Jun 14, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson (23) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

David Peterson toed the rubber for the New York Mets (33-25) as they opened a four-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs (38-28) on Monday.

The southpaw entered the game looking to rebound from two poor starts in which he allowed nine earned runs in a combined three innings.

Peterson started his night off on the right foot as he retired the first three batters of the night 1-2-3, while picking up a strikeout along the way.

Peterson walked Patrick Wisdom in the top of the second, but was able to erase him on the basepaths by getting Jake Marisnick to ground into a double play. He then finished his work in the second inning three pitches later by inducing a groundout.

In the third, Peterson retired his first batter faced by getting him to ground out. Eric Sogard followed with a single to center field for the Cubs’ first hit of the game. Sogard then advanced to second on a Jake Arrieta sacrifice bunt. However, Peterson was able to get Sogard out by picking him off at second base.

Peterson turned in an efficient fourth inning as it took him a total of 10 pitches to induce two flyouts and one groundout.

The fifth inning was not much different for Peterson. It once again took him 10 pitches to turn in a perfect inning, and this time he also picked up his second strikeout of the game.

Peterson continued to roll in the sixth inning. Although he gave up a leadoff walk, he made that a moot point as he induced a pop out and fly out over the next four pitches. He then closed the book on the inning and on his start as a whole with a strikeout to end the inning.

Overall Peterson limited the Cubs to one hit and two walks on 73 pitches in six shutout innings. It was the first time in his career he shutout a team for six innings in a start. Peterson picked up his second win of the season and was able to lower his ERA from 6.32 to 5.60 in the process.

The post David Peterson Rebounds With Best Start Of Season Against Cubs appeared first on Metsmerized.

The Mets welcomed the Chicago Cubs to Citi Field in New York for a four-game series. It was Jake Arrieta for the Cubs facing David Peterson for the Mets.

Peterson was looking for redemption after a rough outing his last time out. Peterson did just that, pitching a near-flawless six innings, giving up just one hit and two walks, no runs over the course of 73 pitches (43 strikes) thrown on Monday night against the Cubs.

It was his pitching along with timely hitting that led the Mets to a 5-2 win over Chicago Monday at Citi Field.

The top of the first was a routine one for Peterson and the Mets as Peterson retired the Cubs in order with a line out of Wilson Contreras, a strikeout of Kris Bryant (his first of the night), and a ground out of Anthony Rizzo to end the inning.

The Mets came to bat in the bottom of the first and got a couple runners on with walks of Jonathan Villar and Dominic Smith, but a force out of Lindor and a double play by Alonso negated the runners on and ended the inning as Jake Arrieta was able to get out of trouble without letting any runs across.

It was another quick top of the second for Peterson. After a lead-off walk to Patrick Wisdom, he forced Jake Marisnick into a double play and Jason Heyward to ground out to end the inning.

Arrieta settled in in the bottom half of the second. Billy McKinney and James McCann each grounded out and Kevin Pillar struck out (Arrieta’s first strikeout of the night) to end the inning.

The game’s first hit came in the top of the third to the Cubs. After Peterson got Sergio Alcantara to ground out, Eric Sogard singled off of Peterson. Arrieta then came up and attempted to bunt, and while out at first, he advanced Sogard to second, who was then picked off by Peterson at second base to end the inning.

Arrieta then answered with another quick bottom half of the third. Guillorme struck out (Arrieta’s second strikeout of the night), followed by a ground out by Peterson and a line out by Villar to end the third and take the game to the fourth inning.

Peterson settled back in in the fourth, retiring the Cubs again in order with flyouts of Contreras and Bryant and a ground out of Rizzo.

The bottom of the fourth is when the Mets opened the scoring and took a lead. The inning began with a groundout of Lindor. Smith then singled to put the first runner on, followed by a strikeout of Alonso (Arrieta’s third strikeout of the night). Arrieta then proceeded to walk McKinney to put two runners on.

With two runners on, it was McCann at the plate. He proceeded to hit a hard RBI single to center field that scored Smith, advanced McKinney to third, and McCann advanced to second on a throwing error by Marisnick and the Mets would take a 1-0 lead over the Cubs at Citi Field.

Up 1-0 over the Cubs, Pillar kept the hits going with a big RBI double on a hard line drive to center that scored McKinney and McCann as the Mets took a 3-0 lead over the Cubs.

That’s all that the Mets would produce in the fourth as Arrieta was intentionally walked and Peterson grounded out to end the inning.

Peterson continued to roll in the top of the fifth as Peterson struck out Wisdom (Peterson’s second strikeout of the night), and forced Marisnick to line out and Heyward to ground out to end the inning.

The bottom of the fifth was another run-producing inning for the Amazin’s. While Villar grounded out and Lindor lined out for the first two quick outs of the inning, Smith then collected his second hit of the night with a huge home run to deep center to extend the Mets’ lead to 4-0 over the Cubs. That run was Smith’s second run and first RBI of the night as he continued to have a breakout night at the plate.

Following Smith’s homer, Alonso grounded out to end the inning. But Smith’s home run would give the Mets a big 4-0 lead over the Cubs and Peterson a nice cushion on the mound heading into the sixth inning, over half way home on the game.

Needing a redemption night on the mound, Peterson continued to show that he worked on his mechanics and improved the mistakes he made in his last outing as he continued to roll in the sixth. After giving up a lead-off walk to Alcantara, Peterson got Sogard to Pop out. Ian Happ pinch-hit for Jake Arrieta in the sixth. He proceeded to fly out to McKinney for the second out of the inning, followed by a strikeout of Contreras to end the inning (Peterson’s third strike out of the night).

As the Mets and Cubs head to the bottom of the sixth, Tommy Nance replaced Jake Arrieta on the mound for the Cubs. He quickly got a strikeout of McKinney (Nance’s first of the night) and a ground out of McCann for two quick outs. The Mets were then in action.

With two outs and no one on, Nance walked Pillar and Guillorme to put two runners on in the sixth for the Mets.

Brandon Drury came in to pinch hit for David Peterson after a phenomenal outing by Peterson. Drury then proceeded to hit an RBI single to center that scored Pillar and moved Guillorme to third to extend the Mets’ lead over the Cubs to 5-0 in the sixth.

With two outs, two on and a run across, Rex Brothers came in to replace Nance on the mound for the Cubs. He quickly struck out Villar to end the inning (his first strikeout of the night) as the game head to the seventh inning.

David Peterson was replaced on the mound for the Mets in the seventh by Trevor May. Peterson would be lined up for the win should the score hold and the Mets advance to take the win over the Cubs. Peterson threw 73 pitches (43 for strikes) in a very impressive comeback outing, the strong outing he really needed.

Peterson’s final line:

6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO, 0 HR, 5.60 ERA.

May struggled in his relief appearance for the Mets. After a ground out of Bryant, May gave up back-to-back home runs to Rizzo and Wisdom as the Mets’ lead was decreased to three (5-2) in the seventh.

May settled back in with a strikeout of Marisnick, but that was all for May as Aaron Loup would replace May on the mound for the Mets in the seventh with Jason Heyward coming to bat for the Cubs.

Trevor May’s final line:

0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 2 HR

Loup quickly struck out the inning to avoid more trouble and get the Mets out of the inning. The Mets would have a 3-2 lead heading to the bottom of the seventh in New York.

The Mets would put runners on quick in the bottom of the seventh as they tried to get the inning going. Lindor walked and stole second base (his fifth stolen base of the night), followed by a line out by Smith. Alonso was intentionally walked to put runners on first and second with one out for the Mets. Brothers then got McKinney to pop out for the second out of the inning before being replaced on the mound in the seventh by Trevor Megill with McCann coming to bat for the Mets.

Contreras then picked off Alonso on a throw to first to end the inning and take the game to the eighth in New York. With the inning ending on a pick-off, McCann will come back to the plate for the Mets in the bottom of the eighth.

With the game heading to the eighth, Mason Williams replaced Smith in the outfield. Williams would head to center field and Pillar would shift from left to center field.

Aaron Loup came back out for the eighth for the Mets with Alcantara coming to the plate for the Cubs. Loup got two quick outs with a strikeout of Alcantara followed by a fly out of Sogard. Javier Baez then came in to pinch-hit for Megill in the eighth. Baez grounded out to second to end the inning and take the game to the bottom of the eighth, with McCann coming back to the plate for the Mets as Alonso was picked off in the seventh to end that inning.

With McCann coming to the plate, Dillon Maples replaced Megill on the mound for the Cubs.

Maples quickly retired the Mets in order with a strikeout of McCann, and groundouts of Pillar and Guillorme to end the inning.

The Mets and Cubs head to the ninth with the Mets up 5-2. The Mets would go to their closer Edwin Diaz to try to close out the game as he replaced Loup on the mound for the Mets.

Aaron Loup’s final line:

1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR, 2.04 ERA

After a long, seven-pitch at-bat and battle for Contreras, Diaz won the fight with a strikeout of Contreras for the first out. The Mets would be two outs away from a series-opening win. He then proceeded to strike out Bryant for the second out of the night. Anthony Rizzo would be the last chance for the Cubs with two-outs in the ninth.

Diaz would go on to strike out Rizzo to end the inning and the game as he retired the side in order with all strikeouts and the Mets went on to defeat the Cubs 5-2 in the opening game of the series.

It was a great night for Smith, who was 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI and a home run, as well as Peterson who pitched six great innings as the Mets played a solid game all around to defeat the Cubs on Monday night.

Peterson (2-5) got the win for the Mets, Arrieta (5-7) took the loss for the Cubs, and Diaz collected his 13th save of the season in the Mets win over the Cubs.

The Mets and Cubs will continue their series Tuesday night at 7:10PM EDT with coverage on SNY and ESPN. It will be Alec Mills (2-0, 6.08 ERA) for the Cubs against Taijuan Walker (5-2, 2.07 ERA) for the Mets.

The post Peterson, Smith Bounce Back, Lead Mets to 5-2 Win Over Cubs 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.

With just over a week until spring training begins, the New York Mets are still attempting to round out their roster before players officially report to camp, although there isn’t much time left to add the finishing touches to this team.

Though the front office made a strong push for pitcher Trevor Bauer, who was considered the best arm available in free agency this winter, they ultimately fell short and lost out on him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While missing out on the 2020 NL Cy Young award winner is certainly disappointing, this club could still benefit from acquiring another starting pitcher this offseason, meaning management must regroup and focus their attention on the hurlers who remain unsigned.

As of right now, players like James Paxton, Taijuan Walker and Jake Odorizzi are still unsure as to where they’ll be suiting up next season, but there’s a very good chance each of them will be aiming to locate their next home very shortly as they probably won’t want to miss the start of spring training.

Considering pitcher Joey Lucchesi is currently slotted to serve as the fifth starter in the Mets’ rotation, signing anyone of these three pitchers would undoubtedly provide some stiff competition at the backend of their pitching staff.

Without question, adding Paxton, Walker or Odorizzi would be a significant upgrade over Lucchesi, however, inserting one of those arms into this rotation could create a major logjam once pitcher Noah Syndergaard returns from his Tommy John surgery, which is expected to occur sometime in June or July. Even though it’s never a bad thing to have too much pitching, especially since injuries are destined to pop up over a full season, it might make more sense to acquire someone who isn’t going to push teammate David Peterson into the bullpen once “Thor” comes back.

So which player could fit that profile and eat innings in the short term at the backend of the rotation?

Well, there are several different hurlers the Mets could target for that role, but it seems they already have their eyes on a former Cy Young award winner who could make an impact for them in 2021. After attending his showcase in Texas last month, the front office has remained interested in veteran Jake Arrieta and could attempt to bring him to Queens, according to Andy Martino of SNY.

With that being said, let’s take a look at what Arrieta brings to the table if he becomes a Met.

Considering Arrieta underwent elbow surgery to remove bone spurs in 2019 and missed the final month of last season due to a hamstring strain, there are plenty of question marks regarding his health and it’s entirely possible he’ll require a trip to the injured list once again this season.

While his results have likely been affected by his inability to stay on the mound, the 34-year-old, who’s set to turn 35 next month, has gradually faltered since his award-winning 2015 campaign and has hit a massive wall over the last two seasons.

Over his last 180.0 innings of work, the 2015 NL Cy Young award winner has posted a 4.75 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 4.44 xFIP, 1.48 WHIP, .342 wOBA, .320 BABIP, 18.1% strikeout rate, 8.5% walk rate, 23.3% LD rate, 51.4% GB rate, 36.7% hard-hit rate and a combined 1.6 fWAR rating.

In comparison, the former Chicago Cub compiled 229.0 innings in 2015, producing a career-best 1.77 ERA, 2.35 FIP, 2.61 xFIP, 0.86 WHIP, .225 wOBA, .246 BABIP, 27.1% strikeout rate, 5.5% walk rate, 21.0% LD rate, 56.2% GB rate, 22.1% hard-hit rate and a 7.0 fWAR rating.

But despite his recent injury concerns and ineffectiveness, Arrieta could still fill a role on the Mets in 2021, for the right price, of course.

Historically, the former fifth-round pick has relied heavily on his sinker and has utilized it more than 50 percent in each of the last four seasons. Although that usage hasn’t worked out for him during that span and it’s the main cause for his struggles. Unfortunately, the aging hurler lost some velocity on his sinking fastball in 2017 and hasn’t been able to increase it ever since, as it averaged 94.5 mph in 2016 and has ranged between 92-93 mph from 2017-2020.

While this decline in velocity has allowed hitters to generate plenty of hard-contact against Arrieta’s primary pitch, resulting in a career-worst 43.8% hard-hit rate in 2020, it’s still provided some upside in other areas. Since 2017, his sinker has induced at least a 50.0% GB rate and a 20.0% chase rate in three of the last four seasons, but a reduced usage will likely help improve both of these metrics this season.

If the former All-Star were to lower the usage of his sinking fastball below 50 percent, perhaps down closer to 40 percent, opposing hitters would be forced to face his high-80s slider – it finished tied for the fifth-best run value (-6) among all pitchers who faced at least 25 batters with their slider last season – and high-80s changeup more frequently, which might improve the overall performance of his sinker.

Even though Arrieta’s changeup doesn’t receive much attention, it’s actually his best weapon, and yet, it was only utilized 17.0% of the time last season. Taking into account its stellar movements, as it averaged the 13th-most inches of drop (37.6 inches) and finished tied for the ninth-most inches of break (16.5 inches) among all pitchers who threw at least 100 changeups in 2020, there’s no question the 6′ 4″ pitcher needs to increase its usage moving forward.

Taking this a step further, the Texas native’s off-speed offering has served as one of his top strikeout pitches over the years, as it’s produced at least a 30.0% whiff rate in each of the last two seasons. So if its usage is increased above 20 percent, then that could definitely help improve the veteran hurler’s ability to generate swings and misses this season.

With one final spot up for grabs in the rotation, Arrieta – if he’s signed – would likely compete against Lucchesi throughout spring training for that role and the loser of this battle would be sent to the bullpen to serve as a multi-inning reliever. Assuming everyone stays healthy in 2021, whoever’s awarded the fifth spot in the rotation will also probably be sent to the bullpen when Syndergaard returns to action this summer.

While taking this route might not be the most popular decision to make, it’s an option that would keep Peterson as a starter all season long and it’d also provide the Mets with even more depth in the rotation. If the Texas Christian standout can make these adjustments to his pitch selection and find a way to stay healthy, it’s possible he could bounce back in 2021.

The post Mets Interested In Jake Arrieta, Should They Take a Shot? appeared first on Metsmerized.

Per Andy Martino of SNY, the New York Mets will be in attendance for right-hander Jake Arrieta‘s workout for interested teams in Austin, Texas on Friday.

Arrieta, 34, is far removed from his 2015 National League Cy Young Award-winning campaign (1.77 ERA, 236 strikeouts, 48 walks, 0.87 WHIP) but would still slot in as a viable back-end option in most rotations.

Since 2017, Arrieta has seen his ERA increase on a yearly basis (3.53, 3.96, 4.64, 5.08). Since the start of 2019, the righty has a combined 4.75 ERA with 142 strikeouts, 67 walks, and 1.48 WHIP (94 ERA+). Arrieta’s three-year, $75 million deal with Philadelphia expired last season.

Whether teams come away impressed and he lands a quick deal a la Corey Kluber landing with the Yankees or Arrieta’s market remains stagnant into the opening of camps is to be determined.

We’ll keep you posted with new information as it becomes available.

The post Mets Will Be in Attendance for Jake Arrieta’s Workout appeared first on Metsmerized.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020 • 7:05 p.m.
Citizens Bank Park • Philadelphia, PA
RHP Rick Porcello (1-4, 6.07) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta (3-4, 5.54)
SNY • WCBS 880 AM • WQBU 92.7 FM

The big news for the Mets is this year came yesterday – with Steve Cohen finalizing his purchase of the Mets. With all the dreaming of the players the Mets could be in soon, or trying to figure out when the deal will be approved, it’s easy to forget the Mets have a game tonight. A game that follows a disappointing weekend in fake Buffalo.

If the Mets are going to make a playoff run, it’s now or never. The Mets start their last slate of the game of the season tonight against Philly in Philly, pretty much needing a sweep to get back into contention.

Mets Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo – CF
2. Michael Conforto – RF
3. J.D. Davis – 3B
4. Dominic Smith – 1B
5. Robinson Cano – 2B
6. Pete Alonso – DH
7. Jeff McNeil – LF
8. Andres Gimenez – SS
9. Wilson Ramos – C

Phillies Lineup

1. Andrew McCutchen – DH
2. Bryce Harper – RF
3. Alec Bohm – 1B
4. Didi Gregorius – SS
5. Jean Segura – 3B
6. Scott Kingery – 2B
7. Andrew Knapp – C
8. Kyle Garlick – LF
9. Roman Quinn – CF

For the Mets, the game falls to Rick Porcello tonight, who will make his 10th start of the season. In 43.0 innings he has a 6.07 ERA, 2.91 FIP, 1.558 WHIP and a 71 ERA+. He’s coming off a rough start against the Orioles where he allowed 5 runs from 10 hits over 4.0 innings, raising his ERA from 5.54 to 6.07. He’s had two starts against the Phillies this year. The first was terrible – he allowed 4 runs over 6.0 innings from 10 hits in Philly. The next was fine – he allowed 2 runs off 3 hits in 6.0 innings in Queens – but the Mets lost that game too. The Phillies have the following numbers against Porcello:

• Rhys Hoskins 5-14, 2B, 2 HR, 2 K
• Alec Bohm 2-5, 2B
• Jean Segura 5-18, 3B, HR, BB, 6 K
• Phil Gosselin 1-3, BB, K
• Andrew McCutchen 3-14, HR, 2 BB, 5 K
• Bryce Harper 3-14, HR, BB, 5 K
• J.T. Realmuto 4-14, 2B, BB, K

The Mets bats will look to find the 18-1 winning version of themselves against Jake Arrieta who is 3-4 over 8 games and 39.0 innings this year posting a 5.54 ERA, 4.59 FIP, 1.487 WHIP and 84 ERA+. He’s coming off of an alright start against the Marlins where he allowed 3 runs over 5.2 innings from 5 hits. One of his best starts of the year was the start before against the Mets where he allowed 2 runs over 7.0 innings from 7 hits, a walk and 7 strikeouts. The Mets have the following numbers against Jake:

• Dominic Smith 2-5, HR, 2 BB, 2 K
• Andres Gimenez 2-3
• Jeff McNeil 13-23, HR, K
• Michael Conforto 6-22, 2B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 7 K
• Todd Frazier 9-31, 2B, 2 HR, 10 K
• Brandon Nimmo 4-13, 2B, 2 BB, 4 K
• Wilson Ramos 5-16, 2 BB,2 K
• Pete Alonso 5-16 – 2 K
• Amed Rosario 3-15, HR, K

Game Notes

New York is hitting .317 (39-123) with RISP this month, which is fourth in the majors and third-best in the NL.

The Mets are batting .315/.370/.544 with 33 doubles, 23 home runs, and a .914 OPS in 12 games this month. The team leads the majors with a .315 average, is second with 85 runs and a .370 OBP and a .544 SLG, tied for third with 23 homers this month.

Mets are 6-13 against left-handed starters this season and 15-13 against right-handed starters.

Let’s Go Mets!

The post MMO Game Thread: Mets at Phillies, 7:05 PM appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets officially introduced Carlos Beltran as their 22nd manager in franchise history with a press conference at the Foxwoods Club at Citi Field on Monday morning.

Latest Mets News

In addition to Beltran’s news conference, the Mets made a trio of moves on Monday. The Mets extended a qualifying offer to Zack Wheeler, selected Blake Taylor‘s contract from Triple-A Syracuse and claimed Stephen Gonsalves off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.

As expected, Pete Alonso and Jacob deGrom were named finalists for the National League Rookie of the Year Award and National League Cy Young Award, respectively.

Beltran intends to bring back many former Mets to work with the team’s current group of young players during spring training, according to Marly Rivera of ESPN.

Brodie Van Wagenen told reporters that it is unclear whether Yoenis Cespedes will play in 2020 as he rehabs from ankle fractures that he sustained from a violent fall at his ranch in May.

Jared Diamond of The Wall Street Journal shared his thoughts on the Mets’ decision to hire one of their former star players as their manager.

Latest MLB News

MLB announced the finalists for the MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year awards.

J.D. Martinez will not be opting out of the remainder of his five-year, $110 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

A total of 10 players were extended qualifying offers before Monday’s deadline. In addition to Wheeler, Josh Donaldson, Jose Abreu, Jake Odorizzi, Madison Bumgarner, Stephen Strasburg, Will Smith, Marcell Ozuna, Anthony Rendon and Gerrit Cole all received qualifying offers, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.

The Milwaukee Brewers declined their $7.5 million option on Eric Thames. The Brewers also traded Chase Anderson to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league first baseman Chad Spanberger.

The Los Angeles Angels declined their $14 million option on Kole Calhoun.

Latest NL East News

President Donald Trump hosted the Washington Nationals at the White House to celebrate their World Series championship.

The Atlanta Braves re-signed Nick Markakis and Tyler Flowers to one-year, $4 million contracts. The Braves also declined Julio Teheran‘s $12 million option.

The Philadelphia Phillies declined team options on Jared Hughes, Pat Neshek and Jason Vargas. Also Jake Arrieta opted to stay with the team by exercising his $20 million player option, while Jerad Eickhoff, Mike Morin, Blake Parker, Edubray Ramos and Phil Gosselin all elected free agency after the Phillies outrighted them from their roster.

Latest on MMO/MMN

John Sheridan put together an All-Decade Team of Mets who played during the 1990s.

Matt Musico analyzed the recent shortcomings of Juan Lagares following the Mets’ decision to not pick up his $9.5 million option.

Laney Ortiz discussed five takeaways from Van Wagenen at Beltran’s introductory press conference.

Rob Piersall wrote about how Beltran wants to rewrite his story with the Mets as their manager.

Marshall Field took a closer look at Beltran’s prolific career.

Sam Lebowitz reviewed the Syracuse Mets’ 2019 season.

This Day in Mets History

1990: Darryl Strawberry was granted free agency, thus ending his eight-year tenure with the Mets.

Birthdays: Jose Santiago turns 45 and Jim Bethke turns 73. Mike Bishop was also born on this day in 1958.  

The post Morning Briefing: Beltran Is Back! appeared first on Metsmerized.

Good morning Mets fans!

Today, BBWAA will announce their Awards finalists on MLB Network at 6 p.m. Jacob deGrom is expected to win the Cy Young Award, while Pete Alonso is expected to win the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Latest Mets News

Howie Rose was inducted into the New York Baseball Hall of Fame.

David Lennon advocates for additional spending from the Wilpons this winter.

Tim Healey of Newsday previews the Mets’ offseason plan.

Latest MLB News

Major League Baseball announced its annual Gold Glove winners. Rather predictably, no Mets were recipients of the award. The full list of winners can be found here.

The Yankees and Aroldis Chapman agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in the Bronx until 2022.

The Dodgers declined their opinion on Jedd Gyorko, instead opting to pay him a one million dollar buyout.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune thinks that the Padres could go after Stephen Strasburg this winter.

In a move that “shocked” the baseball community, the Cubs picked up Anthony Rizzo‘s $16.5 million dollar team option.

Latest NL East News

Jon Heyman of FanCred hears the Nationals are preparing to offer a monster contract to Strasburg.

Jake Arrieta declined to exercise his opt-out clause in order to stay in Philly for the 2020 campaign.

Latest on MMO

Rob Piersall looked back at Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS.

Dan Duffy published his excellent portrait of Shea Stadium.

Tim Ryder previewed Yasmani Grandal‘s free agency.

Baseball America updated their top 10 Mets prospects.

On This Date in Mets History

Birthdays: Ryan Thompson (53), Carlos Mendoza (40), Carlos Baerga (52)

Let’s Go Mets!

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After an 86-76 season, the New York Mets’ first winning season since 2016, the team is likely to make some moves in the offseason to position themselves for a postseason berth in 2020. The Phillies left a lot to be desired in 2019, going 81-81 with the hope that Bryce Harper would help carry them to their first postseason since 2011.

Tommy Hunter, RHP

Right-hander Tommy Hunter underwent season-ending surgery in July of 2019 to repair his flexor tendon in his throwing arm. Though he posted a 0.00 ERA on the 2019 season, he only pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two hits. Hunter went 5-4 in 2018 and posted a 3.80 ERA and 3.63 FIP, making him a potential candidate for the bullpen; however, we can’t bank on the fact that Hunter will have a fully-healed arm and be back and better than ever for the 2020 season, likely making him a risky choice to pursue.

Verdict: Pass

Juan Nicasio, RHP

Right-handed reliever Juan Nicasio went 2-3 in 2019, posting a 4.75 ERA over 47.1 innings. Nicasio landed on the IL for a groin strain in July, and again in August after experiencing rotator cuff tightness that put him out until late September. Nicasio 3.87 FIP was almost a full run lower than his ERA, but his injury status and ERA certainly make him a questionable signing unless he resorts to taking a minor-league deal.

Verdict: Pass

Corey Dickerson, LF

Corey Dickerson, who owned a 2.7 fWAR in 2018, had a solid season after coming back from a shoulder injury in July. While playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Dickerson had a .315/.373/.551 slash line with 12 homers and 59 RBI. The Pirates traded Dickerson to the Phillies in late July. In Philadelphia, Dickerson hit .293 over 137 plate appearances. In September, he suffered a foot fracture that put him out for the remainder of the season. Defensively, he hasn’t played center field since 2015, though, and registered -6 DRS and a -4.7 UZR in left this past season.

Verdict: Pass

Drew Smyly, LHP

Drew Smyly, who was on a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers before coming to Philadelphia, went 4-7 in 2019, owning a 6.24 ERA over 114 innings. The lefty’s HR/9 was a career-worst of 2.53 and a 6.26 FIP. He also delivered a 1.588 WHIP, the worst of his major league career, and finished the season with a 0.5 WAR.

Verdict: Pass

Brad Miller, IF/OF

Brad Miller owned a .263/.331/.610 slash line for the season. He was often used off the bench, but stepped up late in the season to play left field in light of Corey Dickerson’s foot injury. Over 130 plate appearances, Miller hit 13 home runs, five of which were hit after September 20, and 25 RBI. Miller even made Phillies history late in the season, as the first player with three multi-home run games over the course of nine games. He also appeared in games at five different positions.

Verdict: Possibly Sign

The post Free Agent Watch: Philadelphia Phillies appeared first on Metsmerized.

Per a report from Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Phillies starter Jake Arrieta will be undergoing a season-ending surgery later this month to remove a bone spur in his right elbow.

Arrieta has underwhelmed since putting on a Phillies uniform, posting a 3.96 ERA last year and 4.64 ERA this year. While he has at least been a durable, fairly reliable option up until this point, his numbers have still been a far cry from his Cy Young days with the Cubs.

Arrieta had reportedly been pitching through the injury since early in the summer, so this announcement doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. Regardless of his dwindling performance, it will still be a tough hit on a Phillies rotation which doesn’t have a whole lot behind their ace Aaron Nola.

Arrieta, who signed a three-year, $75 million deal in 2018, is expected to return to full health by Spring Training of 2020, when he will be entering the last year of his deal at age 34.

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