Meet the Mets
The Mets held their annual holiday party yesterday at Citi Field. Clay Holmes served as Santa Claus, while a trio of young Mets hurlers—Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong—were the elves.
Tong
reiterated that he loves being a Mets, saying, “It’s truly one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in my entire life.” The right-hander also shared his joy at seeing kids happy during the party, which brought him back to his youth.
McLean displayed his humor, saying, “I don’t know who Nolan is, I’m just an elf.”
Sproat was ecstatic during McLean’s and Tong’s debuts, recounting had he jumped up and down and shouted during those starts.
Holmes spoke about his old (and now current) teammate Luke Weaver, explaining, “Luke’s great. He’s got some spunk to him, he’s got some character. He’s just got a good energy to him.”
The party showcased new faces amid the team’s roster shakeup.
In yet another example of the Mets taking a player from the Yankees, top international free agent shortstop Wandy Asigen has opted out of his deal with the Bronx Bombers and is signing with the Amazins.
Jorge Polanco will wear number 11 for the Mets, while Ronny Mauricio will switch from 10 to zero.
The Mets signed Kevin Herget, who appeared in six games for New York last year, on a minor league deal.
Jesse Orosco will be honored at the BBWAA Awards.
Around the National League East
It appears that the Phillies are likely to trade left-handed reliever Matt Strahm.
Ben Weinrib explored whether Aidan Miller, whom the Phillies drafted Number 32 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, will remain at shortstop, which is the position Philadelphia drafted him for.
Brian Murphy talked about the Braves are giving back during their 2025 Season of Giving campaign.
Christopher Morel and the Marlins have finalized their one-year deal.
The Nationals hired former Phillies assistant GM Anirudh Kilambi to serve as their general manager.
Despite a career ERA of 4.19 (and an ERA of 4.17 in 2025), Nationals’ left-hander MacKenzie Gore is drawing major trade interest.
Around Major League Baseball
Jeff Passan provided a mid-winter temperature check and some notes on where things stand in free agency at this juncture of the offseason.
Barry Bloom explains how free agency has seemingly been slowed down by the Qualifying Offer being attached to some players.
David Adler examined the nastiest pitches that are still available on the free agent market.
Team USA’s stacked roster became even more stacked with the additions of Tarik Skubal, Mason Miller, David Bednar, and Paul Skenes.
Brittany Ghiroli wrote about how the birth of MLB free agency set the table for the upcoming labor dispute.
The Dodgers’ full postseason shares came in at $484,747.57. The total players’ pool came in just under the record-setting 2024 total.
The Blue Jays came close to winning it all, but they’re getting a new look and covering all angles as they look to build their 2026 pitching staff.
Free agent starter Michael King is returning to the Padres on a three-year deal worth $75 million, with opt outs after 2026 and 2027.
Bryan Hoch explained why the Yankees made Cade Winquest their first Rule 5 pick since 2011.
The White Sox acquired outfielder Tristan Peters from the Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The Guardians have signed reliever Shawn Armstrong on a one-year deal.
The Cubs signed first baseman Tyler Austin to a one-year deal. Austin has spent the last six seasons in Japan.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Brian Salvatore wrote a truly touching piece about how the role that trumpets and the polar bear played in his kids’ love of the Mets (I highly encourage anyone reading this to take a moment and read it if you haven’t already, or re-read it).
Grace Carbone helped familiarize Mets fans with Luke Weaver.
This Date in Mets History
Michael Sergio, the man who parachuted onto Shea Stadium before Game Six of the World Series, was fined $500 and sentenced to 100 hours of community service on this date in 1986.
