The Mets have signed utility player Diego A. Castillo to a minor league deal. Castillo was briefly with the club last January after being claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, but was lost in the same fashion two weeks later to the New York Yankees. The 27-year-old appeared in four MLB games for the Minnesota Twins last season.

Now onto the morning briefing!

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Latest Mets News

Kodai Senga tossed 3 2/3 hitless innings as the Mets cruised to a 10-3 win over the Nationals on Thursday. After Washington took an early lead, New York responded with a three-run second inning and broke it open with a five-run fourth. Luisangel Acuña, Luis Torrens and Jose Siri led the offensive charge. For more on this, check out our recap!

Tim Britton of The Athletic explains how the Mets designed their new blue road alternate uniform. The Mets House at Union Square will have the jersey available for sale starting today.

The New York Mets will honor the legacy of former Black Mets players and other historical figures during the Black Legacy Game, presented by Nike, on Thursday, April 17, against the St. Louis Cardinals. Fans who purchase tickets through this special offer will receive an exclusive Black Legacy Game hat.

Fanatics Fest announces that Mets and Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza will be in attendance on June 21.

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Keegan Matheson of MLB.com notes that Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro commented on the status of signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr., stating that, “I think we’re going to sign him. I think we’re going to extend him. The reason I feel that way is because we have such a clear alignment on the desired outcome.”

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, former Cy Young winner and San Diego Padres Hall of Famer Jake Peavy has joined San Diego’s front office as a special assistant to CEO Erik Greupner.

As noted by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Jose Trevino and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to an extension, bringing his total deal to three years for nearly $15 million, plus a club option. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo is heading to the Atlanta Braves on a $1.5 million deal.

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David Melendi writes about the importance of David Peterson to the 2025 Mets starting rotation.

Jon Lane of RG.org writes about the high hopes shared by former Mets Dwight Gooden and Nelson Figueroa on prospect Brandon Sproat.

On This Date In Mets History

2013: David Wright was named the fourth captain in Mets history, joining Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter and John Franco.

2011: The Mets released pitcher Oliver Perez. In five seasons with New York, he posted a 29-29 record with a 4.71 ERA.

Born on This Date: Anthony Kay (1995), Frankie Montas (1993), Jimmy Yacabonis (1992), Bobby Wahl (1992), Carlos Carrasco (1987), Shawon Dunston (1963), Tommy Davis (1939).

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On Friday, the Yankees announced that they claimed infielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the Mets. In a corresponding move, the Yankees designated Jeter Downs for assignment. Castillo was a short-lived member of the Mets this offseason, as he was claimed by New York on January 5 before being designated for assignment one week later to make room for Sean Manaea on the 40-man roster. Castillo was always nothing more than a depth pickup by David Stearns, and he will now head across town to join his third team this offseason.

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Latest Mets News

Artist Eladio Carrión released a music video for his song ‘RKO’ on Friday. Some shots from the video took place at Citi Field and featured Mets catcher Francisco Álvarez.

The Mets celebrated the graduation of members of their Dominican Academy last week. Among those in attendance were president of baseball operations David Stearns, manager Carlos Mendoza, and Francisco Álvarez.

Latest MLB News

The Houston Astros signed closer Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract. With no deferrals, it is the largest present-day value contract for a relief pitcher in MLB history, beating out the contract Edwin Díaz signed last offseason due to deferrals in his contract. Hader joins a fantastic backend of the bullpen in Houston, uniting with impressive relievers Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu.

Another reliever went off the board on Friday, with Robert Stephenson joining the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year deal. It was previously reported by Jon Morosi of MLB Network that the Mets were interested in Stephenson.

New details of the Wander Franco case were obtained by ESPN on Friday, including previously unknown interactions and messages between Franco and a 14-year-old girl who he is alleged to have had a relationship with.

The Marlins finalized and announced their coaching staff under manager Skip Schumaker on Friday.

The Cardinals signed infielder Matt Carpenter to a one-year deal. The 38-year-old spent the first 11 seasons of his career in St. Louis, where he was a three-time All-Star.

Sam Kennedy, president and CEO of the Red Sox, said on Friday that payroll for the team will “probably be lower” next year than last year. Kennedy emphasized the team’s desire to build the team around a young core of players.

In a move that affects sports journalism beyond just the baseball world, all Sports Illustrated staffers were notified on Friday that they were being let go, threatening the future of the legendary brand.

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Ricky Keeler writes about David Wright‘s current trajectory to remain on the Hall of Fame ballot.

Jack Markowski evaluates the Mets’ remaining options on the market for the DH role.

Brian Wright makes the case for Billy Wagner to make the Hall of Fame.

In an MMO Fan Shot, Greg Jones ponders whether young Mets players can succeed in the high-pressure environment of Queens.

On This Date in Mets History

1984: The White Sox claimed Tom Seaver from the Mets in a free-agent compensation draft, ending Seaver’s second stint with New York after spending just the 1983 season with the team. General manager Frank Cashen left Seaver unprotected from the draft, incorrectly assuming no one would take the 39-year-old, but the White Sox made Cashen regret his decision by grabbing the Mets legend.

Birthdays: Ali Sánchez (27), Travis Taijeron (35)

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Starling Marte had a strong night on Friday for the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League, recording two hits including a double and reaching base a total of three times. Marte also recorded an RBI and a run. This was in Marte’s second winter ball game, following a Wednesday night effort in which he recorded a hit in five innings played. Marte’s 2023 season with the Mets was marred by injuries and poor performance, and the Mets will be hoping he can parlay a strong winter into a bounce-back 2024 season.

Starling Marte. Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

Latest Mets News

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets have reportedly checked in with the White Sox on starter and potential trade target Dylan Cease.

The Mets announced that they claimed infielder Diego Castillo from the Diamondbacks. Castillo has recorded a .630 OPS in 284 career big league plate appearances but he succeeded in Triple-A in 2023, posting a .313 batting average and .431 on-base percentage.

Latest MLB News

Jon Morosi of MLB Network announced the retirement of Michael Brantley. Brantley released a statement shortly after thanking those who supported him throughout his career. Brantley was a five-time All-Star between Cleveland and Houston and was known as one of the premeir contact hitters in baseball, finishing his career with a .298 batting average.

The Mariners and Giants completed a trade on Friday, which sent former Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray to the Giants in exchange for Mitch Haniger, who reutrns to Seattle, and Anthony DeSclafani.

The Mariners completed another trade, this time with the Rays, sending shortstop José Caballero to Tampa Bay in exchange for outfielder Luke Raley. Raley joins Haniger in Seattle as they acquire two outfield bats, while Caballero joins a Rays team in which he will get the chance to compete for the starting shortstop position.

The Rays then completed another trade, sending reliever Andrew Kittredge to the Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Richie Palacios. Kittredge has been a good arm out of the bullpen despite missing most of the last two years, while Palacios joins the Rays following a year in which he recorded an .823 OPS in 93 at-bats.

Thomas Harding of MLB.com announced that the Rockies signed pitcher Dakota Hudson and catcher Jacob Stallings to one-year contracts.

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com announced that the Brewers signed catcher Austin Nola to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

The Braves signed former Met Luis Guillorme to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million, while also signing Huascar Ynoa to a one-year, $825,000 contract to avoid arbitration.

Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Cubs claimed catcher Brian Serven off waivers from the Rockies.

Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the 2024 trade deadline has been set for July 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET.

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Jorge Eckhardt profiles new Met and one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball, Harrison Bader.

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki profiles reliever Robert Stephenson as a potential free agent target for the Mets.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Casey Fossum (46), Marlon Anderson (50), Roy Staiger (74)

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Castillo, 26, has accumulated more than 3,000 minor league plate appearances. Most of his success came in 2021 between the New York Yankees’ and Pittsburgh Pirates’ systems, when he hit 19 home runs and posted an .843 OPS in Double-A and Triple-A. He was acquired by the Pirates in late July in a trade that sent Clay Holmes to the Yankees.

FanGraphs ranked Castillo as the Pirates’ No. 17 prospect before the 2022 season. But his production took a step back that year. In 35 Triple-A games, he only hit three home runs with a .689 OPS. He debuted in the majors, posting a .633 OPS in 96 games. The Pirates designated him for assignment in the offseason, and he was traded to the Diamondbacks shortly thereafter.

Castillo had a strong 2023 season in Triple-A for the Reno Aces, batting .313 with an .841 OPS. He only got one at-bat at the major league level, however.

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At the very least, Castillo gives the Mets an positional depth option. He has versatility around the infield; he’s played most of his career innings at shortstop, with a large sample at second base as well. He’s also played some third and first base. In 2022, he added right field to his repertoire, playing more than 137 innings there at the big league level for the Pirates.

Despite a lack of big names, the Mets have been active this offseason in the depth department. Castillo is someone with very little risk attached, and some potential upside if things go well. His power stroke peaked in 2022, and he hit well in the minors last year despite his prospect stock having fallen by then. If he can get some of that power going again, he could be a nice little surprise for the Mets and compete for a bench spot on the big league team.

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