Sean Manaea's inaugural season with the New York Mets was arguably the best of his nine-year career. The left-hander delivered an impressive 181 2/3 innings, marking a career-high, and posted a stellar 3.47 ERA, his best over a full season. Manaea's performance saw him rank among the top 10 in the National League in several key categories: ninth in strikeouts (184), fifth in WHIP (1.08), and third in opponents' batting average (.202).
Given such success, the Mets are reportedly optimistic about re-signing Manaea. According to SNY's Andy Martino, there's "increasing optimism" within the organization about a potential reunion. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi also linked Manaea to the Mets, noting that the team continues to seek rotation help, even after acquiring Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. Morosi suggested that Manaea's next contract could potentially be worth $100 million. In the event that negotiations with Manaea fall through, the Mets are considering other options. One notable alternative is right-hander Nick Pivetta. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets had a meeting scheduled with Pivetta's agents. Pivetta, who will turn 32 next season, posted a 4.09 ERA with an 11.1 K/9 rate over the past two seasons with the Boston Red Sox. However, signing Pivetta would require the Mets to forfeit a 2025 Draft pick due to his qualifying offer from Boston.
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The New York Mets are scheduled to meet with free agent starting pitcher Nick Pivetta on Wednesday, according to the New York Post. Following the high-profile signing of Juan Soto, which solidifies an already potent offense, the Mets are now focusing on bolstering their pitching staff. This offseason, they have already added Frankie Montas and reliever Clay Holmes, who is expected to transition to a starting role.
Currently, the Mets' projected rotation includes Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Paul Blackburn. However, the addition of Pivetta could further enhance their pitching depth. Pivetta, 31, has spent the last four-plus seasons with the Boston Red Sox. In 2023, he logged 145 ⅔ innings, posting a 4.14 ERA (103 ERA+) and a 1.13 WHIP, along with 172 strikeouts. Pivetta also has experience in the NL East, having started in four different seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Just a day after the New York Mets and Yankees finished competing for the top free agent, they're now vying for the winter's most sought-after trade candidate: White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report that the New York teams are currently the most aggressive suitors.
While the Red Sox and Phillies have also shown interest in Crochet, they seem to be trailing the New York teams for the moment. Jon Morosi of MLB Network mentioned the Brewers' interest in Crochet, but The Athletic's report does not include Milwaukee. As of now, no team appears close to finalizing a deal. Crochet, 25, managed to stay healthy in his first full season as a starter. The White Sox limited his workload after failing to secure a trade at the deadline. Although they didn't shut him down or skip his turns in the rotation, they shortened his starts towards the end of the year. He finished the season with 146 innings across 32 appearances, boasting impressive stats—he struck out 35.1% of batters faced while maintaining an excellent 5.5% walk rate. However, his 3.58 ERA didn't fully reflect his dominant performance, partly due to pitching in front of one of the league's weakest defensive teams, which resulted in an elevated .318 average on balls in play against him. Manager Carlos Mendoza of the New York Mets is undoubtedly thrilled about Juan Soto's decision to join the team, but he’s keeping his excitement in check with a dose of humor.
During the MLB Winter Meetings, after the news of Soto's deal broke, Mendoza was asked in jest which offseason acquisition was his favorite so far. Without hesitation, he responded, "Frankie Montas! Jose Siri! Frankie Montas and Siri. Exciting to have both of them." The humorous reply drew laughter from the gathered reporters. Mendoza’s playful remark wasn’t a dig at Montas or Siri, who are both expected to be valuable additions to the Mets this season. Instead, it was a lighthearted way to acknowledge the elephant in the room—Soto’s massive, near-billion dollar contract. Since the deal wasn’t officially finalized at the time, Mendoza refrained from commenting further on Soto. However, there’s no urgency now; Mendoza and the Mets have 15 years to celebrate and discuss Soto’s impact on the team. With Soto’s addition, the Mets’ future looks bright, and Mendoza’s infectious energy and humor are sure to keep the atmosphere positive and focused. The New York Mets have significantly improved their odds of winning the World Series at sportsbooks following the acquisition of superstar outfielder Juan Soto. This move has catapulted the Mets ahead of the New York Yankees in the betting markets.
After the announcement, the Mets' odds shifted from +1200 to +750 on ESPN BET. They now trail only the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are at +375. The Atlanta Braves share the same odds as the Mets at +750. Meanwhile, the Yankees, who saw Soto join their crosstown rivals, saw their odds drop from +750 to +850. Soto, 26, signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, the largest in North American professional sports history. Since debuting in MLB in 2018, Soto has led the league in on-base percentage (.421) and walks (769). He also set career highs last season with 41 home runs, 166 hits, and 128 runs scored. At +750, the Mets now have their shortest preseason World Series odds since 2008, according to SportsOddsHistory.com. Their odds to win the National League pennant stand at +400, just behind the Dodgers at +200. The New York Mets have made a splash this offseason by signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. This move instantly elevates the Mets' lineup and makes them a formidable force in the league. Here’s a look at the potential lineup for the 2025 season:
This lineup boasts a mix of power, speed, and on-base ability, with Soto and Lindor forming a dynamic duo at the top. Vientos, coming off a breakout season, will provide much-needed thump at first base, while Nimmo and Marte offer consistent hitting and speed. McNeil and Alvarez round out the lineup with their reliable performances, and Baty and Taylor provide depth and potential upside. The addition of Soto not only strengthens the Mets' offense but also puts pressure on the rest of the lineup to perform at a high level. With this star-studded roster, the Mets are poised to make a deep playoff run and compete for a World Series title. In a stunning move that has shaken the baseball world, superstar outfielder Juan Soto has agreed to a monumental 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. This deal, first reported by Jeff Passan, breaks the record for the largest contract in MLB history, surpassing the previous record set by Shohei Ohtani.
Soto, who will turn 27 in October, has been one of the most sought-after free agents in recent memory. His impressive career includes a .281 batting average, 201 home runs, and 592 RBIs over seven seasons with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. He also played a crucial role in the New York Yankees' run to the World Series in 2024, batting .327 with four home runs in 14 postseason games. The Mets' aggressive pursuit of Soto paid off, as they outbid several high-profile teams, including the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. This signing is a significant coup for Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has been known for his willingness to spend big on top talent. With Soto now in the fold, the Mets hope to end their World Series drought, which has lasted since 1986. Soto's addition to the lineup alongside Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte creates a formidable offensive trio that should excite Mets fans. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Max Fried, one of the top free-agent starting pitchers this offseason, is expected to sign with either the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox. Both of these powerhouse teams have shown strong interest in securing top-tier pitching talent and have also been linked to pursuing superstar outfielder Juan Soto.
If Soto signs elsewhere, it could set the stage for a heated bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox for Fried's services. This dynamic suggests that the competition for Fried could become even more intense. Fried has built an impressive resume over an eight-year career with the Atlanta Braves, including two seasons finishing in the top five of the National League Cy Young Award voting, two All-Star selections, and a World Series title in 2021. His performance since 2019 has been particularly noteworthy, with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP across 824 2/3 innings. Despite his success, Fried has reportedly "priced himself out of Atlanta," according to Nightengale. Both Fried and fellow free-agent ace Corbin Burnes are expected to command contracts exceeding $200 million. This high valuation underscores the demand for elite pitching talent in the current market. The potential signing of Fried by either the Yankees or Red Sox would significantly bolster their pitching rotations, adding a proven frontline starter capable of making a substantial impact. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on which team can secure this coveted ace. The New York Mets have added right-hander Oliver Ortega to their pitching depth, signing him to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to the big league spring training camp. This signing was first reported by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
Ortega, 28, brings experience from his time with the Angels and Twins. Making his Major League debut in 2021, Ortega has posted a 4.03 ERA, a 20.4% strikeout rate, and a 10.8% walk rate over 58 innings in relief. Despite being claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros in October 2023, Ortega did not play any games for them due to health issues. His 2024 season was completely sidelined by injuries, starting with a Spring Training surgery to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow. Unfortunately, the initial procedure was unsuccessful, and Ortega underwent another surgery in late June to remove a bone spur from the same elbow. The Mets are hoping that Ortega can recover fully and compete for a spot in their bullpen. His invitation to the Mets' spring training camp offers him an opportunity to prove his worth and potentially secure a role in New York's pitching staff for the upcoming season. The New York Mets are actively looking to strengthen their starting rotation after adding veteran reliever Clay Holmes, who they plan to convert into a starter, and Frankie Montas. According to a report from The Athletic, the Mets are showing interest in several right-handers, including Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Flaherty, Nick Pivetta, and Walker Buehler.
The need for starting pitching is evident as multiple starters from the 2024 season have either signed with other teams, like Luis Severino joining the Athletics, or are currently free agents, such as Sean Manaea The free agency of superstar Juan Soto has taken an unexpected turn, with bidding reportedly surpassing the $700 million mark. Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed that both the New York Yankees and New York Mets have escalated their offers to the $710-730 million range as Soto's free agency draws to a close. While it's believed that the Mets have placed the higher bid, the offers from both clubs are within the same range.
Despite the record-setting offers from the New York teams, the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers remain in contention and have not been eliminated from the sweepstakes. Soto's contract is expected to exceed the net present value of Shohei Ohtani's $461 million deal with the Dodgers, which included significant deferrals. Soto's exceptional performance and youth make him an incredibly attractive prospect. At just 26 years old, he has already been a four-time All-Star and two-time MVP finalist. His consistent excellence at the plate, with a career wRC+ of over 140, has not been seen since Alex Rodriguez's free agency over two decades ago. As the bidding war continues, all five known finalists—the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers—remain in the mix. Soto is expected to make his decision within the next couple of days, and it remains to be seen whether he will choose the highest bidder or be swayed by other factors. The New York Mets have officially signed pitcher Clay Holmes, previously with the New York Yankees, marking another high-profile acquisition for the team. The deal is reportedly valued at around $34 million over multiple years, although exact financial details are pending the completion of a physical examination.
Holmes has primarily been known as a relief pitcher, but discussions surrounding this signing indicate a potential transition to a starting role. This proposed shift has generated significant interest and debate within the baseball community, as fans and analysts speculate on how Holmes' skills might translate to a starting position. The Mets' decision to sign Holmes continues their recent trend of acquiring former Yankees, aiming to capitalize on his talent in a new capacity within their rotation. Holmes' performance as a reliever has been impressive, and the Mets are hopeful that his adaptability and experience can bring added strength and depth to their pitching staff. By exploring the possibility of using Holmes as a starter, the Mets demonstrate their willingness to innovate and take strategic risks in their quest for a stronger, more versatile team. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Holmes to see how he adapts to this potential new role and contributes to the Mets' success. The Tampa Bay Rays have traded right-handed pitcher Sean Harney to the New York Mets in exchange for international pool money, according to multiple reports.
Harney, who has shown potential in the Rays' farm system, will now have the opportunity to further develop his skills with the Mets organization. The Rays, in return, have added to their international signing budget, which could help them secure promising young talent from overseas. This trade reflects the Rays' ongoing strategy of leveraging their pitching depth to acquire resources that can aid in long-term player development. For the Mets, acquiring Harney provides them with another arm to evaluate and potentially develop within their system. The New York Mets' third baseman, Brett Baty, is attracting considerable trade interest from teams across the league. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets are open to listening to offers for their former top prospect. While Baty is not actively being shopped, he is not off limits either, making him an intriguing option for clubs seeking cost-effective talent at third base.
Baty has long been seen as a logical trade candidate. His inclusion on various offseason trade candidate lists was driven by the emergence of Mark Vientos at third base and the possibility of the Mets re-signing Pete Alonso. In a scenario where Alonso signs elsewhere and Vientos moves to first base, Baty could still vie for the starting role at the hot corner. However, he has struggled to secure his place during previous opportunities in the past few seasons. Mets fans and analysts are encouraged to read Puma's detailed piece, which includes insights from scouts who believe Baty is just a small adjustment or two away from becoming a reliable major league regular. The former No. 12 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Baty has faced challenges in the majors, producing a .215/.282/.325 line across 602 plate appearances over three seasons. Despite these struggles, his performance in Triple-A has been impressive, hitting .273/.368/.531 in 416 plate appearances. Baty has also shown improvement in his strike zone awareness, reducing his strikeout rate from 28% in 2023 to 24.6% in 2024, while maintaining a 9.4% walk rate. These scouting reports highlight why other teams are keen to acquire the 25-year-old. His potential and upside make him a valuable asset, even if his major league performance has been inconsistent thus far. As the Mets evaluate their roster and consider their options, the possibility of trading Baty could bring significant value in return. Teams looking for an affordable third baseman with upside will undoubtedly keep a close eye on developments involving Baty. Keep an eye on this space for further updates as the Mets navigate their trade discussions and make decisions that will shape the future of their roster. What do you think about the possibility of the Mets trading Baty? Do you believe he has the potential to become a consistent performer in the majors? While much of the baseball world has been abuzz with speculation about Juan Soto's future, another power hitter, Pete Alonso, has remained somewhat under the radar during the early stages of free agency.
Industry experts suggest that Alonso's market will only fully materialize after Soto's situation is resolved. This isn't surprising, as Soto is the primary target for several big-market teams, including the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox. Teams that miss out on Soto will likely turn their attention to Alonso, with extra budget to offer him a lucrative deal. So far, it's unclear if Alonso has received any formal offers. Last year, he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million contract extension that would have cemented his place with the Mets. Since early November, Alonso has been free to negotiate with any of the 30 MLB teams. Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Soto, Alonso has little incentive to commit to a deal just yet. For teams that don't secure Soto, Alonso could quickly become a practical alternative. The fact that both players share the same agent, Scott Boras, makes it even more likely that Alonso will wait until Soto's future is decided. Which Teams Might Be Interested? Mets: Unsurprisingly, the Mets are at the top of the list of potential suitors. Although Alonso has never explicitly stated that returning to Queens is his top choice, he frequently expresses his affection for New York. The challenge lies in the Mets' willingness to meet Alonso's financial demands, especially as they focus on pitching reinforcements. If Soto does not end up in New York, Alonso could become their priority again. Yankees: With Anthony Rizzo's departure, the Yankees have a significant hole at first base. Even if Soto re-signs with the Yankees, there is a possibility that Alonso could join him, further strengthening their lineup. Nationals: Alonso has been linked to the Nationals in several media reports. His power-hitting ability could be the catalyst that propels a young team into contention. Giants and Mariners: Both teams could benefit from Alonso's power and consistency at the plate. They need an offensive boost, making Alonso an attractive target. Cubs: Historically, the Cubs seemed like a good fit for Alonso, but the emergence of Michael Busch may have altered their plans. Red Sox and Blue Jays: If Soto chooses a different team, both Boston and Toronto could pivot to Alonso. While the fits may not be perfect on paper, adjustments like trading Triston Casas or moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to DH could make space for Alonso. What Could an Alonso Contract Look Like? Having already rejected a $158 million deal, Alonso is likely aiming for a more substantial contract. However, it may be challenging to surpass the contracts of Matt Olson (eight years, $168 million) and Freddie Freeman (six years, $162 million), which were signed three years ago. Nevertheless, Alonso’s consistent performance and power at the plate make him a highly valuable asset in the current market. As the offseason progresses, Alonso's market will become clearer, especially after Soto's decision. Teams will then have a better understanding of their needs and budgets, which could lead to significant offers for Alonso. Stay tuned as this dynamic market continues to unfold. Yankees outfielder Everson Pereira, infielder Jorbit Vivas, and Mets right-hander Max Kranick are eligible for a fourth option year, according to a report by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. They join Red Sox right-hander Cooper Criswell, with more players expected to be named throughout the offseason.
When a player is added to the 40-man roster, they generally have three seasons in which they can be optioned to the minors. If a player spends at least 20 days in the minors during a season, it counts as one of those three option years. However, under specific circumstances, a player can qualify for a fourth option year. A fourth option is granted if a player uses up their three option years before completing five professional seasons. MLB defines a professional season as one where a player spends at least 90 days on an MLB or minor league active roster. This rule often affects players who spend several years in the minors before being added to the 40-man roster. Pereira and Vivas joined their respective 40-man rosters in the 2021-22 offseason and have been optioned each year since. Before 2021, neither completed a full professional season, as they spent 2017-19 in complexes or short-season affiliates without reaching the 90-day threshold. Additionally, the canceled 2020 minor league season did not count as a professional year. Consequently, Vivas has logged four professional seasons (2021-24), while Pereira completed a full minor league campaign only in 2022. Kranick joined the Mets' 40-man roster after the 2020 season, having already accrued two professional seasons. His third season was in 2021, but he spent the majority of the 2022-23 seasons on the injured list due to forearm issues and Tommy John surgery. He returned to health in 2024, marking his fourth professional season. The eligibility for a fourth option means these players can be reassigned to the minors without needing to clear waivers, providing their teams with roster flexibility. While Vivas and Kranick may be on the 40-man roster bubble, the extra option is particularly beneficial for Pereira. The former top prospect, who underwent elbow surgery last June, can now be sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for further evaluation without the risk of being exposed to waivers. The New York Mets have brought back outfielder Alex Ramírez on a minor league contract, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. The 21-year-old's status regarding a non-roster invite to MLB Spring Training remains unclear at this time.
Ramírez is returning to the organization where his professional career began. The Mets initially signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 2019 for just over $2 million, making him a key piece of their international signing class. He showed promise in the low minors, leading to high rankings among the Mets' top prospects by Baseball America and MLB Pipeline heading into 2023. However, Ramírez's performance has declined over the past two seasons. In 2023, he batted .221/.310/.317 in High-A, and despite his struggles, the Mets added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Unfortunately, his 2024 season did not show improvement; he posted a .210/.291/.299 line with five home runs in 123 games at Double-A Binghamton. While his strikeout and walk rates were manageable, his lack of power continued to be an issue. Given his recent performance, the Mets chose not to tender Ramírez a contract at the non-tender deadline, making him a free agent without exposing him to waivers. Although teams often re-sign players in such situations to minor league deals, Ramírez didn't secure a big league contract from other clubs and opted to remain with the Mets organization. He will aim to improve his hitting and make a stronger case for himself in the high minors. The New York Mets have re-signed right-handed pitcher Grant Hartwig to a minor league deal after non-tendering him last month, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Hartwig will be attending spring training as a non-roster invitee, aiming to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Hartwig, who will turn 27 later this month, had an interrupted 2024 season due to surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee, limiting him to just 6 2/3 innings where he allowed five runs. Over his career, he has pitched 42 innings in the major leagues, posting a 5.14 ERA with an 18% strikeout rate, a 10.1% walk rate, and a 46.5% ground-ball rate. Despite his challenges in the major leagues, Hartwig's minor league performance offers some optimism. In Triple-A, he has recorded a 4.34 ERA while striking out nearly a quarter of the batters he faced and maintaining a strong ground-ball rate. With a sinker that averages just under 95 mph and can reach up to 97 mph, the 6’5”, 235-pound righty still has potential to contribute at the major league level. Hartwig retains two minor league options, allowing the Mets to move him between the major and minor leagues without exposing him to waivers. This flexibility makes Hartwig a valuable asset as the Mets prepare for the 2025 season. As Hartwig heads into spring training, he will be looking to secure a spot on the Mets' 40-man roster and prove that he can be a reliable contributor to the team’s pitching staff. His journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see if he can overcome past setbacks and deliver strong performances for the Mets. The New York Mets are aggressively pursuing superstar Juan Soto and are among five teams confirmed to have made an offer. While the Mets remain optimistic about their chances, they are also preparing a robust backup plan should they fail to land Soto.
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly outlines potential fallback strategies for teams in the Soto sweepstakes. For the Mets, Kelly predicts they would pivot to signing both Corbin Burnes and Pete Alonso. He notes that with the financial backing of owner Steve Cohen, the Mets could secure Alonso and Burnes, and still have the flexibility to re-sign one of their recent pitchers like Luis Severino or Sean Manaea, or even trade for Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. Recently, the Mets signed Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal on December 1. Adding Burnes, projected by Spotrac to sign a six-year, $180 million contract, would further strengthen their new starting rotation. Given the recent contract trends, Burnes' deal could exceed these projections. Securing Alonso will be the Mets' primary focus if they miss out on Soto. Alonso, a homegrown talent and fan favorite, is expected to command a six-year, $174 million contract, according to Spotrac. These potential acquisitions are aimed at pushing the Mets towards a World Series appearance in 2025, after their near-miss in 2024. Burnes, a four-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner, would take on the role of ace in the Mets' rotation, while Alonso would continue his career with the only team he's ever played for. The New York Mets have reached an agreement with free agent right-hander Frankie Montas on a 2-year, $34 million contract, according to multiple reports. This deal includes a mutual option for a third year and a $2 million buyout.
Montas, who turns 31 in March, has been a reliable starter throughout his career, most notably during his standout 2021 season with the Oakland Athletics, where he posted a 13-9 record with a 3.37 ERA and 207 strikeouts. Despite missing most of the 2023 season due to a right shoulder injury, Montas has returned to full health and is poised to bolster the Mets' pitching rotation. The Mets see Montas as a valuable addition to their pitching staff, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record. With this signing, the Mets continue to strengthen their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. The New York Mets are gearing up for a fascinating winter, with a mix of incoming and outgoing players likely to shape their future. After an exhilarating run to the National League Championship Series, the Mets are looking to make significant moves to position themselves as World Series contenders. However, the offseason is expected to see as many departures as arrivals, creating a dynamic environment for the team.
Free Agents and Key Departures The Mets had 14 free agents on their playoff roster, many of whom were integral to their success. Among the most notable potential losses are starting pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino. Yet, perhaps the most challenging departure to cope with would be that of their four-time All-Star first baseman, Pete Alonso. The Pete Alonso Conundrum Pete Alonso, a lifelong Met and the second-leading home run hitter in baseball since the start of 2019, could be headed elsewhere if the Mets don't make a concerted effort to retain him. Alonso is projected to command a five-year, $130 million contract, a significant investment even for one of the most prolific first basemen. Christopher Kline of FanSided has recently highlighted the Toronto Blue Jays as a potential surprise destination for Alonso, despite their current superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., at first base. "Alonso is coming off a dominant postseason run, delivering clutch performances for the Mets. He is an exceptional slugger, and there's reason to believe his bat could remain above average for years to come," Kline noted. Guerrero has some experience at third base, and the Blue Jays have been considering a position change for him throughout the winter. While moving Guerrero to third and signing Alonso might not be ideal defensively, the Blue Jays would rely on the significant offensive boost to outweigh any defensive concerns. Alonso's Recent Performance Although Alonso did not have his best season in 2024, he still led the Mets with 34 home runs and added three crucial playoff homers, including one that saved New York's season. With 226 career home runs in just 846 games, Alonso has set a blazing pace that he aims to maintain. The Bigger Picture Losing Alonso would undoubtedly be a shock to Mets fans, but New York might have their sights set on an even bigger prize this offseason. While Alonso would be a valuable addition to any lineup, a desperate Toronto team may value him more highly than the Mets do, potentially paving the way for his departure. As the Mets navigate this winter's transactions, the future of Pete Alonso will be a key storyline to watch. Whether he stays or moves on, his impact on the team's trajectory will be significant, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason. Jared Porter, former general manager of the New York Mets, has publicly addressed his firing for the first time. During an episode of the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast released on Friday, Porter acknowledged sending an inappropriate text message to a reporter while he was an executive with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. This incident led to his dismissal from the Mets in 2021, just 38 days after his hiring.
Porter was brought on board by the Mets from the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 13, 2020, but was fired on January 19, 2021, following an ESPN report that detailed his sending of sexually explicit, uninvited text messages and images to a female reporter. "It was an inappropriate relationship for a lot of reasons, both personally and professionally," Porter admitted. "When the article first came out, it was a tremendous amount of fear and shame. I talked with my wife, family, and co-workers at the Mets about the situation. It was a really tough moment, but I put myself in that situation by sending the text message, and I certainly shouldn't have done it." Porter also mentioned that due to the coronavirus pandemic, he never met Mets owner Steve Cohen in person or visited his office at Citi Field. He expressed understanding and acceptance of the decision made by Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson to fire him. "I was really enjoying my time at the Mets, working with Sandy and Steve and the group they put together. They gave me the opportunity to be a general manager, which was incredible," Porter said. "They had to make the best decision for the New York Mets when the article came out, and I knew they would. I hold zero ill will toward them. It's unfortunate that I put myself and them in that situation." Porter's reflections highlight the personal and professional consequences of his actions and his acceptance of responsibility for the incident. The New York Mets announced on Wednesday the signing of left-handed reliever Genesis Cabrera to a minor league contract, with an invitation to major league spring training.
Career Overview Cabrera, 28, has spent his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays. In 2024, he posted a 3.59 ERA over 62 2/3 innings with the Blue Jays, despite a below-average strikeout rate of 18.5% and a high walk rate of 10.7%. Command has been a consistent challenge for Cabrera, who has never posted a walk rate below 10% in any season. Performance and Potential Despite his control issues, Cabrera has remained an effective pitcher, boasting a career ERA of 3.89 across 275 2/3 innings in the majors. He has frequently pitched in high-leverage situations, accumulating 67 holds and five saves. In 2024, Cabrera's fastball velocity dipped to a career-low average of 95.9 mph, but his sinker slightly improved to an average of 96 mph. However, his strikeout rate last year was the second-lowest of his career, signaling some potential red flags. Opportunity with the Mets The Mets see potential in Cabrera's track record and velocity, despite his inconsistent command and recent performance issues. By bringing him to camp as a non-roster invitee, they have no risk and stand to gain a valuable bullpen piece if he performs well. Currently, Danny Young is the only left-handed reliever on the Mets' 40-man roster, so adding Cabrera provides much-needed depth and competition as the offseason progresses. The New York Mets have announced the signing of catcher Jakson Reetz to a minor league contract, with an invitation to major league spring training. Reetz, a client of Warner Sports Management, brings his experience and versatility to the Mets organization as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Reetz, 28, spent the 2024 season within the San Francisco Giants organization. Although he only appeared in six major league games, hitting a home run in 15 plate appearances, he spent most of the season at Triple-A Sacramento. This marked his second consecutive year with the Giants' top affiliate, where he posted a respectable .254/.368/.431 slash line, including five home runs and 20 doubles in 58 games (235 plate appearances). Originally a third-round pick by the Washington Nationals in 2014, Reetz once ranked among the Nationals' top 10-20 prospects. However, his career has since evolved into that of a journeyman. Over the past four years, he has played for the Nationals, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, and now the Mets. Notably, in 2022, Reetz hit 22 home runs in just 63 games for the Brewers' Double-A affiliate, showcasing his potential power. However, his overall performance in Triple-A has been more modest, with a .241/.338/.467 slash line over parts of four seasons. Currently, the Mets have Francisco Alvarez and non-tender candidate Luis Torrens at the top of their catching depth chart. Additionally, former first-round pick Kevin Parada, drafted 11th overall out of Georgia Tech in 2022, has struggled to show significant offensive production above the High-A level. Parada spent the 2024 season in Double-A, where he hit .214/.304/.359 in 114 games, a slight improvement over his .185/.250/.389 line in 60 plate appearances at the same level in late 2023. Reetz's signing provides the Mets with additional depth and options behind the plate as they approach the 2025 season. With spring training on the horizon, Reetz will look to make an impression and potentially earn a spot on the major league roster. The New York Mets have bolstered their roster with the addition of first baseman Joey Meneses and reliever Hobie Harris, both on minor league deals. The news was initially reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
Joey Meneses, a 32-year-old former Washington Nationals player, had an impressive rookie season in 2022, hitting .324/.367/.563 in 56 games. However, he struggled to maintain that form in the subsequent seasons. In 2023, Meneses posted a .275/.321/.401 slash line with 13 homers over 154 contests. His performance dipped further this year, finishing with a .231/.291/.302 mark and three home runs in 313 plate appearances. After being waived by the Nationals at the season’s end, Meneses chose minor league free agency when he went unclaimed. Meneses will now vie for a spot on the Mets' roster as a right-handed bench bat. Depending on the offseason moves, such as the potential departure of Pete Alonso or re-signing of Jesse Winker, Meneses could find opportunities at first base or as a designated hitter. Hobie Harris, 31, also a former Nationals player, has had limited major league experience. In 2023, he pitched in 16 games, allowing 12 runs over 19 1/3 innings, with 13 walks and nine strikeouts. Harris spent this past season in Triple-A with the Twins, posting an ERA close to seven over 54 1/3 innings. Despite his struggles, Harris has a fastball that can reach 94-95 MPH and managed to miss bats on 14.6% of his pitches this year. The Mets see potential in Harris as a valuable minor league bullpen asset. These signings indicate the Mets’ strategic approach to building depth and exploring potential talents who could make significant contributions to their roster in the upcoming season. Fans will be watching closely to see how Meneses and Harris perform and whether they can make their way back to the big leagues. |
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