As we celebrate their 20 years, our team is sharing our favorite Gary, Keith, and Ron memories, and we know, there’s a ton of them!

Mojo Hill

My favorite GKR moment is probably one I didn’t even watch live — because I was at the game. The sheer disbelief in Gary’s voice when calling the Bartolo home run was priceless. I can practically recite that call. It was hilarious and fully representative of what makes “GKR” great, having the right mix of humor and enthusiasm for the oddities of baseball.

A strong runner-up, though more of a general sentiment than a specific moment, is their banter in lopsided games. Having these guys on the call helps make the Mets entertaining no matter how well a particular season or game is going. They know how to dial up the seriousness and analysis for intense moments while keeping it loose and fun for the low-pressure times. Their personalities feed naturally off each other and they make any game more fun to watch, which is what makes GKR so great.

David Melendi

I love “GKR.” There are times I keep a lopsided game on just for their banter. I appreciate that they are objective. I love a replay of the booth after a walk-off. Gary reminds me of an orchestra conductor, standing and waving his arms through his call.

I am also a Knicks fan and one favorite memory was Gary coming up with “Lindsanity” when Francisco Lindor hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning in Toronto that also broke up a no-hitter in September 2024. A few weeks later when Lindor homered in the ninth of Game 161 in Atlanta Gary screams ,“Lindsanity again!”

Christian De Block

One of my favorite GKR” moments was when Keith completely butchered the Cardinals defensive lineup. Mispronounced Peter Bourjos, missed the entire infield, but hey, he still managed to mention Yadier Molina at the end! Keith brings a certain sense of humor to the booth that makes us all laugh at home.

Matthew Tutrone

We’ve been blessed by such an abundance of hilarious quips, cerebral insights, and heartfelt moments from these three, that it’s impossible for me to choose a single favorite. Now, 20 years into their tenure, these unforgettable moments have become almost routine and expected from them. Yet they always manage to keep the broadcast fresh and entertaining, even during the lousiest of games.

These aren’t specific moments, but two of my favorite things they do are when they sit out among the crowd, and when they bring the kidcasters into the booth for a half-inning. You can really see the love they have for Mets fans in those moments, and that love is a big part of what makes us tune in night after night all summer long.

Michelle Ioannou

Can we talk about when they’d break open packs of baseball cards during long, or really bad, games? That has to be mentioned. Gary Cohen’s Bartolo Colon home run call is also one that will live down in infamy. But if I had to pick just one, a funny one, it has to go to the time Keith did a play-by-play of fans partying on the boats near Oracle Park in San Fran. He totally roasted them, and it was way too funny.

The post MMO Roundtable: Our Favorite Gary, Keith, Ron Memories appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Padres, who have had several questions concerning their financial status, were able to lock up one of their young stars on Wednesday. San Diego’s center fielder, Jackson Merrill, had an All-Star campaign in his rookie year, slugging 24 home runs with a .292/.326/.500 slash line. Merrill agreed with the club on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension which can max out at $204 million and includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season that can convert to a player option, per Robert Murray of FanSided.

Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Wednesday night the Mets were able to secure their first series win of the season by taking the rubber match against the Marlins down in Miami. Clay Holmes had a solid start for the Mets, going 4 2/3 IP with six hits, two runs (1 ER), and six strikeouts. Pete Alonso tied the game with a dead center game-tying three-run homer in the eighth, and New York would go on to win the game in the 11th inning. 

The Mets have an off day today as they prepare to come home for the first time this season, hosting the Toronto Blue Jays for three games at Citi Field this weekend.

Latest Mets News

Juan Soto on Sandy Alcantara: “It would be one of the best trades that we could have. I know we have great pitching here, but adding a Cy Young winner like that would be huge,” per Mike Puma of the NY Post.

Jonah Tong is one of three Mets prospects who impressed scouts on spring training backfields, per Baseball America.

Mets third-round pick from Mississippi State, Nate Dohm, gets the ball for the St. Lucie Mets‘ opener.

The Mets signed first baseman Jon Singleton and infielder Niko Goodrum to minor league contracts, per Mike Mayer of MMO.

Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Frankie Montas has started throwing and has started throwing from 60 feet, per Tim Healey of Newsday. Montas is returning from a lat strain.

Latest MLB News

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Estuery Ruiz from the A’s in exchange for RHP Carlos Duran. Ruiz, who stole 67 bags in 2023, was DFA’d four days ago and will be optioned to Triple-A.

The Red Sox today signed INF/OF Kristian Campbell to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension that spans the 2025-2032 seasons, with club options for 2033 and 2034, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

The Diamondbacks have signed Ketel Marte to a new extension through 2031. It is worth $116.5 million, $64 million of which is new money, per Nick Piecoro of Arizona Republic. 

Latest On MMO

Max Kranick is having a strong start to the season!

Frankie Montas has resumed throwing.

Pete Alonso leads the charge in Mets victory.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez call the first regular season Mets game for SNY.

2006: David Wright goes 2-for-3 with a homer and Xavier Nady tallies four in a 3-2 Mets Opening Day win over the Nationals.

2001: Robin Ventura hits two go-ahead home runs, including a game-winning blast in the 10th inning.

1966: The Mets win a lottery and get the rights to sign Tom Seaver.

Born on This Date: Hayden Senger (1997), Jay Bruce (1987), Rod Gaspar (1946), Hawk Taylor (1939), Don Rowe (1936).

The post Morning Briefing: Jackson Merrill Inks Nine-Year Extension appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Sure, it also meant I had to wake up at 6:30 A.M. to drive down from Connecticut, but who wouldn’t be ecstatic about the chance to directly speak to the players, managers of present and past, and get a free ticket to a must-experience event held by the Mets.

By Roberto Carlo

The event lasted from 9:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.m., which might seem like a long time to be at Citi Field and not experience one apple raise or fan dressed as Grimace. But despite a long run time, the experience was never dull.

Below I listed my biggest takeaways from Amazin’ Day.

Fan Experience

The biggest and most influential takeaway from Saturday was the fan experience. Steve Cohen has stated fan engagement was of importance when he took over the Mets, and he put on a show for everyone who attended this special event.

Citi Field was open from the Jackie Robinson Rotunda to the Excelsior Level (301-339), and was decked out with numerous activities. Autograph sessions were held, where former, current, and minor league players were available to fans throughout the day.

The Mets also opened a “Meet the Mets Memorabilia” pop-up museum in the Press Conference Room, which was decked out in memorabilia throughout Mets history. It was a nice homage for fans of all ages, whether you wanted to reminisce or learn about your favorite team’s past.

One overlooked fan experience of Saturday took place in the Caesars Sportsbook Club on the Excelsior Level. The Mets set up VR (virtual reality) headsets to simulate players’ swings and take at-bats from home plate at Citi Field, which if you ask my fellow technological brothers and me, seemed like a fun time.

If you splurged on the $950 ticket for VIP access, your family was treated to even more fun activities and access to the stadium. The Delta Sky360 Club was opened to those with the pass, where players, alumni, and coaches were there to meet and socialize.

VIP members were also given all-day access to the VIP Lounge, located in the Ownership Suite. I was told ownership, players, and alumni were also down in the lounge, but I unfortunately didn’t have the time to check it out.

Of course, you wouldn’t be a VIP without perks to the day. Those members were given fast passes for autograph sessions, priority seating for programming, and a package featuring a limited edition Amazin’ Day Poster, lanyard, and credential. Again, I unfortunately didn’t have time to personally witness these events of signings, but it looked like a semi-long wait for such events without VIP access.

The most substantial, and controversial, fan experience of the day was the programming panels. Steve Cohen knocked this idea out of the park (pun intended), having former players from years past talk about former experiences as a Met, and current and future Mets talk about their expectations for 2025.

These panels were hosted by Gary Cohen, Steve Gelbs, and Jay Horwitz, and all three did an excellent job. My personal favorite panel moment came from Jon Niese, who quipped about being on the 2015 panel with David Wright and Matt Harvey.

Of course, the controversy came via panel that featured Steve Cohen and David Stearns. The two talked about Pete Alonso‘s looming free agency, in which boos occurred. I have opinions, but this is a happy article, and I don’t want to get in trouble.

Pete Alonso and Prospects

Alonso was a current theme of Amazin’ Day.

The free-agent first baseman was talked about at the aforementioned panel. David Stearns gave a logical response. Fans booed. Steve Cohen was then honest. We’ll all move on. Right?

“I don’t like the negotiations,” Cohen told the fans at the panel. “I don’t like what’s being presented to us.”

But the talk of Alonso was apparent with the players in the Press Box media events. The questions about him started bright and early at 9:30 A.M., and every player who took part in the 2024 season was more or less asked the same question: Have you spoken to Pete? What do you think about his free agency?

“Thinking about you,” Francisco Lindor said when asked about his personal text message to Alonso. “Hope you’re doing well.”

“I hope he comes back,” Edwin Díaz told the media. “But if he doesn’t come back, we wish him the best. Pete is a great person, great teammate, great clubhouse leader. We’ll see what happens.”

The other response to Pete came via the prospects. Stearns was at the forefront in supporting the upcoming players, saying he was confident in their ability to play a big role in 2025.

“We also feel really good about the young players who are coming through our system,” Stearns said responding to the possibility of Alonso leaving. “And (they) have the ability to play at the major league level. We saw that last year and that’s not the most popular opinion. We saw that last year and we’re going to see that again.”

It’s also important to clarify that Stearns stated he is interested in a reunion with Alonso.

“We all love Pete. And we’ve said that many times. I think as we’ve gone through this process, we’ve continued to express that. We also understand that this is a business and Pete as a free agent deserves the right and has the right, earned the privilege really, to see what’s out there.”

Merch!

What would Amazin’ Day be without the swag?

All fans had a chance to buy some Saturday, with exceptional deals as well. The stores had 50% discounts, and even featured up to 80% discounts on some t-shirts and postseason merch.

There were excellent deals all around, and I hope those who attended took the opportunity to add to their game-day wardrobe.

I’ll throw this here as well, but the Mets also introduced a new road jersey for the 2025 season. It’s an homage to the old road jerseys from the 90s, with a script New York across the center. You can see the jersey by clicking here.

The post Mets Amazin’ Day Lived Up to the Name appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso struck out in the ninth inning of the National League team’s 5-3 defeat to the American League in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers.

Alonso opened the final frame against Cleveland Guardians star Emmanuel Clase. The 29-year-olds faced four consecutive cutters to start the at-bat before swinging and missing on a slider for the third strike. It was the only plate appearance of Alonso’s fourth Midsummer Classic.

Photo by Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was named the MVP of the game after a two-run home run in the fifth inning, which proved to be the difference in victory for the American League.

Alonso’s unsuccessful at-bat marked a disappointing end to an eventful All-Star break.

When the Derby came around on Monday, Alonso, a two-time champion of the event, flamed out in the first round.

Faced with a big spot in the ninth, Alonso concluded his break by whiffing on his lone at-bat in the actual All-Star Game.

Latest Mets News

The Mets traded infielder Rylan Bannon to the Minnesota Twins for cash.

The Mets signed Hoss Brewer, an undrafted pitcher from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to a free agent deal.

Gary, Keith and Ron were at the top of Awful Announcing’s local broadcaster rankings.

The MLB Draft concluded yesterday. See who the Mets selected for the three-day event here.

Latest MLB News

Ingrid Andress, who sang the National Anthem at the Home Run Derby, announced she was drunk during her much-criticized performance and intended to check into a rehab facility.

The MLB Draft drew its second-largest television audience in event history.

Rob Manfred said some owners are receptive to allowing teams to trade draft picks.

The MLB will test robot umpires in spring training next year.

The Chicago White Sox are signing Nick Senzel.

Latest on MMO

Binghamton is on a roll led by Ryan Clifford. That and much more on this edition of the Mets Minors Weekly Report from Tyler Antonelle.

Jesse Winker has both taunted and complimented Mets fans in his career. Is it time for them to support the outfielder? See why that’s a possibility in Winker’s trade profile by Michael Famulari.

Brian Wright gives 10 great Mets All-Star Game moments.

This Day in Mets History

1979: Lee Mazzilli hits a game-tying home run in the top of the eighth before working a bases-loaded walk to get the winning run across home plate the following inning.

The post Morning Briefing: Alonso Strikes Out in Lone All-Star AB appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

GKR finished top five each time the web site asked its readers this question (six times in the last 10 years), including a second-place finish last season. More than 13,000 AA readers voted. Some 68 percent of voters gave GKR an A grade, which was 5 percent better than the second-place booth in San Francisco.

Earlier this season, before the Subway Series, YES announcer Michael Kay took issue with an SNY advertisement on his radio show that urged listeners to tune in to the “best booth in baseball.”

“Their ad, which ran during the last break, ‘Enjoy the Subway Series with the best booth in baseball.’ I mean, do you expect me to just take that lying down?” Kay said on June 26. “I think our booth is the best booth in baseball.”

AA voters disagreed, ranking the Yankees booth 22nd. The Yankee team includes Kay or Ryan Ruocco on play-by-play, with analysts David Cone, John Flaherty, Joe Girardi, Jeff Nelson and Paul O’Neill. The most common grade for the Yankee booth was a B (27 percent).

“Not only are the Yankees announcers not graded as the best in the league, but they’re not the best in the city of New York or even the American League East,” wrote AA’s Joe Lucia.

The post GKR Voted Best Booth in Baseball appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Former Mets player and fan favorite Daniel Murphy will join the booth on February 27 and 28. Continuing tradition, SNY’s Mets’ Hot Stove will premiere Wednesday, February 21 from Clover Park, hosted by former Mets players Jerry Blevins and Todd Zeile. Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor will join the show.

SNY will also broadcast the Spring Breakout Game featuring the top minor league players in the Mets’ farm system on March 15. The Mets take on the Nationals at 3:00 pm before the 6:00 pm game that evening.

The post SNY Releases Spring Training Broadcast Schedule, Daniel Murphy Joins appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

After months of speculation and weeks of negotiating, the New York Yankees finally completed the trade to acquire star outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported last night that the trade was finally official as the Yankees will be adding their second and third outfielders of the off-season. Along with acquiring Juan Soto, they will also be getting Trent Grisham and in return will be sending San Diego relief pitcher Michael King, catcher Kyle Higashioka, and a slew of prospects. The Yankees have now added Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and Juan Soto to their outfield to pair with former AL MVP Aaron Judge. 

For the rest of the trade details check out our article on the trade here!

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Mets owner Steve Cohen met with Mets free-agent target Yoshinobu Yamamoto, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. Andy Martino of SNY gave an update to that report, noting that Stearns was also apart of this meeting as they met Yamamoto and his family. Click here for more information on their meeting!

Pete Alonso‘ agent Scott Boras spoke with the media yesterday and said “I spoke to David, we told him we’re all ears.” in regards to contract extension negotiations between the Mets and their star slugger. You can read more about Boras’ words on Alonso here!

Mark Vientos posted a video of him and Francisco Lindor working on their defense on his instagram page. 

The Mets acquired left-handed pitcher Ryan Ammons from the Texas Rangers following the Rule 5 draft on Wednesday. For all the Mets moves during the Rule 5 draft click here!

Latest MLB News

Former Tigers left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. For more details on the deal, click here!

Jon Morosi of MLB Network came out with a new report on Wednesday that Shohei Ohtani is expected to decide on his free-agent destination before the end of the weekend.

The New York Yankees are going to be meeting with star Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the United States on Monday, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

The Cincinnati Reds and third-baseman Jeimer Candelario agreed to a deal pending a physical, per Mark Feinsand of MLB Network.

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register gave an update to the Dodgers meeting with Shohei Ohtani, saying that the meeting was Friday afternoon at Dodgers Stadium. All stadium tours were postposed or cancelled and the team store was closed so there would be no accidental sightings. 

The St. Louis Cardinals announced that they are bringing back Yadier Molina as the Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations. 

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced that broadcaster Joe Castiglione has won the 2024 Ford C. Crick. Mets TV play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen was also up for the award but fell short for the second year in a row. 

The New York Yankees signed right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training and is expected to compete for a spot in their bullpen, per Jessica Kleinschmidt of The Comeback. 

Former Phillies closer and member of the 400-save club Craig Kimbrel agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The deal also contains an option for the 2025 season. 

Isaac Azout of Fish on First reported that the Marlins plan on experimenting with relief pitcher A.J. Puk as a starter in Spring Training. 

The Atlanta Braves and outfielder Leury García agreed to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training, per Robert Murray of FanSided.

Right-handed relief pitcher Adam Cimber agreed to a one-year, $1.65 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. Cimber was formerly non-tendered by the Blue Jays and is one of three bullpen signings the Angels have made in the past couple of days. 

Bryce Harper is hoping to discuss an extension with the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal that would make him a Phillie for the rest of his career, per Scott Lauber of the Philly Inquirer. 

Latest on MMO

Read about Mets rookie Ronny Mauricio‘s hot start in the winter league!

Check in on all the Mets happenings in Wednesday’s rule 5 draft. 

On This Date in Mets History

2011: Tim McCarver wins the Ford Frick Award for broadcasting excellence, he is one of four Mets broadcasters to win the award.

Birthdays: Pete Alonso (29), Mike Baxter (39)

The post Morning Briefing: Juan Soto Joins Judge, Verdugo In The Bronx appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

David Stearns was talking with the media yet again on Wednesday, where he gave some good news regarding Mets veteran outfielder Starling Marte. Stearns said that the club is confident that Marte will not need to undergo surgery on his groin this offseason. Marte has had medical struggles with his groin since the end of the 2022 season, which included having surgery prior to the 2023 season. However, this issue popped up again this past season as he continued to struggle on the field while playing through the injury, resulting in him shutting it down for the last month or so of the season. 

The 34-year-old has two more years on his four-year deal with the Mets. 

Another important note from Stearns chatting with the media is the question on all Mets fans minds about the future of star first baseman Pete Alonso, “I do not anticipate him getting traded.”

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Mets announced that lefty starting pitcher David Peterson underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his left hip on Monday. the surgery took place at HSS in New York and the typical return timeline for the procedure is 6-7 months.

Stearns also said that he doesn’t expect any of the farm system options to start the season in the 2024 Mets rotation. He mentioned Tylor Megill, Joey Lucchesi, and José Butto as candidates.

Three Mets have been nominated for the All-MLB Team: Pete Alonso, Kodai Senga, and Francisco Lindor. Fans can vote for said players through November 19th. 

Ozzie Virgil and Juan Alicea were inducted as the inaugural class into the Mets Latin American Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Virgil was a coach and advisor with the club from 2009-2021 and Alicea was a broadcaster for the team from 1969-2019. Virgil, 91, became the first Dominican-Born MLB player when he made his debut with the New York Giants on September 23, 1956.

Mets former third base coach Joey Cora will not be returning to the club for the 2024 season as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic announced that he will be joining the Detroit Tigers coaching staff. Cora spent the past two seasons as the Mets third base coach, coming to Queens with Buck Showalter in 2022.

Scott Boras was out and about on Wednesday with his yearly zingers, which the Mets were at the center of this time. “When it comes to the Polar Bear, we’re not in contract hibernation,” he said in regards to Pete Alonso’s impending contract talks with the Mets. When talking about the Mets’ offseason spending, Boras quipped, “When you have the bigger jet, and you say you’re going slower, you’re still going faster.”

Latest MLB News

Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated reports that a virus has led MLB to cancel the rest of the GM Meetings.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that former Detroit Tigers southpaw, and now free agent, Eduardo Rodgríguez has informed teams he has no geographic restrictions in free agency. This comes as somewhat of a surprise as Rodríguez reportedly blocked a trade from Detroit to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the past trade deadline due to how far away it would take him from his family.

In another report by Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in free agent Sonny Gray and will be top suitors for him if they do not re-sign Aaron Nola. Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham and Sonny Gray are former college teammates and had a good rapport in Cincinnati. 

Jon Heyman of the New York Post broke the news that the Los Angeles Angels would hire Ron Washington as their next manager. Washington, who beat out Buck Showalter, who was also a finalist for the job, brought the Texas Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances in his first managing gig.

Former Oakland Athletic reliever Adam Oller agreed to terms with the Cleveland Guardians on a free agent deal that includes an invite to spring training, per Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston. New Guardians manager Stephen Vogt and Oller played together in Oakland, where Oller compiled 94 innings in two seasons. Oller was part of the Mets trade that netted them Chris Bassitt. 

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and the club have agreed to terms on a contract extension following their pennant-winning run in 2023. The contract extension is through 2026, which follows a one-year extension that the club gave Torey following the D-Backs hot start in June of this past season.

Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski spoke to the media, and the major bit of news that came out was that Bryce Harper is going to move to first base permanently, per Ian Browne of MLB.com. Harper, who played the first 10 seasons of his career in the outfield, played only at first base this past season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery and will now stay there. 

Jon Morosi of MLB Network also reported that star Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamota’s posting window will open “soon,” meaning likely within the next week. Morosi noted that once the Orix Buffaloes formally post him, MLB clubs will have a 45-day window to negotiate with his representative and agree on a contract.

Trevor Bauer‘s agents Jon Fetterolf and Rachel Luba are meeting with teams in hopes of getting Bauer a contract with an MLB club, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The former Cy Young Award winner had a 2.76 ERA in his first season in Japan and went 9-2 with a 1.97 ERA over his final fifteen starts. 

Latest on MMO

MMO News Desk went over the news that super agent Scott Boras had a meeting with Mets new president of baseball operations David Stearns.

Dilip Sridhar did a free agent profile on a familiar face for Mets fans, Justin Turner.

Greg Jones shared his new playoff format idea with MMO readers.

On This Date in Mets History

2007: David Wright and Carlos Beltrán win the Silver Slugger Awards at their respective positions, becoming the fourth pair of Mets teammates to win a Silver Slugger Award in the same season. 

2005: The newly originated SportsNet New York (SNY) announced that Gary Cohen would be the play-by-play announcer for their Mets television broadcast.

2005: The Mets sign star outfielder Carlos Beltrán to a seven-year, $119 million deal, which made him the highest-paid player in team history at the time. 

Birthdays: Jon Nunnally (52)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Confident Starling Marte Will Not Need Surgery appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Major League Baseball announced the 2024 draft lottery odds Wednesday night, and the Mets came in at 4.3%, the seventh-highest odds in all of MLB. This is the second rendition of the MLB draft lottery following the latest edition of the collective bargaining agreement, where the two sides agreed that the top six picks of the draft will be based on the lottery system. Outside of the top six picks, the seventh through 18th picks will be in reverse standings orders for the remaining teams.

However, if the Mets do not get a top six pick, their 2024 first-round draft selection will move back ten spots, a result of exceeding the surcharge tax threshold with their player payroll for 2023. The Yankees and Padres, who also did not make the playoffs, are in the same boat as the Mets as they also went over the threshold. If these teams do get rewarded a top six lottery pick, their second highest pick will be moved back ten places. 

The 2024 MLB Draft lottery will take place at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee on December 5. 

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Andy Martino of SNY reported the club received permission to interview Craig Counsell for the managerial opening yesterday. He noted that the Brewers would initially deny said permission and have clubs wait until October 31, when Counsell’s contract officially expires, but they have changed course. However, Martino also reported that both Counsell and the Mets are expected to explore all other available options. This is in line with the report from Will Sammon of The Athletic that the Guardians have requested permission to interview Counsell. 

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Billy Eppler’s former “special assistant,” Steve Martone, has been let go by the club—Martone, who was with Eppler in Los Angeles. 

Jeremy Hefner, the Mets’ current pitching coach, has been receiving interest from other clubs, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. However, Hefner told team officials that he would wait to see if he fits into the Mets’ plans before considering other jobs. Hefner is under contract with the Mets for the 2024 season. 

Gary Cohen was named a finalist for the Hall of Fame‘s 2024 Ford C. Crick Award for the second consecutive year. Cohen is one of ten finalists among names like Joe Buck and Duane Kuiper; the winner will be inducted into the broadcaster’s wing of the Hall of Fame. 

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets would have fired former general manager Billy Eppler if he didn’t resign. For a more in-depth look into Sherman’s report, click here.

Latest MLB News

Following the Houston Astros’ loss to the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the ALCS on Monday night, there were many reports that Astros manager Dusty Baker planned to retire. However, on Wednesday, Baker made it official as he told Bob Nightengale of USA Today that he informed Astros owner Tim Crane that he is retiring as manager of the club. The Astros have set up a press conference for Baker to formally announce his decision at noon ET on Thursday at Minute Maid Park. 

The San Francisco Giants are the first team to hire their new manager this off-season, as they officially named and introduced Bob Melvin as their manager yesterday. Melvin will manage his third different team in four years, leaving San Diego just two seasons following his departure from Oakland after a decade stint with the club. In addition, Giants chairman Greg Johnson announced that Melvin’s agreement is through 2026, and the team would extend general manager Farhan Zaidi through 2026 as well. 

The Padres managerial search will now pick up with the departure of Bob Melvin, as Dennis Lin and Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reported that Mike Shildt will interview for the job on Thursday. The former Cardinals manager is not the only interview San Diego has lined up, as Padres bench coach Ryan Flaherty has an interview scheduled for Friday. 

The Boston Red Sox announced they hired former Chicago Cubs executive Craig Breslow as their chief baseball operator. Breslow, who pitched for the Red Sox in parts of five seasons, is taking over for Chaim Bloom, who only led Boston to one playoff appearance in his four years at the helm. 

Sean Casey, who was brought in as the Yankees hitting coach midway through the 2023 season, announced on his podcast that he will not return for the 2024 season. When talking about it on “The Mayor’s Office” podcast, Casey mentioned how he probably could have if he wanted to but would not due to family reasons. 

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News announced that the Rangers will start Nathan Eovaldi in game one of the World Series on Friday night. Eovaldi will be matching up against the Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen. 

The Atlanta Braves announced that relief pitcher Pierce Johnson signed a two-year agreement, with a club option for 2026. After acquiring him from Colorado in late July, Johnson pitched to a 0.76 ERA in 24 regular season games and made three scoreless appearances in the NLDS. 

Latest on MMO

Following a series of moves this past week, Michael Mayer gave an update on the current state of the Mets 40-man roster.

Andrew Tripaldi documented how the Mets will have some competition in the Craig Counsell sweepstakes. 

Reports have been circulating that the Yankees and Padres have had talks about a Juan Soto trade; Andrew Tripaldi looked into it.

On This Date in Mets History

1998: The Mets sign Mike Piazza to a seven-year deal with a total value of $91 million, which then was the richest contract in the history of baseball. Piazza was an all-star for all but one of the seven following years and led the Mets to their first World Series appearance since winning it all in 1986. 

Birthdays: Dominic Leone (32), Jaime Cerda (45)

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Draft Lottery Odds at 4.3% appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Ford C. Frick Award is presented annually to a broadcaster for major contributions to baseball. The award, named after the late broadcaster, National League president, commissioner, and Hall of Famer, has been presented annually since 1978. Frick was a driving force behind the creation of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and he helped foster the relationship between radio and the game of baseball.

Final voting for the 2024 Frick Award will be conducted by an electorate comprised of the 12 living Frick Award recipients and three broadcast historians/columnists.

The winner of the 2024 Frick Award will be announced on Dec. 6 at baseball’s Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn., and will be honored during the July 20 Awards Presentation as part of the July 19-22 Hall of Fame Weekend 2024 in Cooperstown. Each award recipient (not to be confused with an inductee) is presented with a calligraphy of the award and is recognized in the “Scribes & Mikemen” exhibit in the Library of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Cohen is a finalist for the second straight year. Cubs broadcaster Pat Murphy was the 47th winner of the award last year.

Cohen has spent the last 35 years with the Mets, and currently serves as the team’s TV play-by-play voice on SNY. He has called games for ESPN Radio, was the radio voice of St. John’s University basketball from 1995-2002 and broadcast men’s and women’s hockey play-by-play at the 1992, 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics for CBS Radio.

The post Gary Cohen Named Finalist for Ford C. Frick Award appeared first on Metsmerized Online.