Good morning, Mets fans!

The Angels have signed free agent left-hander Matt Moore, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported. The 33-year-old was surprisingly effective in his 74 innings with the Rangers last year, posting a 1.95 ERA. Moore was a potential option for the Mets to target, but they ended up acquiring plenty of reinforcements elsewhere to amend their rotation.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

In the first bit of news out of spring training, newly signed pitcher Kodai Senga, in his first action in Mets camp, threw 52 pitches and hit 96 mph on the gun during his first bullpen outing. For more on his outing and how Senga will have to adjust to major league pitching, our own Michael Mayer dove deeper into the Japanese pitcher’s outing.

For the first time in about 30 years, Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, the spring training home of the Mets, has seen its first on-field renovation. Drainage issues were affecting the on-field performance of the ball and the players, so the field itself was replaced. In addition to the raised field, retention walls were added, the outfield fence was swapped out and the bullpens were moved off the field as well as the field’s surface got a much-needed makeover.

Mets GM Billy Eppler discusses with the New York Post his first impressions of Justin Verlander, Senga the growth of upcoming prospects and Carlos Beltran‘s new role with the organization.

Tim Healey of Newsday highlights the bullpen session of pitcher Tylor Megill. Healey notes that Megill has slimmed down about 15 pounds from his weight from last season.

Former Mets broadcaster Tim McCarver passed away at the age of 81. The team released a tweet remembering McCarver, as he was a major part of the team’s broadcasts during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Latest MLB News

Marlins GM Kim Ng officially hired former Mets manager Terry Collins as a baseball consultant, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported.

Corbin Burnes talked about how his relationship with the Brewers was hurt by what happened in his arbitration hearing.

The Padres signed Cole Hamels to a minor league deal, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.

The Red Sox signed infielder Yu Chang to a one-year deal, the team announced.

The Phillies signed Seranthony Dominguez to a two-year extension, POBO David Dombrowski announced.

Shohei Ohtani hasn’t discussed his future with the Angels, according to Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group.

Speaking of Ohtani, the Angels announced that he will pitch on opening day.

Dana Brown told Scott Boras that he wants Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman to play the rest of their careers in Houston, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reported.

Former major leaguer Victor Martínez has joined the Blue Jays’ front office as a special assistant, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Latest on MMO

MMO Interview: New Mets Radio Voice Keith Raad

FOCO Releases Mets Spring Training Themed Bobbleheads

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Stephen Tarpley (30), Juan Padilla (46), Roger Craig (93)

The post Morning Briefing: Angels Sign Matt Moore appeared first on Metsmerized.

Brewers Get A Catcher 

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting the Mariners traded catcher Omar Narvaez to the Brewers. The Brewers lost star catcher Yasmani Grandal in free agency to the White Sox.

In return, the Mariners will receive right-handed pitching prospect Adam Hill and the 71st overall pick in the upcoming draft (competitive balance pick). Hill originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 draft and traded as part of the package to the Brewers last season for Keon Broxton.

While Narvaez certainly helps replace some of the offense value of Grandal – he hit .278/.353/.460 with 22 home runs last season – he is one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball (-12.3 FRAA in 2019), meanwhile Yasmani is one of the best (20.1 FRAA).

The 27-year-old is under contract through the 2022 season.

Korean Slugger Posted 

Rosenthal also reports that Korean slugger Kim Jae-Hwan has been posted by the Doosan Bears of the Korea Baseball Organization. The 31-year-old saw a significant dip in his offense this season with just a .797 OPS following three straight seasons of an OPS over 1.000.

The left-handed hitter slashed .283/.362/.434 with 20 doubles, five triples, 15 homers, and 91 RBIs in 136 games. His best season came in 2018, when he hit .334/.405/.657 with a career-high with 44 home runs and 133 RBIs. The left-handed hitter plays both corner infield spots.

Orioles Deal Bundy

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the Orioles traded right-hander Dylan Bundy to the Angels for right-handers Zach Peek, Kyle Bradish, Isaac Mattson, and Kyle Brnovich.

Bundy, 27, is coming off a 2019 in which he posted a 4.79 ERA, 4.73 FIP, 1.36 WHIP, and allowed 29 home runs in 161 2/3 innings for Baltimore. The former first round pick is under team control through the 2021 season.

Bumgarner Market Now Heating Up

Following Cole Hamels signing with the Braves and Zack Wheeler going to the Phillies on Wednesday, the market for veteran lefty Madison Bumgarner is starting to pick up.

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Reds – after being a serious contender for Wheeler – are among the teams interested in the World Series hero. Heyman also mentions the Braves, Twins, Angels, Padres, Yankees, and Phillies as logical landing spots.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com notes that Bumgarner could sign before next week’s Winter Meeting in San Diego.

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: Angels Get Bundy, Brewers Trade for Catcher appeared first on Metsmerized.

Cole Hamels and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year, $18 million contract according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Hamels, who turns 36 later this month, went 7-7 for the Chicago Cubs in 2019 with a 3.81 ERA, 1.391 WHIP, and 4.09 FIP in 27 starts. He also struck out 143 batters in 141 2/3 innings for a 9.1 K/9 rate.

The left-hander was excellent in the first half with a 2.98 ERA, but tried to pitch through an oblique issue in the second half that saw his ERA dip to 5.79.

Dallas Keuchel and Julio Teheran are both free agents after pitching in the Braves rotation in 2019, they could still look to add another arm.

The Braves have been the most aggressive team early in free agency, adding Hamels, Will Smith, and Travis d’Arnaud while re-signing right-handed relievers Chris Martin and Darren O’Day.

The post MLB News: Cole Hamels Agrees To Deal With Braves appeared first on Metsmerized.

Cole Hamels Open To One Year Deals

After talking with MLB.com, Cole Hamels is open to consecutive one-year deals as he enters free agency. Hamels just finished the final year of his 7-year deal that originally began in Philadelphia.

When talking to MLB.com, Hamels said “I’m not there to handcuff somebody or an organization… That’s what the younger guys can do. I can do one year here and there and just play as long as I can play. I think that’s what will help give me an opportunity to play on teams that are trying to go to the postseason. If you need one guy, I can just kind of bounce around.”

Gardner, Yankees Talking

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the veteran outfielder and the Yankees have already began talking about a contract to keep him in the Bronx for at least a 12th year.

Gardner is currently the longest tenured Yankee, and the only member left from the 2009 World Series Champions. Gardner set a career high in home runs, RBIs, and OPS+. A short-term extension makes sense for all parties involved, especially given Gardner is still a solid defender.

Devon Travis Hits Open Market

Per a team announcement, former Blue Jays’  infielder Devon Travis has become a free agent. Travis “has elected free agency in lieu of accepting an outright assignment.” Before spending all of last season in the minor leagues, Travis had been in Toronto for parts of four years. Travis has hit to the tune of a .751 OPS during his stint, but never got to see regular playing time.

Orioles Mulling Tough Roster Decisions 

Orioles GM Mike Elias was on local radio on Thursday talking about the offseason and admitted that the team will have some tough financials decisions to make including potential non-tendering players.

Infielder Jonathan Villar is projected to make $10.4 million through arbitration for 2020 and right-handed reliever Mychal Givens is slated to make $3.2 through arbitration.

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: Cole Hamels’ Future Plans appeared first on Metsmerized.

Position: SP

Bats/Throws: L/L

Age: December 27, 1983 (36)

Traditional Stats: 7-7, 3.81 ERA, 1.391 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9, 9.1 K/9

Advanced Stats: 3.0 bWAR, 1.1 fWAR, 117 ERA+, 4.09 FIP

Veteran southpaw Cole Hamels was selected out of high school by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 17th pick in the 2002 MLB Draft. Four-years later he made his big league debut with the Phils on May 12th, 2006 tossing five scoreless, with seven strikeouts and five walks in a no-decision against the Cincinnati Reds.

After a promising rookie season (9-8, 4.08 ERA, 3.98 FIP, 1.247 WHIP, 9.9 k/9), it was clear that Hamels staked his claim as a future mainstay in the Phillies rotation. In nine-and-a-half seasons in Philadelphia, Hamels went on to win 116 games, striking out 1,844 batters, while being named an All-Star three times.  Most importantly, he helped the Phillies capture their 2008 World Series title, where he was named MVP for going 1-0 in two starts with a 2.77 ERA and 1.000 WHIP.

On July 25th, 2015, Hamels tossed the first no-hitter of his career against the Chicago Cubs, striking out 13 along the way. Six days later, Hamels became the first pitcher to ever be dealt coming off a no-hitter as the struggling Phillies traded him and Jake Diekman to the Texas Rangers at the deadline in exchange for a package of Jorge Alfaro, Jerad Eickhoff, Nick Williams, Matt Harrison, Jake Thompson, and Alec Asher.

After arriving in Texas, Hamels made his presence felt as he pitched to a 7-1 record and 3.66 ERA down the stretch to help the sub.500 Rangers rise to the top of the N.L. West standings to snatch the division title away from the Houston Astros. However, the Rangers went on to fall in the ALDS to the Toronto Blue Jays in the famous Jose Bautista “bat flip” series. Hamels started two games going 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA.

The following year Hamels made his fourth All-Star appearance and completed a strong full season with his new club going 15-5 with a 3.32 ERA and 3.98 FIP. For the second straight year, the Rangers captured the N.L. West division title, but were once again eliminated in the ALDS by the Toronto Blue Jays, who this time finished the job in a three-game sweep.

After one more full season in Texas, Hamels was once again traded to the Chicago Cubs at the 2018 trade deadline. Hamels went 4-3 with a 2.36 ERA and 3.42 FIP in 12 starts for the Cubs down the stretch. The lefty tossed two-scoreless innings in the team’s Wild Card loss to the Colorado Rockies.

In 2019, Hamels stayed with the Cubs to go 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA, 4.09 FIP, and 9.1 k/9 in 27 starts. The Cubs picked up the $14 million option of his six-year $144 million deal that he signed back in 2012, which at the time was the second richest contract for a pitcher in major league history.

The veteran left-hander will now hit the free agent market for the first time in his illustrious fourteen year career. Hamels is currently eighth on the active wins leader list with 163 for his career and is 32nd all-time with 2,558 strikeouts.

Contract

Hamels still proved to be a serviceable pitcher in 2019 with an ERA below four. He is also an innings eater, making 27 starts and tossing 141.2 innings at the age of 35.

Heading into his age-36 season, he is certainly not worth the $20 million a year he was previously making, but could still command anywhere between the $8-11 million mark. Expect him to sign for either one-year $8.5 million or a two-year $17.5 million deal.

Recommendation 

Hamels could be a somewhat cheaper, yet reliable, fifth starter option, and he is someone a contender could pickup on a short term deal. With all signs pointing to Zack Wheeler‘s departure from the Mets, the team will have a hole in the back of their rotation.

The Mets believe they can win now, so they may kick the tires on bringing in Hamels on a one-two year deal. The assumption is they will proceed with caution in the wake of the 2018 Jason Vargas contract (two-years, $16 million). Nonetheless, Hamels still consistently touches 91-92 mph with his fastball, can eat innings, and is a reliable back end option in the rotation.

If the Mets bring him in, they will create depth in their rotation with former first round pick David Peterson waiting in the wings. If Hamels falters or if someone else in the rotation goes down with an injury, they can be replaced by Peterson, who is expected to start the 2020 season in Triple-A.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Cole Hamels, LHP appeared first on Metsmerized.

Patrick Corbin

Position: LHP

Bats/Throws: L/L

Age: July 19, 1989 (29)

Traditional Stats: 11-7, 3.15 ERA, 33 G, 33 GS, 200 IP, 246 SO, 1.050 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9, 11.1 SO/9

Advanced Stats: 137 ERA+, 2.47 FIP, 4.6 bWAR, 6.3 fWAR

In 2010, Patrick Corbin was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a four-for-one package that sent Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. At the time, Corbin was 21-years-old and projected to be a back-end starter after being drafted in the second-round (80th overall) in the 2009 MLB Draft by the Angels.

Eight years later, Corbin enters the offseason as one of the most heavily sought after starting pitchers on the free agent market.

Corbin reached the majors by 2012, appearing in 22 games (17 starts) and posting a 4.54 ERA over 107 innings pitched. He gained nearly two miles on his average fastball velocity from 2012 to 2013, and started to incorporate his now signature slider much more (17.1 % in 2012 to 23.0 % in 2013).

In the first half of the ’13 season, Corbin posted an 11-1 record with the third-lowest ERA (2.35) and the eighth-lowest WHIP (1.000) among qualified starting pitchers. He made his first All-Star team and finished the season with a 3.41 ERA over 32 starts. He became the youngest Diamondbacks starting pitcher in their franchise history to toss at least 200 innings in a season.

Corbin was establishing himself as an ace of a young Diamondbacks rotation, leading the staff in innings pitched (208.1), WHIP (1.166), and bWAR (3.0) in ’13.

His ascension came to an abrupt halt during spring training in 2014, as Corbin felt discomfort in his left elbow. Tommy John surgery was recommended for the upstate New York native, and he was shut down for the entire ’14 season. He returned just before the All-Star break in 2015 and made 16 starts with a 3.60 ERA.

In his first full season back from Tommy John in 2016, Corbin struggled. By mid-August Corbin posted a 4-12 record with a 5.58 ERA, with hitters posting a combined .868 OPS against him. The Diamondbacks decided to move Corbin to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, in which he had considerable success. In 12 appearances out of the pen, Corbin posted an ERA nearly three runs lower than as a starter (2.70), increased his groundball rate by 14% (52.2 to 66.1%), and saw his hard hit rate decrease by over 13 percent (40.0 to 26.8%).

Corbin was back in the rotation for the 2017 season and demonstrated much better results. His ERA was more than a full run lower than in 2016 (5.15 to 4.03), his walk percentage dropped by two percent (9.4 to 7.4), and he relied more heavily on his slider than any other season in his career (37.6%). Among qualified NL starters in ’17, Corbin’s 12.1 wSL (slider runs above average) was good for fifth best behind Max Scherzer, Jhoulys Chacin, Clayton Kershaw, and Carlos Martinez.

In 2018, Corbin took his slider usage to a whole other level.

His slider was his most used pitch (41.0%) and for good reason: hitters couldn’t do anything with it. Opposing batters hit just .145 against his slider and posted a slugging percentage of .243. Of his 246 strikeouts in ’18, 195 of them were on sliders alone. Hitters missed at 53.7% of their total swings on his slider, and according to David Adler, Corbin generated the highest slider whiff rate by any starting pitcher in 2018.

One of the reasons for the increased usage of the slider was the drop in velocity on Corbin’s four seam fastball. According to Statcast, Corbin’s average four-seam fastball velocity was 92.3 in ’17, and down to 90.8 in ’18. Corbin relied on his four seamer just above 27 percent of the time in ’17, however, that usage dropped over eight percent in ’18, down to 19.1. It is worth noting that Corbin’s average four seam velocity rose back to 92 mph for the final month of the season.

Corbin made his second All-Star team in ’18 and posted career highs in starts (33), SO/9 (11.1), WHIP (1.050), ERA+ (137), and bWAR (4.6). His 15.6 swinging strike rate was second among all qualified starters behind only Max Scherzer (16.2).

Contract

Coming off a career year can only help increase Corbin’s value and appeal, in which several teams – including a few large market ones –  are already rumored to be coveting the 29-year-old free agent (Yankees, Braves, Dodgers, and Giants).

It’s been long speculated that Corbin will find himself in the Bronx, as he’s from upstate New York and the Yankees have a need for a top of the rotation starter. With the Yankees staying under the luxury tax threshold this year, thus resetting their tax rate, I envision the club retooling their team to build around their young core talent. While Corbin will likely be offered a qualifying offer by the Diamondbacks for $17.9 million, there’s no way he accepts that, knowing large market teams are in need for a front of the rotation arm.

The qualifying offer won’t be much of a deterrent for interested teams considering what he provides for an organization looking to fill a void atop the rotation.

I certainly think it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Corbin to secure a contract of five to six years for roughly $20-25 million per year. The six-year, $144 million contract Cole Hamels signed with the Phillies in 2012 could certainly be a barometer for an eventual Corbin signing.

Recommendation

As enticing as it would be to pair Corbin with Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndgergaard, Zack Wheeler, and Steven Matz, forming a super rotation, I simply do not see the Mets spending that type of coin on a starting pitcher this offseason.

With several needs to fill (catcher, bullpen, right-handed power bat, back-end starter) and no clear cut budget, Corbin is more of a pipe dream than realistic signing for the Mets. The club has the potential to boast one of the best top of the rotations in the game, assuming all stay healthy. The Mets’ needs rest more in obtaining help in the back-end of the pen, finding a solution at catcher, and filling a void for a right-handed power bat to insert into the middle of their lineup.

Despite a strong second half by Jason Vargas, I find it tough to pencil him in for the number five spot in the rotation if the Mets are committed to competing in 2019. Instead, the Mets should look to sign a veteran starter to a one or two year deal as a stopgap until Justin Dunn and or David Peterson are ready for the majors. In a separate profile, John Sheridan profiled free agent right-hander Charlie Morton as a potential veteran starter to sign, who I wholeheartedly agree with.

CC Sabathia is another candidate who will likely have to settle for a one-year deal and is already comfortable and quite familiar with New York and what it takes to play here. Sabathia certainly boasts postseason experience and could be a good mentor for the rest of the starting rotation.

The apparent lack of offense – especially against left-handed pitching – and late inning pen arms will ultimately steer the Mets away from Corbin, who will be in for quite a bidding war this offseason.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Patrick Corbin, LHP appeared first on Metsmerized.

The Chicago Cubs look to have a deal in place for Texas Rangers hurler Cole Hamels.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported earlier today that the deal had a “real chance to be concluded, possibly even today”.

According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, there is now a “deal in place”.

Hamels, 34, has spent the last three seasons with the Rangers after being traded to Texas from the Phillies during the 2015 season.

The left-hander has a career 3.43 earned-run average, 3.67 FIP, and 123 ERA+, with 53.3 wins above replacement and a 3.41 strikeout to walk ratio over his thirteen-year career (152-111, 382 starts). In twenty starts this season, Hamels has a 4.72 ERA and a 1.373 WHIP.

Sherman noted that the Rangers will absorb $10.2 million of Hamels’ remaining salary with the Cubs taking on only $4 million and that Texas was “just looking to get out of any (committed salary), and get some prospects”.

We will keep you updated as the deal inches closer to what appears to be confirmation.

The post Cubs to Acquire Cole Hamels from Texas Rangers appeared first on Metsmerized.

In his fourth win of the season and potentially his final start as a New York Met, Zack Wheeler did not disappoint. The righty completed seven innings for the sixth time this year, allowing just two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out three. At this point in his 2017 campaign, Wheeler had only managed to go seven innings twice – and neither time put up a game score as high as the 69 he posted last night.

With a fastball that sat 97-98 mph through the night (an uptick of up to 3 mph from his average velocity in his debut), Wheeler, like Jacob deGrom the night before, was held up by one long inning in an otherwise efficient performance that saw 65 out of 99 pitches register as strikes and lowered his ERA and FIP to 4.33 and 3.68 on the year, respectively.

The lone hiccup on Wheeler’s night spanned 28 pitches (just 16 for strikes) in a third inning that actually accounted for four of the five baserunners the righty was ultimately staked to.

After Austin Hedges ripped a single back through the box with one down and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, center fielder and perennial Met killer Manuel Margot (.439/.439/.805 career line against Met pitching) rolled a weak grounder between the mound and third base to prolong the frame. Wheeler struggled against his next two hitters – walking Carlos Asuaje and allowing a two-run single to Wil Myers before Michael Conforto and Devin Mesoraco teamed up to record a perplexing, replay-assisted third out at the hot corner.

Still ahead by three runs after the Mets put two runs back on the board in the bottom half, Wheeler picked up right where he left off in the fourth inning and never looked back.

He faced 12 Padre hitters, retiring all of them while striking out two and not once falling into a hitter’s count. In fact, Wheeler’s third inning of work was the only such occasion in which he slipped into a 2-1 count – just two overall. Half of the dozen batters were turned away on three or fewer pitches, as Wheeler’s “here it is, hit it” strategy (as described by manager Mickey Callaway) paid resounding dividends. Asked after the game about his batterymate’s dominant run over the past ten starts (3.50 ERA, 6.1 IP/start since June 1), Mesoraco sang high praises:

“To be honest, ever since I started catching Zack, he’s been good. So that’s the only Zack that I know. He’s logged a lot of innings, he has four capable pitches, he can throw it by guys, he doesn’t walk guys. I don’t know anything other than, man, Zack Wheeler’s pretty good.”

With the Mets’ poor performance through June and early July damning them to a deadline as sellers, Wheeler, who was once reported to be the easiest accessible starter at the deadline (in terms of ability and demanded return), was asked how the rumor mill had affected his start:

“It crossed my mind, not gonna lie, [but] at the same time, you can’t do anything about it. You just got to go out and pitch and try to get a win. I was able to do that tonight.

“I hope I am still here,” Wheeler added. “But it’s out of my control.”

With what he could control, however, there’s no question that Wheeler held his own and continued to build on what has easily been, to date at least, his most reliable season on the mound. With Cole Hamels (10.23 ERA and 1.043 opponent OPS since June 23) and J.A. Happ (6.03 ERA and average of 5 IP/start since June 20) continuing their respective struggles into the second half and Wheeler offering another year of team control, 2018 may also turn out to be Wheeler’s most clutch, as well, if the Mets can play their cards right.

The post Wheeler Shines In Possible Final Start At Citi Field appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good afternoon, Mets fans!

Despite an underwhelming return in yesterday’s trade of Jeurys Familia, fret not! There is no such organizational dysfunction in today’s edition of our rumor roundup.

With Familia and Brad Hand now officially off the books, Zach Britton is easily the best remaining reliever any team looking to improve their bullpen could pursue. According to a number of sources, interest has become clearer as discussions have progressed.

Last night, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported that the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros had both been in contact with the Baltimore Orioles about Britton, and have attempted to “match up prospects.” Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports described the situation as a race between six teams, but Crasnick has since added that both the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers are less keen on a bid for Britton, citing mixed feelings about prospects and luxury tax issues for the respective teams. Less has been said about Heyman’s other two teams: the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox.

Dodgers Looking For Bullpen Help 

The Dodgers could, however, make a play for Baltimore’s set-up man Brad Brach, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. Shaikin adds that they have monitored the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays, and have also checked in with the Oakland Athletics about Blake Treinen – who although less urgently needed with Familia’s arrival, would still, understandably command a hefty price given Oakland’s current record.

The Dodgers’ 3.83 bullpen ERA this season ranks fourth in the NL West division and has been even less reliable below Kenley Jansen. Even in a down year (4.34 ERA, 1.69 WHIP), Brach would be a surefire improvement over a number of late-inning alternatives the Dodgers currently have, such as Daniel Hudson, (1.41 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9, -0.4 WAR), Pedro Baez (1.50 WHIP, 4.7 BB/9, and biceps tendinitis that has sidelined him since the beginning of June) and former Met Erik Goeddel (4.24 FIP, 4.9 BB/9, and 1.2 HR/9).

Archer and Hamels Drawing Big Interest

Starting pitching has also been a hot topic in the recent days, as interest in Tampa Bay right-hander, Chris Archer has become “significant,” according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Archer has only made two starts since returning from an abdominal strain, and on neither occasion could he make it out of the fifth inning. Archer’s case is particularly interesting given the four years’ worth of options and team control, but the ace has done little to establish himself as such the last three years (22-35, 4.09 ERA in 82 starts), and teams may be hesitant to part with bigger prospects as a result.

The market has also started to materialize regarding Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels, who is expected to be sent to a trade partner by the deadline, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

A 5.05 FIP and 1.7 HR/9 haven’t done much to combat the concern that Hamels is aging into a decline, but have also done little to deter teams like the Red Sox, Braves, and New York Yankees from taking interest in him altogether. The Phillies could potentially go after him as well, but aren’t sure if a dubious spot in the back of the rotation is worth a shipment of prospects.

Secondary Pitching Market Options Emerging 

Cafardo adds that teams have been scouting right-hander Sonny Gray, who demonstrated some much tighter control in a near-quality start against the Mets yesterday. While Gray has festered at the bottom of the Yankees’ rotation for most of the season, his next two starts between now and the end of the deadline could spell an opportunity for GM Brian Cashman to bounce prospects over in a leapfrog deal for a better starter.

The Seattle Mariners (per Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times) and Arizona Diamondbacks (per Rosenthal as well) are both possible entrants in the market for rotation upgrades as they center their search around relievers. Both teams have the financial wherewithal to eat salary, which could intensify the current rumor mill surrounding pitchers.

Speaking of Boston, ESPN’s Buster Olney has listed the Red Sox as one of many teams looking for a smaller-scale rotation improvement in Detroit Tigers’ righty Mike Fiers. Despite a 4.57 FIP and 4.75 xFIP, Fiers has managed to limit the walks and homers that once plagued him, and would be infinitely less expensive than Hamels or Archer.

In the aforementioned article, Cafardo highlights Miami innings-eater Dan Straily as another possible depth piece for the Sox. Straily, like Fiers, bears another year of team control, but has also struggled, possibly even more so considering his competition in the National League, 5.27 FIP, and 4.3 BB/9 (an increase from last year’s mark by a full walk).

Perhaps a new uniform is the simplest solution, and given the relatively hot competition going on above them, neither starter would likely cost a whole lot in prospects and/or slot money. Not much has been said about the degree of interest, neither on behalf of the Red Sox nor as it relates to the undisclosed teams.

Offensive Market Moving Slow

Not much else has developed regarding frontline hitters such as Mike Moustakas and Brian Dozier, although a few points of interest have started to become clearer.

The Tigers have been receiving calls about 28-year old shortstop Jose Iglesias, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press. Iglesias has posted a .682 OPS, offering most of his value on the defensive side of the ball. Nonetheless, he could also make for a potential depth piece for teams in need of depth along the middle of the infield, such as the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland Athletics.

Teams looking for help at first base would be wise to avoid the Chicago White Sox, who are strongly inclined to hang onto slugger Jose Abreu, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Abreu, who will be a free agent after the 2019 season, has regressed to a .250/.312/.435 line in his age-31 season, but still could have been a decent power improvement for teams looking for a more controllable asset in the middle of the order.

Josh Donaldson, however, is very much available, as Nick Cafardo writes. In fact, the Toronto Blue Jays apparently “hope” to have him dealt by the end of the summer – be it within the next week or the next month. Donaldson, who isn’t expected to recover from a calf injury until the beginning of August, has struggled mightily in his contract year. His .757 OPS is the lowest it’s been since he posted a .687 figure as a utility man with the Oakland Athletics in 2012.

Whether the intent will be to net prospects or enjoy any possible form of salary relief, Toronto will certainly look to get some value back – while they still can – in what has been a lost season for the former MVP.

The post MLB Rumor Roundup: Market for Zach Britton Heating Up appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets (32-46) had an off day on Thursday after dropping their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates (38-42) a day prior.

Latest Mets News

The Mets will face off against the Miami Marlins (32-50) in South Florida in a series that can either keep the Mets in fourth place or send them into the National League cellar. The Mets will have Jacob deGrom (5-3, 1.69 ERA) on the mound for game one and he will be opposed by Sandy Alcantara (0-0, -.– ERA) who will be making his 2018 debut and the first start of his career. The game will be televised on SNY and broadcast on 710 WOR with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT.

Former Met Addison Reed sent a text of encouragement to Sandy Alderson and has no doubt that he’ll beat cancer again as reported by Mike Berardino of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees has been in contact with the Mets regarding their pitchers according to Neil Best of Newsday. The talks weren’t advanced and he was merely doing his due diligence.

Kristie Ackert of the Daily News wrote about Mickey Callaway entering a no-win situation with the Mets’ upcoming series with the Marlins.

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The Texas Rangers are making progress towards a Cole Hamels trade to the point where a deal could come to fruition before the All-Star break, per Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.

Shohei Ohtani was cleared by Dr. Yoon to begin a hitting program which he will start right away according to the Los Angeles Angels.

The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks look to be contenders in the Manny Machado sweepstakes, but the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies appear to be the favorites per Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports.

There were 30 contracts of $1 million or more given out to relievers this offseason. The results thus far have been lackluster as recorded by Craig Edwards of Fangraphs.

Boston Red Sox general manager Dave Dombrowski said that while he’d prefer not to go over the luxury tax threshold, the concerns won’t prevent him from making a move, per Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.

Latest NL East News

The Atlanta Braves activated Ronald Acuna Jr. from the disabled list and placed Brandon McCarthy on the 10-day DL with right knee tendinitis. The team also recalled Matt Wisler from Triple-A Gwinnett and optioned Wes Parsons to Gwinnett as reported by Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game.

Scott Lauber of Philly.com suggested that the Phillies pursue Mike Moustakas or Adrian Beltre before the trading deadline.

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Jacob Resnick reported about Zach Borenstein being named the Las Vegas 51s’ only All-Star.

John Sheridan answered a mailbag that asked the question: “What realistic changes can this team make in order to be a playoff contender in 2019?”

Sheridan also continued his “3 Up, 3 Down” series after the Mets’ three-game set with the Pirates.

Jack Hendon dissected Zack Wheeler‘s start on Wednesday where he went seven innings in consecutive starts for the first time in his career.

Tim Donner wrote a featured post analyzing how much blame should be placed on Callaway for the state of the Mets.

This Day in Mets History

1969: Tom Seaver recorded his 43rd win and in doing so became the Mets’ all-time leader in victories. He broke Al Jackson‘s record who pitched for the team from 1962 to 1965.

Birthdays: Larry Stahl turns 77 and Bob Shaw was born on this day in 1933.

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