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.

While the hot stove is currently buried in 10 feet of snow, MLB has announced some news regarding 2025 Opening Day. On March 27, which will be MLB Opening Day, ESPN will have extra coverage, as they’ll be showcasing a doubleheader to kick off the season. The two World Series representatives will be in action; the first game will be the Milwaukee Brewers taking on the New York Yankees in the Bronx at 3 p.m., while the Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Detroit Tigers in Chavez Ravine at 7 p.m.

Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

The Mets ranked 28th in farm system hitting rankings, based on data from all leagues and levels, per Dylan White of Baseball America.

Keith Hernandez‘s longtime beloved cat Hadji passed away last week at the age of 22, the ’86 World Series champion announced on twitter.

Latest MLB News

Now-former Blue Jays assistant major league hitting coach Matt Hague is accepting a job as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ hitting coach, per Scott Mitchell of TSN Sports. 

The All-MLB Team Awards Show will be happening on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on MLB Network. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates are signing Brent Strom as an assistant pitching coach, per Noah Hiles of The Pittsburgh Gazette. 

Diamond Sports Group, owner of Bally Sports, have agreed to a multi-year deal with Amazon Prime Video, per Evan Drellich of The Athletic. However, this does not mean you can watch your local team, as you will have to buy an additional add-on to do so.

Latest on MMO

Take a look at a possible infield addition for the Mets, Willy Adames.

MMO gave Mets backup catcher Luis Torrens a grade for his 2024 season.

Could the Mets look to add another southpaw to their rotation? Get to know Garret Crochet!

On This Date in Mets History

2018: Jacob deGrom receives 29 of 30 first place votes en route to his first Cy Young Award. DeGrom finished the season with a 1.70 ERA and a 218 ERA+.

2012: R.A. Dickey becomes the third different Met to win the Cy Young Award. Dickey became the first knuckleballer to earn the award, while tallying 20 wins and a 2.73 ERA in his award-winning season.

1986: Nelson Doubleday and Fred Wilpon purchase the Mets from Doubleday & Co. for $80.75 million, splitting the franchise at 50% apiece.

Born On This Date: Francisco Lindor (1993), Akeel Morris (1992) Joely Rodríguez (1991), Xavier Nady (1978), Tim Hamulack (1976), Darrell Sutherland (1941), Jim Piersall (1929).

The post Morning Briefing: ESPN Announces Opening Day Doubleheader appeared first on Metsmerized.