Good morning, Mets fans.
Friday night, Jacob deGrom made his free agent decision as he signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers. The contract includes a conditional sixth-year option and a full no-trade clause. It is truly the end of an era for the Mets. deGrom was the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner, a two-time Cy Young Award Winner, and a four-time All-Star with the team.
While deGrom is one of the best pitchers of this generation, he has sustained several injuries that have kept him off the mound the past few years. It is also important to note that he is 34 years old and his prime years may be behind him. With that being said, the Rangers have made a massive commitment to deGrom and, with his departure, the Mets now have the ability to pivot their focus to other free agent targets. It may now be easier for the Mets to retain Brandon Nimmo, or sign another ace such as Justin Verlander or Carlos Rodón.
Now onto the morning briefing.
Latest Mets News
It is reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post that the Mets’ offer to Jacob deGrom was a three-year deal in the $120 million range. The two sides were in contact on Thursday but not on Friday when deGrom signed with the Rangers.
The Mets signed reliever Jimmy Yacabonis to a Minor League contract. He had an 8.36 ERA in 14.0 innings pitched with the Miami Marlins in 2022.
Latest MLB News
The Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners agreed to a trade, sending Kolten Wong to Seattle and Jesse Winker and Abraham Toro to Milwaukee.
The San Diego Padres have met twice in-person with free agent Trea Turner, and have legitimate interest in signing him.
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly meeting with the top free agent short stops available, including Carlos Correa, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Dansby Swanson.
Former Met Miguel Castro signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Chris Martin signed a two-year, $17.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
The Baltimore Orioles signed former Red Sox player Franchy Cordero to a Minor League contract.
Jason Castro, who spent 15 years in MLB as a catcher, announced his retirement on Friday.
Pitchers Brady Singer and Kyle Freeland were announced as being part of Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Latest on MMO
Michael Mayer wrote about Ronny Mauricio‘s continued success in the Dominican Winter League.
Chris Bello graded the 2022 season of Chris Bassitt.
Brian Wright continued MMO’s list of the Mets’ best free agent signings ever, going with Max Scherzer as the seventh best.
On This Date in Mets History
1974: The Mets traded Tug McGraw and two other players to the Philadelphia Phillies for John Stearns, Mac Scarce, and Del Unser. McGraw had been a member of the 1969 World Series champion team and was also an All-Star in 1972.
Birthdays: Matt Reynolds (32), Tobi Stoner (38), Paul Byrd (52), Kevin Morgan (53), Darryl Hamilton (58), Mark Bradley (66), Wayne Garrett (75), Dave Eilers (86)
