bit in 2019, but it still wasn’t where it was now. After I got released, it just showed up one day and stuck around.

MMO: Do you have any idea of how you might’ve increased your velocity?

Ridings: I put on a few pounds, we cleaned up some things mechanically, and started doing a lot of medicine ball work. There’s not really one thing that I can contribute it to.

I get asked that question all the time, and I don’t know the answer. I’d like to think the velo has always been in the arm, and it’s just about putting it all together as a tall, lanky individual.

MMO: What are your memories from the 2016 Draft? Did you have an idea that the Cubs could be a potential landing spot?

Ridings: I had a feeling they were going to be the one. I had heard from most teams; there may have been a handful that I didn’t have any communication with whatsoever. But nobody really gave me any indication as to where I may fall on Draft day.

I knew a couple of people who had some friends in either the scouting department or front office [for the Cubs]. I knew they were probably one of the more well-represented teams in terms of who would come see me the most. I had a good feeling they would be up there.

MMO: I read an article on Major League Baseball’s website that you were a substitute teacher in Florida for several months from 2020 to 2021. Can you talk about how that came about, and some of your responsibilities during that period?

Ridings: It was the first real offseason that I wasn’t going back to school at all. I finally moved down here (Florida) with my fiancée full time, and she was like, “You’ve got to get a job in the offseason. You can’t just work out and do nothing.”

I basically applied to anything and everything I could find on Indeed and all the job recruiting sites. Eventually, Rawlings and the school I was at reached out and said they could use some help.

My responsibilities as a sub were basically show up, take attendance and enforce the rules they had during the Covid period. It wasn’t really any teaching.

I don’t remember the article exactly, but it wasn’t a specific chemistry substitute teaching gig like I know some people have made it out to be. It was what you’d expect out of a substitute teacher: show up, hand out the work, sit there at the front desk and make sure kids don’t get too rowdy. I felt it was more of a babysitting gig than anything.

MMO: Is it true that you ended up signing with the Yankees because you worked out at Eric Cressey’s (Yankees’ Director of Player Health and Performance) gym in Florida during that same time?

Ridings: Yes. I started working out at Cressey’s in the offseason of 2019. Heading into 2020 and the Covid year, I spent all summer working out there. I’m still there to this day in the offseason.

He put out the word to one of his scouts. I think in my second bullpen I was throwing maybe 94-95 mph. He was like, “That’s pretty good for your second time. I’ll get one of the scouts down here to see you.”

I heard nothing the whole week, and then the next bullpen rolls around and he said, “Yeah, he’ll (the scout) will be here.”

And then out of nowhere, I was 97-100 [mph], and they signed me about an hour later. It was a wild turnaround.

MMO: You were used a starter with the Royals organization in 2019, and then switched to the pen with the Yankees. Were there any adjustments to that transition?

Ridings: Not at first. I would say there was more of an adjustment when I got called up to the big leagues, just because it’s the big leagues and you’ve got to be ready at all moments.

Things were more or less structured in the minor leagues with the Yankees for that 2021 year. I would have a solid idea of when I was throwing or what kind of situation I’d be going in for. Then you’d throw and get one-two-three days off: rinse and repeat. It became pretty routine.

The transition initially wasn’t very hard, but learning to find sustainable routines in the big leagues has been taking up more of my thought lately than anything else.

MMO: One of the main adjustments you made was cutting down your walks from 2019 to 2021. You went from an 11.5% walk rate in 2019, to 3.6% in 2021. Was there anything you worked on or altered to see such a big change?

Ridings: I chalk it up to the increase in velo and the timing of everything. I’m a big believer that if I have the ability to sync everything up and throw that hard, I’ll be able to put the ball in the zone. It means things are timed up right and I’m in a good spot.

People chalk it up to throwing 100 and having the confidence not to nibble, and that certainly plays a role.

MMO: You had quite the big-league debut with a scoreless inning with three punch-outs against the Baltimore Orioles on August 3, 2021. What memories do you have from that day and game?

Ridings: That was an emotional day. I was supposed to be going home for a funeral; my grandmother had just died the day before.

I got the call the next day and they said, “We know you have plans to go home, but we’re going to throw a wrench in those plans. We need you to come up to New York.”

I remember calling my fiancée, and she was freaking out because she couldn’t find a flight. I called my parents, and they were literally walking out of a funeral home. They were like, “Hey, not the best time, Stephen. What’s up?” I told them I was going to the Bronx that night. I never heard my dad make noises like he did at that moment. [Laughs.] That sticks in my brain visibly.

I remember getting there pretty much two hours late because they didn’t tell me until two in the afternoon. I missed stretch and missed throw. I got there and everyone was out taking BP, so I grabbed anybody who was willing to throw with me during BP and played catch in the outfield.

I remember not being able to eat my pregame meal. I was super excited but super nervous. Brett Gardner came over and sat next to me and said, “Hey, man, you’re not going to eat any of this food?” I was like, ‘Heck no! I’m pretty nervous right now.’

I had no idea whether or not I was going in the game. I was looking at the other guy who came up with me, Brody Koerner, at one point and we’re up about 7-0. I said, ‘Dude, we might be going in this game.’

They called down to the bullpen, and I’m sitting pretty much right next to Mike Harkey, the bullpen coach, and everybody’s looking at him like who’s going in the game. He said, “It’s going to be this guy sitting right next to me.”

It took me probably a good ten seconds for it to sink in that he was talking about me. I looked down at the rest of the bench, and they were all staring at me. I was like, “Oh, crap, it’s me!’ [Laughs.]

I frantically got up and started throwing balls in the pen. I got out there, waited to find that first strike and then it was smooth sailing.

It was a crazy turnaround. My mom almost didn’t come to the game, she was like, “We have a lot on our plate, Stephen.” They were thinking maybe now wasn’t the best time, and didn’t know if I was going to pitch. It was my fiancée who texted my mom and said you have to go to this game; he could pitch and you’d miss it. Thankfully she came.

I ended up having a bunch of other friends in the stands that I didn’t even know were going to be there. It was nice to see the support after the game. It was a wild twenty-four hours for sure.

MMO: Unfortunately, you dealt with a tough 2022 season where injuries interrupted what you did in 2021. I know you were listed with having a right shoulder impingement, but after reading some articles it seems like there might have been other stuff at play. Can you talk about what you dealt with this past season and the rehab process?

Ridings: It kind of started with a lower back injury in January that we really couldn’t get a grasp on. With the lockout, it was kind of tough to navigate that.

It was weird because I was still working out at Cressey’s place, but I wasn’t allowed to communicate with him at all. Not to say that I was on my own because I could talk to all the other coaches there, but it was kind of up and down. Should I stop throwing? Should I push through this? We couldn’t really tell how severe it was. It felt like it got a little better, and then it would take two steps back.

I think the shoulder [injury] was born from that up and down and not having a set routine. I would stop throwing for a week and then start back up. There was a day where I was getting my second set of MRIs, I’m just going to let it eat today and see where things are at.

Nothing showed up on the MRI that hadn’t already been found, and the next thing I knew a few days later, my shoulder started bugging me. I had some twitching in my hand and pinky and some pain in the front of my shoulder when I threw. Some of the movements in the gym felt a little wonky.

We didn’t get a real handle on it until probably June or July when I went to go see Dr. Meister and Dr. Pearl, who’s the thoracic outlet guy. They kind of said they were leaning in that direction because the MRIs on my shoulder was clean. There was nothing that would give them any reason to think that I should be having pain in the front of my shoulder. The biceps tendon looked fine, the labrum looked fine, the rotator cuff was fine.

They kind of leaned toward something nerve-related. We tested it with a nerve block and got medium results; nothing conclusive enough that they were going to cut me open for surgery.

We ended up trying Botox. When I went to New York to get the Botox injections, they did an ultrasound of my neck and found that some of the nerves that are supposed to run in a certain spot are actually embedded in one of my neck muscles. And that could kind of be predisposing me to some of these symptoms.

While it’s not an exact thoracic outlet syndrome, there’s not really a compression of that first rib like they would normally see, but there is something affecting that nerve branch.

After I worked through the Botox and kept throwing, it just went away. I haven’t really dealt with it too much since. I’ve been throwing for a few weeks now and it’s been totally fine.

That’s what I was dealing with the most this year: up and down, start and stop, not really able to get a good picture of what was going on. Frustrating for many and not what I wanted my 2022 to be.

MMO: Considering what you just went through, are you doing anything different in regard to training? Is there anything off-limits?

Ridings: We’re not exactly sure. Obviously, taking extra care of the shoulder in general is always a priority for any pitcher, regardless of injury history. Making sure the shoulder and arm are in good shape is paramount.

We probably stay away from certain exercises that may flare it up. Just working intelligently through the throwing program, and not doing anything stupid. The goal is to get to spring training in one piece.

MMO: I read that while you were rehabbing you added a cutter. You’re quoted in this article saying you added the cutter because you were concerned that your fastball velocity wasn’t going to come back.

This is a two-part question. First, where is your fastball velocity at today? And second, is the cutter a pitch you’ll continue to hone and possibly use?

Ridings: This current second, I have no idea. I’m only three weeks into a program, so I’m not full tilt by any means.

In the few rehab starts I made, I was told I was sitting anywhere from 97-to-99. The velo came back for sure, so I’m not too worried about that.

As for the cutter, I think I only threw maybe three of them to actual batters in games this year. But it looked solid and it’s something that I have in the back pocket in case the velo didn’t come back. I was working around with it just to give myself a fourth pitch to keep hitters honest.

You never know what’s going to come from a dumpster fire. The slider that I threw in 2021, I started throwing it maybe a week before I showed up to spring training. And they were like, hey, we like this. It became the pitch that I threw all year. You just never know when some tinkering is going to lead to something great.

MMO: What were your initial reactions upon hearing you were claimed off waivers by the Mets?

Ridings: My initial reaction was I didn’t even know I was DFA’d. [Laughs.] I literally got a call saying, “You’ve been claimed by the Mets. We appreciate everything and good luck.”

Honestly, my initial reaction was bittersweet. Nobody wants to hear that they’ve been basically cut. But I was thrilled to be picked up by another team, and a team that’s competing that sees value in what I can bring to the table.

I’m excited about the opportunity and it’s nice that I don’t have to leave New York. Family can still come to games; spring training is even closer to where I live now so I can potentially live at home and commute. Hopefully, it makes life easier for everybody. I’m looking forward to it.

MMO: What are some things you’re specifically looking to work on this offseason heading into 2023?

Ridings: Stay healthy is first, second and third. And just get back to where I was in 2021, and even at the end of this year. Getting the fastball velo to where it needs to be, and keeping control of things in the zone.

Probably my biggest goal after that would be getting the velocity back on the slider and making that more of what it was in 2021, and if not, improving upon it if I can.

Aside from that, it’s about having a good feel for what I can throw and putting myself in a good spot to shoot for a position on Opening Day.

MMO: Thanks for the time today, Stephen. Have a great offseason.

Ridings: No problem. Thanks.

Follow Stephen Ridings on Twitter, @ridings17

The post MMO Exclusive: Mets’ Hard-Throwing Reliever, Stephen Ridings appeared first on Metsmerized.

When is enough, enough?

Well for the Mets the answer is never.

Despite already adding four pieces to the team for next season and beyond the Mets have not signaled any sign of slowing down. Owner Steve Cohen is expected to push payroll beyond heights imagined and hopefully spend his way to a World Series trophy in 2022.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post identified five targets the Mets could sign post-lockout with contract predictions.

1. Yusei Kikuchi (two years, $26 million)
2. Collin McHugh (one year, $8 million)
3. Ryan Tepera (two years, $16 million)
4. Andrew Miller (one year, $3 million)
5. Brett Gardner (one year, $3 million)

Kikuchi has been a popular name linked to the Mets after he declined a $13 million option for 2022 with the Seattle Mariners. Could the Mets sign a former Mariner for once?

Kikuchi was an All-Star in 2021 but had a second-half collapse akin to Taijuan Walker. When his velocity is up, Kikuchi’s numbers plant him as one of the best starters in baseball but when it begins to drop his ERA inflates vociferously. Still, he has been one of the most durable starters and has made 70 starts the last three seasons, tied for 23rd in baseball.

McHugh could make his valiant return to the New York Mets organization after being traded away for Eric Young Jr. in 2013. McHugh was one of the best relievers in baseball last season along with Tepera. Both strike out batters in bunches and suffocate lefties despite pitching from the right side of the mound.

Miller has one of the more dramatic pitching splits in baseball. The lefty reliever held opposing lefties to a .545 OPS but righties hit for a 1.151 OPS against the veteran. Sherman cited Miller’s clubhouse presence as a positive and that three of the best hitters in the NL East (Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman) are all left-handed batters.

Brett Gardner? In blue and orange? This one seems a little nuts. Gardner has played his entire career with the Yankees and he’d demolish that reputation for one year with the Mets. He’d likely be nothing more than a bench bat or defensive replacement. He’d make the Mets deeper for sure but his interest would be the question needing answers.

Sherman’s five additions add $35 million to the Mets payroll and no long-term investments. The Mets would be in a prime position to be title favorites when the 2022 season gets rolling.

The post Free Agents One Baseball Insider Thinks The Mets Could Grab appeared first on Metsmerized.

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

As a transplanted New Yorker, it was a bittersweet weekend of baseball in light of the September 11th tributes from Citi Field, Ground Zero, and across the pond to Buckingham Palace.

Watching the subway series in the borough where I broke my baseball cherry, made me nostalgic, and neurotic – because the worst feeling for a Mets fan – is losing to the rivaled Yankees.

After blowing a two-run lead the night before, it appeared that this might have a similar ending, especially when another managerial mishap by Luis Rojas led to a two-run homer by a player who should never have seen one pitch.

In the top of the seventh Brad Hand relieved Miguel Castro, who did a bang up job getting out of the sixth with back-to-back strikeouts, after Jeurys Familia turned a 5-2 lead into 5-4 with the second swing of Geyser Torres’ bat.

Hand inherited DJ LeMahieu at first. He then erased Anthony Rizzo on eight pitches and fanned Brett Gardner looking at his 93 mph four-seam fastball.

Rojas decides the best move to make is allowing the hot slugging Giancarlo Stanton to bat when a very doable out, in the name of Joey Gallo, is on deck. Here’s where I want to ask to speak to the manager, but he IS the manager, so, I curse at him through the TV.

You know what happens next without even seeing the game because you’ve been following the Mets saga all season. Now with the score six apiece – I’m dreading a repeat of Aaron Judge’s heartbreaking second home run from Saturday night – the antithesis of Mike Piazza’s emotional post 9/11 moment, twenty years prior.

This is no comparison in importance, but it is pivotal that the Mets keep winning in order to stay afloat. Maybe this belief is just prolonging the inevitable pain that awaits – but then, Francisco Lindor launches the last of his three home runs, done from both sides of the plate, putting the Mets in the driver’s seat, 7-6, and me delusional all over again.

In the top of the ninth, with yet another precarious lead, Rojas calls upon Edwin Diaz, even though there are potential great pitchers in the stands, wearing Mets uniforms. I want to ask to speak to his supervisor, but I don’t have the dugout phone number, so I curse at the TV some more.

I’m conditioned to believe this isn’t going to fare well for Diaz, even though he strikes out the first batter. As soon as he surrenders a single and walks the next hitter, and a passed ball puts both runners in scoring position, I think, “Life couldn’t be this cruel. If he blows this save, he might not recover.”

Then in a very special Mets episode, with a little too much drama for comfort, the Puerto Rican born pitcher gets Gardner swinging on a slider, and pops up Stanton to short, keeping his ball clubs’ playoff run alive.

This is exhausting.

The post Mets Take Subway Series in Heated Finale appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo by Allen Greene Photography

Good morning, Mets fans!

We received great news yesterday as governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York arenas can now host fans at 10% capacity starting on Feb. 23.

Let’s take a look at what went on surrounding the Amazins’ and MLB on Wednesday.

Latest Mets News

The Mets acquired outfield prospect Khalil Lee in a three-team trade that saw the Boston Red Sox send outfielder Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas Royals, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. As MLB Insider Jon Heyman later reported, Josh Winckowski one of the pitchers the Mets recently acquired in the Steven Matz trade, is the player they are sending to the Red Sox.

As Joel Sherman of The New York Post noted afterwards, the Mets will also send a player to be named later in the trade.

The Mets have remained in contact with free-agent left-handed reliever Justin Wilson, per Pat Ragazzo of Metsmerized.

As Mike Mayer reported last night, things are picking up for the Mets on the trade market as they are looking to upgrade at third base and in their rotation.

According to Mike Puma of The New York Post, one road block the Mets have had in trade talks with the Cubs and Reds has been that both teams have asked for No. 2 prospect Francisco Alvarez.

The Mets opened up their mass vaccination site at Citi Field on Wednesday, photos from SNY’s Steve Gelbs.

Newly signed center fielder Albert Almora‘s deal is worth 1.25 million, plus an additional $100,000 each for 200, 250 and 300 plate appearances, per MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

In order to make room for Almora on the 40-man roster, the Mets have designated pitcher Corey Oswalt for assignment, tweet from Mayer.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, rival teams say the Mets have been trying to move the contracts of Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances this offseason.

First baseman / outfielder Dominic Smith was ranked No. 67 on MLB Network’s top 100 list after a breakout 2020 campaign.

Tim Britton of The Athletic breaks down the Mets roster projection for the 2021 season.

Latest MLB News

According to Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media, there have been no negotiations between the Yankees and free-agent outfielder Brett Gardner about a reunion.

Free-agent closer David Robertson‘s showcase at The University of Alabama is set for later today, per Heyman.

The Oakland Athletics signed Jed Lowrie to a minor league deal, per Fansided’s Robert Murray.

According to Baseball America, minor league baseball spent their merchandise revenue plus took out a loan of $500,000 and the owners are reportedly not happy.

The Boston Red Sox have invited top prospects Triston Casas, Jeter Downs and Jarren Duran to spring training, per MLB Insider Chris Cotillo.

Latest NL East News

The Philadelphia Phillies signed relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler to a $3 million deal with $1 million in incentives, tweet from Heyman.

Adam Duvall‘s contract with the Miami Marlins is for one-year, $5 million, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

Latest on MMO

Rob Piersall spoke with former Met Chasen Bradford, who’s looking to catch on with an MLB team this spring.

Jacob deGrom is the Draft Kings’ favorite to win the Cy Young this season at +500 odds, story by Ryan Finkelstein.

The Mets are interested in pitchers Jake Arrieta and James Paxton — Thomas Hall discussed whether the Mets should take a shot on Arrieta.

On This Date in Mets History

1987: Ray Knight signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

Birthdays: Tom Veryzer (68), Steve Springer (60), Brian Daubach (49)

Let’s go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Trade Market Heating Up For Mets appeared first on Metsmerized.

Major League Baseball’s offseason continues to trudge on. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking on the hot stove.

Cardinals Make Strong Pitch For Arenado

According to Bruce Levine of 670 AM The Score in Chicago, the St. Louis Cardinals are prepared to part with arguably their top prospect and three solid major leaguers in exchange for Colorado Rockies’ third baseman, Nolan Arenado.

Per Levine, the Cards are ready to ship left-handed prospect Matthew Liberatore, MLB hurlers Dakota Hudson and Carlos Martinez, as well as outfielder Tyler O’Neill for the 28-year-old perennial All-Star.

Since making his debut in 2013, Arenado’s put together a .295/.351/.546 slash line with 227 home runs, 253 doubles, 734 RBIs, and a 122 OPS+. He hit .315/.379/.583 with 41 homers and 118 RBIs in 2019 with 17 outs above average at third base, per Statcast (positional leader, second among all MLB infielders).

St. Louis’ willingness to part with Liberatore — the highly-regarded southpaw they just acquired from Tampa Bay this week for major league outfielders Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena — as well as three additional active-roster players, all of which are heavy contributors, in a sense sets the bar for level of return Arenado can be expected to fetch.

Wieters Market Opening Up

As per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, free-agent catcher Matt Wieters is “drawing interest” from the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wieters, 33, spent last season with the Cardinals (.214/.268/.435, 80 OPS+) after 10 seasons in the Beltway (eight with Baltimore, including four All-Star appearances, and two with the Nationals).

Wieters’ -6 runs via extra strikes and 43 percent strike rate behind the plate last season, per Statcast, both ranked near the bottom of the league and his offense isn’t what it used to be.

But in a backup role, which is presumably what the A’s (to help ease Sean Murphy into the role after Josh Phegley‘s departure via free agency) and Cardinals (to backup Yadier Molina) have him pegged for, Wieters should be able to provide what any interested teams are looking for.

News & Notes

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe gave updates on two free-agent backstops, noting that veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy “could return to the Rockies” and 36-year-old Russel Martin “wants to keep playing”, but is willing to accept a backup role.

Lucroy, 33, slashed .232/.305/.355 over 328 plate appearances between the Angels and Cubs last season, racking up -4 runs via extra strikes and a 47.1 percent strike rate, per Statcast.

Martin played in 83 games for the Dodgers last season (249 plate appearances), hitting .220/.337/.330 (79 OPS+) with +6 RES and a 53.1% strike rate (95th percentile in framing, per Baseball Savant; +1 OAA at third base, as well).

The New York Yankees officially announced the re-signing of Brett Gardner on Saturday to a one-year, $8 million deal with a $10 million club option for 2021. The Yankees designated left-hander Stephen Tarpley, 26, for assignment as the corresponding move.

Gardner, 36, hit .251/.325/.503 with 28 home runs, 74 RBI, and 10 stolen bases (4.0 bWAR) over 550 plate appearances for New York last season, his 12th season in The Bronx (currently the longest-tenured Yankees player).

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: Cardinals Reportedly Offer Haul For Arenado appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning, Mets fans! Let’s end your weekend on a high note. Here’s what you need to know:

Latest Mets News

Yesterday marked 15 years since the Mets officially signed now-manager Carlos Beltran to a seven-year, $119M deal.

Latest MLB News

According to Extra Innings UK, new details have finally emerged regarding qualifiers for the 2020 World Baseball Classic, including information pertaining to the invited teams, changes in format for qualifiers, and possible expansion for the 2021 WBC.

The New York Yankees announced that they have re-signed outfielder Brett Gardner to a one-year contract for the 2020 season. Gardner’s deal includes a club option for 2021.

Latest NL East News

As the Philadelphia Phillies look within to shore up their bullpen, Matt Gelb of The Athletic mapped out the team’s top internal options for 2020.

Latest on MMO

Josh Finkelstein treated us to some great content on Saturday:

First, Josh introduced us to Mets’ Spring Training invitee Ryan Cordell.

Josh then provided us with some notes on Amed Rosario‘s offseason efforts; particularly in regards to his defense.

Next up, Josh laid out expectations for Robinson Cano in 2020.

Finally, Josh suggested that the Mets’ focus should now lie in extending Michael Conforto.

This Day in Mets History

2009: Rickey Henderson is elected to the Hall of Fame after a record-filled career. Henderson did spend a small part of this career with the Mets; in 1999, the 40-year-old slugged to the tune of .315/.423/.466 in the lead off position.

Birthdays: Luis Ayala turns 42, Jorge Velandia turns 45, Mike Marshall turns 60, and Randy Jones turns 70.

The post Morning Briefing: Details on World Baseball Classic Qualifiers Revealed appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets concluded the Winter Meetings by adding to their rotation. A day after agreeing to a deal with RHP Michael Wacha, the Mets agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with RHP Rick Porcello on Thursday, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

The New Jersey native and 2016 Cy Young Award winner has been linked to the Mets at various times throughout the offseason to the point where it only seemed like a matter of time before the two parties reached a deal. Porcello is coming off a rough year in which he went 14-12 with a 5.52 ERA, 1.394 WHIP and 143 strikeouts in 174 1/3 innings.

Latest Mets News

The Mets had trade talks with the Texas Rangers involving 1B/OF Dominic Smith and INF Jed Lowrie that have failed to progress according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. MetsMerized Online‘s own Michael Mayer added that the Mets also talked with the Rangers about RHP Jose Leclerc.

The Mets signed RHP Pedro Payano to a minor league contract according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

The Mets selected RHP Adam Oller from the San Francisco Giants and lost OF Jason Krizan to the Oakland Athletics in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Latest MLB News

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com listed the entire Rule 5 Draft results.

MLB and the MLBPA agreed to significant changes to the Drug of Abuse provisions of their Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The New York Yankees and OF Brett Gardner agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million contract according to George A. King III of the New York Post. Gardner’s deal includes a $2 million signing bonus, $8 million 2020 salary and a $10 million 2021 option with a $2.5 million buyout.

The Detroit Tigers and C Austin Romine agreed to a one-year, $4.1 million contract according to Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group.

The Los Angeles Angels acquired LHP Garrett Williams from the Giants as the player to be named later in their trade of INF Zack Cozart and INF Will Wilson.

Latest NL East News

The Miami Marlins selected RHP Sterling Sharp (the Washington Nationals’ No. 13 prospect) with the third pick in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft and C Julian Leon from the Angels with the third pick in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft. The Marlins also lost CF Jhonny Santos to the Seattle Mariners who was selected 26th overall in the Triple-A phase.

The Nationals selected SS Manuel Geraldo from the Giants with the 18th pick in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft. In addition to Sharp, the Nationals also lost SS David Masters to the Chicago Cubs who was selected 42nd overall in the Triple-A phase.

The Philadelphia Phillies selected SS Vimael Machin from the Cubs with the eighth pick in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

The Atlanta Braves selected 2B Wendell Rijo from the Yankees with the 21st pick in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft. The Braves also lost RHP Alex Aquino from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Triple-A phase.

Latest on MMO/MMN

Matt Musico wrote an article about how the Mets will likely have to make some unpopular moves with their current roster if they plan to make any further improvements.

Marshall Field wrote about how general manager Brodie Van Wagenen’s comments about the Mets’ pitching depth leaves LHP Steven Matz‘s role uncertain for 2020.

John Sheridan wrote about how the Mets did not lose anyone in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft and looked at who they managed to hold onto despite not protecting them.

This Day in Mets History

Birthdays: 2B Doug Saunders turns 50, RHP Ron Taylor turns 82, C J.C. Martin turns 83 and OF Joe Christopher turns 84.

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Conclude Winter Meetings With More Pitchers appeared first on Metsmerized.

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Latest Mets News

The Mets re-signed Brad Brach to a one-year deal contract with a player option for 2021. Consequently, to make room on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated Chris Flexen for assignment.

Former Mets Wilfredo Tovar has just signed with the Minnesota Twins according to MMO‘s own, Jacob Resnick.

Latest MLB News

The Padres acquired Tommy Pham and Jake Cronenworth from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Hunter Renfroe, Xavier Edwards, and a PTBNL

MLB Pipeline updated their top 100 2020 MLB Draft prospect list. Leading the way is RHP Emerson Hancock from the University of Georgia.

Texas Rangers signed Kyle Gibson to a three-year $28M deal. The deal is front-loaded so he will receive $11M in 2020, $10M in 2021, and $7 in 2022.

As reported by Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Yankees had a good meeting with Stephen Strasburg but both the Yankees and Nationals are still confident that he will stay with Washington.

The Yankees are working on a contract to re-sign OF Brett Gardner.

The Twins have agreed to a one-year deal with C Alex Avila.

The White Sox have claimed Tayron Guerrero off of waivers from the Miami Marlins.

Chicago Cubs signed RHP Dan Winkler to a split contract between the majors and minors: $750K in the majors, $200K in the minors.

San Francisco Giants have hired Donnie Ecker as their new hitting coach.

Latest NL East News

The Washington Nationals are rumored to be bringing back Howie Kendrick for another year on a $6.5M deal with a mutual option for 2021, as per Jamal Collier, Nationals MLB writer.

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to sign Anthony Rendon, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Latest on MMO

The Simply Amazin’ podcast came out Friday with special guest, Tim Britton of the Athletic!

Samantha Brown continued the 2019 Mets player report cards with Steven Matz.

Joe D wrote about Hyun-Jin Ryu and how he has a lot to offer the New York Mets.

On This Date in Mets History

Happy Birthday to Pete Alonso (25) and Mike Baxter (35)!

1984: The Mets traded Walt Terrell to the Detriot Tigers for Howard Johnson.

1988: The Mets traded Wally Backman and Mike Santiago to the Minnesota Twins for Toby Nivens, Steve Gasser, and Jeff Bumgarner.

1994: The Mets signed free agent Chris Jones of the Colorado Rockies.

2001: The Mets traded Robin Ventura to the Yankees for David Justice.

The post Morning Briefing: Brad Brach Returns To Mets appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Latest Mets News

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Mets have chosen Jeremy Hefner to be their new pitching coach.

Marcus Stroman talked to new Mets’ manager Carlos Beltran on the phone and is ready for the 2020 season.

Robinson Cano told Nathalie Alonso of MLB.com that he is excited about the Carlos Beltran managerial hire.

Latest MLB News

The Houston Astros have agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent catcher Dustin Garneau, pending a physical, according to Jake Kaplan of the Athletic.

The Minnesota Twins have signed left-hander Blaine Hardy, right-hander Ryan Garton and catcher Juan Graterol to minor league contracts, per Nate Rowan of the Rochester Red Wings.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Katie Strang of the Athletic, the MLB is investigating free-agent reliever Sam Dyson for domestic violence

Shohei Ohtani was cleared yesterday to begin throwing off a mound for three or four weeks completing his rehab from Tommy John surgery, according to Jeff Fletcher of Southern California News Group. 

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Arizona Diamondbacks Catcher Stephen Vogt is in agreement on a one-year deal with the team that includes a vesting option for a second season.

The Lotte Marines have apparently reached an agreement with outfielder Leonys Martín for 2020.

Latest NL East News

According to Matt Gelb of the Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have announced a minor league deal with Josh Harrison, reuniting him with former Pittsburgh Pirates teammate Andrew McCutchen.

Latest On MMO

Lindsay Moran noted the hiring of women to management positions across the MLB.

Pat Ragazzo wrote a profile on free agent Brett Gardner.

Michael Mayer created a list of the Mets’ top prospects at each position.

Tim Ryder evaluated Amed Rosario‘s performance at shortstop for the Mets throughout the 2019 season.

Jack Ramsey discussed various offseason rumors across the MLB.

This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Bill Short turns 82, Randy Milligan turns 58 and Raul Valdes turns 42.

1967:  The Mets traded Bill Denehy to the Washington Senators for Gil Hodges. 

1972: The Mets traded Tommie Agee to the Astros for Rich Chiles and Buddy Harris. The Mets also traded Brent Strom and Bob Rauch to the Cleveland Indians for Phil Hennigan. 

1996: The Mets traded Jerry Dipoto to the Colorado Rockies for Armando Reynoso. The Mets also traded Rico Brogna to the Phillies for Ricardo Jordan and Toby Borland. 

The post Morning Briefing: Jeremy Hefner Joins Mets Coaching Staff appeared first on Metsmerized.

Brett Gardner 

Position: OF
Bats/Throws: L/L
Age: August 24th, 1983 (36)

Traditional Stats:.251/.325/.503, 26 2B, 28 HR, 74 RBIs, 108 K; 550 PA
Advanced Stats: 115 wRC+, .344 wOBA, 3.6 fWAR, 5 DRS, 3 UZR

In 2001, Brett Gardner walked-on to the baseball team at the College of Charleston, where he started his first three-years before declaring for the 2004 MLB Draft. Unfortunately, Gardner was not selected in the draft, which forced him to return to Charleston for his senior year. During his final collegiate season, Gardner went on a tear with 122 hits, which was tied for the NCAA lead. This stellar season led to the Yankees selecting him 109th overall in third round of the 2005 MLB draft.

Gardner spent his first year in the minors in the New York Penn League, where he finished in the top-five in at-bats (282), runs scored (62), and stolen bases (19). In 2006, Gardner moved to the Florida State League, where he was named an All-Star. Overall, Gardy hit .323 (third best in league), knocked in 22 runs, drew 47 walks (second best), and led the league with 30 stolen bases.

Despite missing time with a broken hand in 2007, Gardner still managed to steal 18 bases, smack  five triples, and hit for a .300 batting average and .392 on-base percentage in 54 games with Double-A Trenton. This earned him a promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, where he finished out the season hitting .260 with a .343 on-base percentage, while swiping 21 bags in his final 45 games.

Following his strong season, Gardner was a top-five statistical leader in several categories in the Arizona Fall League including stolen bases (16), runs scored (27),  batting average (.343), on-base  percentage (.433), and walks (17). Gardner was named the 12th best prospect in the Yankees system heading into 2008 by Baseball America.

After starting the 2008 season in Triple-A, Gardner received a call-up to the big leagues making his debut on June 30. On July 28, Gardy was optioned back down to Triple-A to make room for veteran outfielder Xavier Nady after the Yankees acquired him at the trade deadline.

By August 15, Gardner was back up with the club and finished off his first season by scoring the final run in history at the old Yankee Stadium on a sac-fly from Robinson Cano. In 42 games as a rookie, Gardy slashed .228/.283/.299, drove in 16 runs and stole 13 bases.

Heading into 2009, Gardner won the starting center field job over Melky Cabrera. Although Cabrera eventually won the job back from him later in the year, Gardner still hit .270/.345/379 and stole 26 bases. He also appeared in all but one of the Yankees postseason games and helped them capture their first World Series title since 2000.

After the departure of left fielder Johnny Damon, Gardner emerged as the starter in this spot in 2010. Brett had a more than solid season scoring 97 runs, swiping 47 bags, while slashing .277/.383/.379 and led the majors with 4.61 pitches-per-at-bat. He also won the Fielding Bible award for best left fielder in baseball with a 25.8 UZR and 25 defensive runs saved.

During the off-season, Gardner underwent wrist surgery to remove inflamed tissue, but was expected to be ready for 2011. Despite his surgery, Gardner did not miss a beat the following season playing in 159 games slugging .259/.345/.369, scoring 87 runs and leading the league with 49 stolen bases. Once again, he captured the Fielding Bible award as the best left fielder in the game with a 26.1 UZR and 23 defensive runs saved.

The Yankees and Gardner reached a $2.8 million agreement in 2012 to avoid arbitration. Unfortunately, Gardner suffered an elbow injury and experienced a setback in July, which kept him out until September. It was a lost season for Gardner, who only played in 16 games and received eight plate appearances in the 2012 postseason.

With Curtis Granderson fracturing his forearm early in the 2013, Gardner took over as the Yankees primary center fielder. Brett finished the season leading the league with 10 triples, while also slugging .273/.344/.416 and stealing 24 bags.

In February of 2014, Gardner signed a four-year, $52 million extension. He would reward his team’s investment during the season setting a career-high with 17 homers and 58 RBI while hitting .256/.327/.422 with 21 stolen bases. Gardy made his first All-Star team in 2015 replacing Alex Gordon. Unfortunately, Gardy cooled down after batting .302 in the first half to hit a minuscule .206 following the All-Star Break. He was also heavily booed by the fans at Yankee stadium after going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in his team’s Wild Card loss to the Houston Astros.

In the 2016 season, he won his first Gold Glove award with a 5.2 UZR and 12 defensive runs saved. His .351 on-base percentage and 70 walks drawn were both his highest marks in these categories since 2010. Gardy reached new milestones in 2017 hitting a career-high 21 homers and recording the 1,000 hit in his career on June 1 off Blue Jays pitcher Marco Estrada.

In 2018, Gardner played in 140 games and hit a career low .236 with 12 homers and 45 RBI. As a result, the Yankees declined his $12.5 million option and instead brought him back on a one-year $7.5 million dollar deal.

Gardy bounced back last season at the age-of-35 to hit a career high 28 home runs, while knocking in 74 RBI, scoring 81 runs, and slashing .251/.325/.503 with a 115 wRC+. He was also a plus defender in left field with a UZR of three and five defensive runs saved. After hitting his 100th career home run this past season, Gardner became the second Yankee along with Derek Jeter to smack over 100 home runs and steal 250 plus bases.

Contract 

Gardner is entering his age-36-season, but is coming off a 3.6 WAR season. He would certainly be an adequate addition for any team looking for a starting outfielder. The Yankees have already shown interest in bringing him back and he could receive a pay bump from his one-year $7.5 million contract in 2019. MLB Trade Rumors predicts he will get one-year, $10 million from the Yankees.

Recommendation 

The Yankees will most likely look to retain him after injury riddled seasons from outfielders Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Hicks, who is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery. Although he is no longer much of a basestealer, Gardy can still swipe a bag when needed (10-of-12) and is a plus defender in left field (3 UZR, 5 DRS).

His bat still has a ton of pop left, as well smacking a career high 28 homers and driving in 74 runs. The Mets are looking for center field help and could have him split time in center with Brandon Nimmo. Gardner played in 820 innings in center last season and despite having minus two defensive runs saved, he posted a 1.7 UZR. The Mets should at least kick the tires on bringing in the veteran, who would provide depth to their lineup and rotate in the outfield with Nimmo, J.D. Davis, Jeff McNeil, and Michael Conforto.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Brett Gardner, OF appeared first on Metsmerized.