Meet the Mets
Pete Alonso is scheduled to meet with the Red Sox and the Orioles this week at the Winter Meetings. He will not meet with the Mets, but David Stearns indicated it’s because the two parties know each other
so well and does not reflect the team’s level of interest in the homegrown slugger. He added, “Well be in touch”.
While the Mets remain interested, alternative options exist elsewhere, explains Anthony DiComo.
The Schwarber-Alonso intrigue has raised plenty of questions for the Mets.
The Mets have expressed interest in Kyle Schwarber, with some thinking that they could turn to him over Alonso.
When asked if Juan Soto could see more time as a Designated Hitter in 2026, Carlos Mendoza told reporters that the star outfielder does not like to DH.
When asked about a disconnect between Soto and Francisco Lindor, Stearns did not express concern, adding that they both “care a ton about winning…work incredibly hard and play very well together”, which he views as the most important thing in the end. The team’s skipper added to it, calling reports of clubhouse issues a ‘lie’.
Yesterday marked 365 days since the team won the Soto sweepstakes. It’s been a rough year for the Mets, and they have plenty of holes to fill, writes David Lennon.
Mendoza defended his bullpen usage after Adam Ottavino’s well-publicized comments.
In talking about Kodai Senga, Stearns said the right-hander feels as good as he felt in the 2023 season and expects him to return stateside next month.
The Mets remain hesitant to hand out a long-term contract to starting pitching, according to new reporting from Will Sammon.
They did, however, hold a video meeting with ex-Yankee Michael King.
The Mets have also spoken with the Brewers about Trevor Megill and also appear to be interested in Freddy Peralta.
The Mets inked reliever Carl Edwards Jr. to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Christian Scott will be a full go for spring training after missing all of last season with Tommy John Surgery. A.J. Minter, meanwhile, is questionable for Opening Day.
Syracuse Mets skipper Dick Scott was named the 17th winner of the Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award, which is awarded to an individual with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development.
The Mets are featured on two key ESPN days so far: Jackie Robinson Day against the Dodgers, and the second half opener against the Phillies on July 17.
Around the National League East
Matt Gelb explored where the Phillies’ offseason stands heading into the Winter Meetings.
Mark Feinsand believes a Schwarber deal could get the free agent frenzy moving in a hurry.
The Braves signed right-hander James Karinchak to a minor league deal. Karinchak last pitched in the majors in 2023.
The Marlins remain focused on building for 2026 and beyond as they arrive at the Winter Meetings.
Paul Toboni elaborated on his lofty aspirations to create a Nationals team that would be the ‘envy of the sport’.
The Nationals are open to trading CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore, and a lot of contenders appear interested in the pair, but the Nats are looking for a big return.
Washington hired former Twins hitting coach Matt Borgschulte to serve as their hitting coach. They also added Victor Estevez (third base/infield coach) and Dustin Glant (assistant pitching/bullpen coach) to their staff.
Around Major League Baseball
Jared Greenspan discussed the rare skill that three left-handed free agent sluggers share.
Manny Randhawa identified some free agents who could jump to division rivals.
The free agent market may move very slowly this winter, according to some agents and execs.
Hal Steinbrenner’s new Yankee spending reality has gotten a bit scarier, according to Joel Sherman.
Brian Cashman has refuted Sonny Gray’s comments about never wanting to play for the Yankees. Gray’s agent then responded to Cashman’s remarks.
There is no untouchable on the Tigers’ roster, not even Tarik Skubal, according to Detroit POBO Scott Harris.
The Diamondbacks have signed Mike Soroka to a one-year deal.
The Blue Jays are looking to bolster their bullpen, expressing interest in Robert Suarez while monitoring the Edwin Díaz situation.
Beyond that, Toronto GM Ross Atkins is not tipping his hand on other big offseason dreams after landing ace Dylan Cease.
José Berríos was not happy about being bumped from Toronto’s rotation, which is why he was away from the team during the World Series.
The Blue Jays and Red Sox are among the teams talking with Arizona about Ketel Marte.
Old Friend Steven Matz is set to sign a two-year deal with the Rays.
Reds’ minor league manager Pat Kelly was named the recipient of the 17th annual Mike Coolbaugh Award.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Lukas Vlahos graded the team’s signing of reliever Devin Williams.
You can now listen to the latest episode of the “Flushing is Burning” podcast.
This Date in Mets History
The Mets lost NLCS MVP Mike Hampton to the Colorado Rockies (or, more accurately, the Denver school system) on this date in 2000.
