Teams have contacted Mets about trading for Yoenis Cespedes: Report – SNY.tv

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Yoenis Cespedes (52) Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)
Yoenis Cespedes (52) Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Teams have reached out to the Mets over the last week about the potential of trading for Yoenis Cespedes, reports Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. According to DiComo, nothing is imminent.

The Mets reached an agreement with Cespedes last week to amend his contract and salary for the 2020 season, SNY’s Andy Martino reported.

Cespedes had been due to receive $29.5 million in 2020 in what is the last year of the four-year, $110 million contract he signed with the Mets after the 2016 season. Under the terms of the amended contract, that $29.5 million could become less than $10 million, according to The Post’s Joel Sherman, though Cespedes could make as much as $20 million if he reaches certain incentive clauses.

Before the amendment was agreed to, the Mets and Cespedes were moving closer to a hearing related to his ranch injury and a potential contract violation, according to Martino.

The 34-year-old Cespedes missed all of last season due to the ankle injury he suffered while on his ranch, and has been taking batting practice and running as he prepares for a potential return.

While Cespedes recently told Eduardo Perez of MLB Network Radio that he was hungry and ready to “go out with a bang,” it’s fair to believe the Mets would much rather trade Cespedes to an American League team in need of a DH than have him on the roster in 2020.

The Mets currently have a payroll of roughly $192 million (factoring in the lower Cespedes salary pre-incentives), which puts them $16 million under the luxury threshold of $208 million. If they trade Cespedes and the acquiring team takes on a large chunk of the money he is guaranteed while assuming payment of potential incentives, it would give the Mets even more room to make additions this offseason and/or during the 2020 season.

Aside from the payroll aspect of the Cespedes situation, the Mets also have a full outfield, with J.D. Davis in left, Brandon Nimmo in center, Michael Conforto in right, and Jake Marisnick on the bench.

With the above players on the roster, it’s hard to see where Cespedes fits in. 

Among teams who could potentially be interested in Cespedes, the Mets have already had trade discussions this offseason with the Rangers (regarding Jed Lowrie and Dominic Smith) and Athletics.


RELATED: What we know about the Mets’ offer to Betances >> Read More

RELATED: With Mets reportedly ‘nowhere near done’ this offseason, what could be next? >> Read More

RELATED: Porcello turned down longer and larger offers to sign with Mets >> Read More

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With the end of the decade just a handful of days away, SNY is taking a look back at the best players to call New York home over the past 10 years. The following Mets All-Decade Team was put together by insider Andy Martino. Find out if you agree with the list …


Manager: Terry Collins (2011-17)

When Collins took over for the Mets in 2011, he hadn’t been a big-league manager since 1999 with the Angels. The Mets finished under .500 in each of his first four seasons, but in 2015, Collins and the Mets finished with 90 wins, taking home the NL East crown. Collins then saw the team make their first World Series since 2000, though they came up short against the Kansas City Royals.Ultimately, Collins won 551 games as Mets’ skipper.

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On Friday, former All-Star closer Brad Lidge spoke with SNY’s Andy Martino about the Mets bullpen during Lidge’s Sirius XM MLB Network Radio show.

“The Mets don’t need to do anything in that bullpen,” Lidge said. “Because if Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia, if they get back to even close to their normal selves, then this could actually be one of the better bullpens in the National League.”

Martino and Lidge would then go on to talk about Diaz specifically, and try to figure out what he can do to get back to his 2018 All-Star form.

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Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado
Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Mets have had trade discussions with the Indians about Francisco Lindor and discussions with the Astros about Carlos Correa. Both of those players are tremendous talents, with Lindor offering more certainty and Correa being a player you can dream on. 

While Lindor and Correa would both be franchise-altering additions for the Mets, neither — due to what it would take to trade for them and the limited team control they have — is a perfect fit. Nor is Mookie Betts, who will earn close to $28 million in 2020 before being eligible for free agency. 

If the Mets want Betts, they can simply sign him after the 2020 season. And with Steve Cohen’s billions potentially in play by some point in the 2020 season, it isn’t that far-fetched to think the Mets could do it. For right now, though, the player it makes the most sense for the Mets to swing for the fences on is Nolan Arenado.

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Jul 18, 2019; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Chris Mazza (74) pitches the ball against the San Francisco Giants during the sixteenth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports (Kelley L Cox)
Jul 18, 2019; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Chris Mazza (74) pitches the ball against the San Francisco Giants during the sixteenth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports (Kelley L Cox)

RHP Chris Mazza has been claimed off waivers from the Mets by the Boston Red Sox, while fellow RHP Stephen Nogosek managed to clear waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse, the team announced on Friday.

Mazza was designated for assignment by the Mets last week when it was announced they had signed Michael Wacha.

He was selected by the Mets in the Triple-A Rule 5 draft in 2018 before spending time with Double-A Binghamton and Syracuse. Mazza made his major league debut with the Mets on June 29 against the Braves and finished the season with a 5.51 ERA and 1-1 record to go with 11 strikeouts.

Nogosek joined the Mets back in 2017 in a trade from the Red Sox and made his major league debut with New York on June 19 — also against the Braves. He finished 2019 with an 0-1 record and 10.80 ERA.

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The offseason is about to enter its final month and the Mets still have work to do. What can they do between now and spring training to improve? And what about that Jacob deGrom vs. Gerrit Cole debate?


Dino (via Twitter): Why isn’t Brodie Van Wagenen pushing harder to get Starling Marte from the Pirates? He’s a perfect fit. It makes no sense.

Just a guess here, and I assume you will disagree with him, but I suspect Van Wagenen doesn’t want Marte enough — or doesn’t think he’s enough of an upgrade — to meet Pittsburgh’s demands. It’s usually that simple…

It’s clear the two sides were deeply engaged in talks about Marte. However, those rumors have become less frequent and now the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal is reporting they’ve made minimal progress on a deal.

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Francisco Lindor (Kirby Lee)
Francisco Lindor (Kirby Lee)

The Mets were “in the mix” among teams interested in trading for Indians superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor, but bowed out because they felt the asking price was too high, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

According to Tim Healey of Newsday, that included the Indians “repeatedly” asking for for Jeff McNeil as part of the potential package.

McNeil, who is under team control through 2024 and won’t even hit arbitration until 2022, has significant value. So it should come as no surprise that the Indians pushed for him.

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Pirates OF Starling Marte
Pirates OF Starling Marte

The Mets have interest in trading for Pirates CF Starling Marte. Here’s the latest…


Dec. 20, 8:32 AM:

The Mets are making “minimal progress” toward a trade for Marte, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who adds that team officials are not “especially motivated” to trade for Marte.

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May 4, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports (Wendell Cruz)
May 4, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports (Wendell Cruz)

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

On Thursday, Eduardo Perez told the world, via MLB Radio, that Yoenis Cespedes predicted he’ll hit 40 home runs next season, or maybe even 52 to match the number on his back. And while Mets fans are bound to be skeptical, to say the least, Perez later told me he believes it. 

“My personal feeling is that he’ll go out and do it,” Perez said by phone Thursday afternoon. “I understand the skepticism, but I go way back with Yoenis, to when he was playing on Team Cuba, and I could hear it in his voice, how hungry he is to go out there and produce again.

“It all depends on his health, I’ve said that all along. But he’s driven to play again, and if he proves in spring training that he’s healthy, I don’t see anything that crazy in him hitting 52, especially the way the balls were jumping this year.”

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Apr 19, 2019; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Seth Lugo (67) pitches during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports (Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports)
Apr 19, 2019; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Seth Lugo (67) pitches during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports (Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports)

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said multiple times earlier this offseason that Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman were options for the 2020 starting rotation. Then he signed Michael Wacha. The next day, he signed Rick Porcello.

While Van Wagenen said after those signings that Lugo and Gsellman are still options to start, it’s clear that they’re both destined for the bullpen since the Mets have six starters for five spots without even factoring them in.

And Lugo, who has been clear the last few seasons about his desire to start, told Mike Puma of the New York Post that he is “disappointed” to likely be headed for the bullpen again. He’s also not giving up on his hope to start and become an “ace” — whether it’s in 2020 or not.

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Apr 1, 2019; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) warms up before a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports (Steve Mitchell)
Apr 1, 2019; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) warms up before a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports (Steve Mitchell)

As Yoenis Cespedes continues to prepare for the 2020 season after recently agreeing to an amended contract, he is confident in being able to not only return, but make an impact.

“I’ve spoken to Yoenis and he’s hungry,” Eduardo Perez said Thursday on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM.

“Just imagine if you do add a Yoenis Cespedes,” Perez said. “A guy that verbally told me, he said ‘I’m ready, I’m gonna go out with a bang this year. I’m not just gonna hit 40 home runs.'”

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SNY Mets reporter Steve Gelbs had his own Greatest Hits in 2019. Check them all out as he joined the band and searched for the secret stash!

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Feb 18, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) throws to first base during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports (Butch Dill)
Feb 18, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) throws to first base during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports (Butch Dill)

During this MLB offseason there have been a flurry of moves in the league, but lots of questions remain for the Mets. Here’s the latest…

Adding to the bullpen…

The Mets had Dellin Betances on the hook during the middle of November, but he started seeking other offers for leverage when the Yankees dropped out.

The Mets certainly still want him, but seem to have a fixed offer in place based on their budget. I assume he can take it or find something better, which is probably why we’re seeing so many conflicting reports about who is and isn’t interested.

The Phillies would certainly be the best team to bring in to a negotiation if wanting the Mets to up their offer. But who knows, if that never happens, maybe Philadelphia ends up being the best remaining option. Or, perhaps the Yankees jump back in…

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Aug 27, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) in the dugout in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports (Isaiah J. Downing)
Aug 27, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) in the dugout in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports (Isaiah J. Downing)

Rick Porcello has already set the bar high for his new challenge with the Mets. 

The 30-year-old signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the team this week.

The former American League Cy Young Award winner that grew up a fan of his new employer, said the Mets also offer him an opportunity to add to his trophy case in the form of another World Series ring on Tuesday. 

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In 2007, SNY visited Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, NJ, to talk to the star player on the nationally-ranked best team in country.

That player signed with the Mets recently, pitcher Rick Porcello

Check out the dominating high school pitcher turned New York Met over a decade in the attached video. 

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Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen
Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

So far this offseason, the Mets have added a part-time center fielder when they need a full-time one, two buy-low starting pitchers on one-year deals, and have not yet added an external pitcher to a bullpen that was their downfall in 2019.

Their one-year, $10 million deal with Rick Porcello put them right near the $208 million luxury tax threshold, but the Yoenis Cespedes situation (and his amended contract) means the Mets will save at least $9.5 million in 2020 and perhaps as much as $20 million.

For luxury tax purposes, the Mets’ payroll right now is at roughly $192 million, so they have a solid amount of wiggle room and some real needs to fill. They also have one player they need to trade and another they should be very open to trading. 

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Rick Porcello said Monday that he had his “eyes set” on the Mets when free agency began, and he reportedly turned down longer and larger offers in order to make becoming a Met a reality.

MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone reported on Dec. 12 that Porcello could have signed a multi-year deal, according to people aware of his market, with Cerrone adding that the Mets guaranteed Porcello a spot in their rotation. Now, there are more details on what Porcello’s market was.

Before signing a one-year deal with the Mets for $10 million, Porcello turned down “multiple multi-year offers,” including one that was for three years, reports Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated. Verducci added that Porcello also turned down a one-year deal with the Blue Jays for $12 million that had the potential of becoming a two-year deal, and turned down a one-year offer for $14 million from another team.

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Sep 15, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Brodie Van Wagenen said multiple times this offseason that the Mets would maintain dialogue with free agent Zack Wheeler. But when Wheeler’s camp came back to the Mets before agreeing to a deal with the Phillies, New York did not make an official offer.

Wheeler then signed a five-year deal with Philadelphia worth $118 million, with Van Wagenen saying that it exceeded what the Mets’ internal projections for Wheeler were. 

“I think the value for what we thought the investment [was] didn’t line up,” Van Wagenen explained on Dec. 9. “The projections that we had for Zack, both short-term and long-term, didn’t quite match up to the market that he was able to enjoy. … We maintained dialogue with Zack’s agent up until the last week. I think that both sides had expressed interest in potentially finding a way to have a reunion, but I think over the course of the last six weeks it started to become more clear that the price point was going to go beyond how we valued him.”

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Dellin Betances (Treated Image by SNY)
Dellin Betances (Treated Image by SNY)

The Mets have interest in signing free agent reliever Dellin Betances. Here’s the latest…


Dec. 18, 1:26 PM:

MetsBlog’s Matt Cerrone has some new information on why there could be so many conflicting reports on Betances. The Mets certainly still want him, but seem to have a fixed offer in place.

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Feb 26, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; A general view as New York Mets designated hitter Brandon Nimmo (9) bats against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning of the spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports (Jasen Vinlove)
Feb 26, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; A general view as New York Mets designated hitter Brandon Nimmo (9) bats against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning of the spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports (Jasen Vinlove)

There’s still plenty of time to go, but renovations to First Data Field, the spring training home of the New York Mets, are going to cut it close this offseason. 

A $57 million renovation project to the Port St. Lucie facility has an updated completion date of Feb. 10, according to a report in the Treasure Coast Palm

That’s the same date pitchers and catchers report for 2020 spring training.

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The Mets’ one-year deal with Rick Porcello became official on Monday, with the team designating reliever Stephen Nogosek for assignment in order to make room on the 40-man roster.

“Rick has been one of the most dependable, durable starters of the last decade,” GM Brodie Van Wagenen said in press release. “He is a proven winner who has reached the pinnacle of the sport on both a team level and as an individual with a World Series championship and a Cy Young Award.”

Porcello — who said he grew up a Mets fan and cited team advisor Al Leiter as one of those who was an instrumental part of the process to sign him — said the Mets were the first team that checked in with him when the offseason started.

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Jose Leclerc and Dellin Betances
Jose Leclerc and Dellin Betances

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The offseason is nearly halfway over and the Mets have still not added a new reliever to a bullpen that torpedoed their playoff chances in 2019.

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen suggested last week while speaking about the “volatility” of the relief market that the team might not add a potential impact piece to the bullpen. But Van Wagenen might have been being coy. Those comments were also made before news broke about Yoenis’ Cespedes‘ contract situation.

With the Mets and Cespedes agreeing to an amended contract for 2020, he will be guaranteed roughly $10 million in 2020 instead of $29.5 million. He can make back another $10 million or so via incentives. But no matter what, the Mets are guaranteed to save roughly $10 million.

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Aug 10, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (6) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports (Wendell Cruz)
Aug 10, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (6) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports (Wendell Cruz)

“Many teams” have recently inquired about trading for Jeff McNeil, reports Tim Healey of Newsday, who says the Mets have so far resisted including McNeil in any serious trade discussions.

Among the players the Mets have had trade discussions about this offseason are Starling Marte, Josh Hader, and Carlos Correa.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, in order to get Marte, the Mets would likely need to part with a major league outfielder. As part of a deal for Hader, Martino has reported the Mets would likely need to surrender a player like J.D. DavisDominic Smith, or McNeil.

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It was an extremely busy Winter Meetings this year out in San Diego and SNY was there to cover it all.

Take a look at the many highlights of this year’s Meetings….

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Doug Williams and Andy Martino close out the 2019 MLB Winter Meetings with an all-new Shea Anything!

The guys look at everything the Mets did and didn’t do in San Diego, including the signings of Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello, and the current status quo of the bullpen. Doug and Andy also examine what Brodie Van Wagenen might do next as the off season continues, as the Mets GM continues to survey his options for 2020.

CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN

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Mets’ Jeff McNeil had a breakout season in 2019, batting .318 with 23 home runs and 75 RBI in 133 games.

Here are his six best moments of the season…

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Now that the Mets have reached an agreement with Yoenis Cespedes to reduce his contract for the 2020 season, as reported by SNY’s Andy Martino, what exactly could the team look to do with the extra cap space?

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Cespedes’ salary for 2020 was cut from $29.5 million to less than $10 million, though he could make back $20 million via performances bonuses.

So the first question is how exactly does the Cespedes situation affect the Mets in terms of the luxury tax? Former MLB GM and current SNY analyst Jim Duquette broke down the situation on Baseball Night in New York. 

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Yoenis Cespedes (52) Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)
Yoenis Cespedes (52) Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Mets have reached an agreement with Yoenis Cespedes to amend his contract and salary for the 2020 season, reports SNY’s Andy Martino, who added that Cespedes is still under contract.

He could go from $29.5 million in 2020 to less than $10 million, according to The Post’s Joel Sherman, though he could make as much as $20 million if you include potential bonuses.

The Mets and Cespedes were moving closer to a hearing related to his ranch injury and a potential contract violation, according to Martino, who noted that the settlement enables Cespedes to stay with the team while the Mets pay him a lot less.

Cespedes had been due to receive $29.5 million in 2020 in what is the last year of the four-year, $110 million contract he signed with the Mets after the 2016 season.

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The Mets made their one-year deal with Michael Wacha official on Friday, designating Chris Mazza for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

“With the addition of Michael to our staff, our rotation will continue to be an area of strength in 2020,” Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said in a press release. “Adding a fourth All-Star starter with proven success in the postseason gives us a group of starting pitchers with the potential to be among the best in the game.”

Wacha — who got a $3 million base salary and can make an additional $7 million in incentives — signed the day before Rick Porcello, which means the Mets have six starting pitchers for five spots. And Wacha was told he would be used in the rotation.

“They said they had a spot to start,” Wacha said Friday during a conference call when asked what the Mets’ pitch to him was. “I’m here to be in that rotation and be out there every fifth day. That’s my plan, that’s my mindset going into this offseason is preparing for that role. I think it’s a great fit.”

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 (Bill Streicher)
(Bill Streicher)

On Friday, new Phillies manager Joe Girardi spoke with WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts and spoke on a number of topics, most notably his time interviewing for the Mets manager position earlier this offseason.

Girardi was among a number of candidates up for the position which ultimately went to Carlos Beltran.

“I thought they were very interested. I interviewed three times, and had a fourth one set up,” Girardi said when asked if he really thought the Mets were interested in him. “No, I thought they were very interested. They chose to go a different direction. I’m really happy where I’m at, and I chose to go a different direction. That’s how it kind of ended up.”

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Oct 27, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals in game five of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Mills)
Oct 27, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals in game five of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Mills)

Trade talks between the Mets and Astros about shortstop Carlos Correa were active from November through the end of the Winter Meetings, when they fizzled out, SNY’s Andy Martino reported Friday.

Martino said Thursday that while trade talks have died down for now, things could pick back up.

Correa, 24, hit .279/.358/.568 with 21 home runs and 59 RBI in 75 games as rib and back injuries caused him to miss significant time.

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Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Mets left the Winter Meetings having secured two starting pitchers and after having discussions about potential moves involving Starling Marte, Jed Lowrie, Dominic Smith, and others.

But while GM Brodie Van Wagenen said on Thursday that the Mets can now focus on “wants” instead of “needs,” the team still has some needs — both in terms of players they need to bring in and players they should be looking to move on from.

Here’s what should still be on their agenda with about two months to go until spring training begins in Port St. Lucie…

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 (Treated Image by SNY)
(Treated Image by SNY)

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Winter Meetings will never be what they once were, when GMs exchanged trade proposals on cocktail napkins at the bar and even occasionally agreed to a late-night deal without a spreadsheet in sight. 

That said, however, baseball’s annual gathering of executives and media this week in San Diego at least came to life again for the first time in a few years, delivering the action everyone wanted to see in the form of mega-million dollar free-agent signings. 

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John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Countering launch-angle hitting with high fastballs has become all but mandatory for pitchers in the big leagues these days, as dictated by analytics departments and pitching coaches. But it doesn’t work for everyone. 

It most certainly didn’t work for Rick Porcello in 2019 when he posted a 5.52 ERA, by far the highest in his career, at least partly because he threw the most four-seam fastballs of any season in his career. 

Can he get back to being more of the sinkerballer who has been a solid-to-above-average starter for much of his 11-year career? 

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New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith hits a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Citi Field. (Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports)
New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith hits a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Citi Field. (Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports)

Day 3 of the Winter Meetings are upon us, and the Mets remain active in trying to bolster their 2020 roster. Here’s the latest news today…


Dec. 12, 8:37 PM:

Now that the Mets have brought in some heavily sought pitching depth in Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello, where will they turn their attention next?

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Brodie Van Wagenen
Brodie Van Wagenen

The Winter Meetings wrapped up on Thursday in San Diego, but lots of questions remain for the Mets. Among them…

Rounding out the rotation…

Rick Porcello could have signed a multiyear deal, according to people aware of his market.

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Mets 1B/OF Dominic Smith
Mets 1B/OF Dominic Smith

As part of their attempt to trade Jed Lowrie, the Mets have discussed a potential deal with the Rangers that would involve Lowrie and Dominic Smith heading to Texas, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported late Wednesday.

According to Rosenthal, talks between the Mets and Rangers have failed to progress to this point.

Aside from the Rangers, the A’s have inquired with the Mets about Lowrie, SNY’s Andy Martino reported Wednesday.

The 36-year-old Lowrie, who missed all but nine games in 2019 due to a variety of injuries, is owed $10 million in 2020 when it comes to how payoll is calculated for luxury tax purposes.

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Aug 3, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Mets won 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports (Charles LeClaire)
Aug 3, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Mets won 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports (Charles LeClaire)

he Winter Meetings are in full swing in San Diego, and the Mets still have a lot they need to accomplish if they hope to be one of the top contenders for the NL East title in 2020.

As Brodie Van Wagenen hopes to check off some of the Mets’ needs, MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone dipped into his mailbag…


Joyce Kanopka (via e-mail): I don’t understand why the Mets aren’t trading Edwin Diaz. What evidence is there that he can ever get back to pitching like he did for the Mariners?

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Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen
Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen

Speaking Thursday morning at the Winter Meetings with the Mets on the verge of finalizing deals with starting pitchers Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, GM Brodie Van Wagenen strongly suggested that his plan might not include adding any external big league relievers.

Van Wagenen could be speaking in intentionally coy terms. But if not, the Mets would likely be neglecting their main area of need while hoping for bounceback years and other positive developments.

“We can bolster our bullpen by having (Seth) Lugo and (Robert) Gsellman go back to the bullpen along with (Brad) Brach if that’s how it shakes out in spring training,” Van Wagenen said. “It’s a good position to be in. We’ll sort of adjust on the fly in terms of what other opportunities come in. We have the ability to do wants now that many of our needs are filled.”

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The Mets added some starting pitching this offseason, and one of the new arms in their rotation is RHP Rick Porcello

Porcello is coming off a down year with the Red Sox after posting a 5.52 ERA over 32 starts. However, he brings 11 years of MLB experience to the table as a very valuable back-end rotation piece. 

So, as Porcello makes his way back to a very familiar place, here are some things you might not have known about the veteran:

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Brodie Van Wagenen said Thursday at the Winter Meetings that the Mets have “probably the deepest starting pitching rotation in baseball,” noting that the added depth after signing Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha gives the team lots of “flexibility” when it comes to how they prepare for 2020.

As things currently stand, the Mets have Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, Steven Matz, Porcello, and Wacha as rotation options.

They also have the ability to use Seth Lugo or Robert Gsellman in the rotation, with Van Wagenen saying the Mets are “staring at eight potential starting pitchers.”

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Rick Porcello (Treated Image by SNY)
Rick Porcello (Treated Image by SNY)

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

In an unexpected move, the Mets have reportedly inked Rick Porcello to a one-year deal worth $10 million. While the signing itself was surprising, the potential ramifications are even more intriguing.

Since the Mets now have an excess of starting pitchers and 42 players for 40 spots (and are brushing up against the luxury tax), more moves have to be coming. So what happens now?

Are the Mets going to trade a starting pitcher?

With Porcello and Michael Wacha on board, the Mets seemingly have six starting pitchers for five slots. 

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Brewers LHP Josh Hader (Jeff Curry)
Brewers LHP Josh Hader (Jeff Curry)

While the Mets and Dodgers have spoken with the Brewers about a potential trade for Josh Hader, the Yankees have been the most “active pursuer,” reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Rosenthal adds that “in some cases,” Milwaukee has asked for a package in return that included at least one top prospect, but that teams are reluctant to part with that level prospect for Hader.

SNY’s Andy Martino reported on Dec. 2 that the Mets were one of many teams interested in trading for Hader, but that it was not yet clear if the Brewers would deal him.

Martino added that the price for the Mets would be high — in the J.D. Davis, Dominic Smith, Jeff McNeil category. 

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The Mets have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent RHP Rick Porcello, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal is pending a physical, according to Rosenthal.

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the deal will be worth $10 million.

When the Mets signed Michael Wacha on Wednesday, the thought was that it would end their pursuit of Porcello. Clearly, that thought was wrong.

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As the Mets build their roster at the 2019 MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego, the pieces of the puzzle for the 2020 season have started to come together.

While the Mets weigh their options with moves such as last Thursday’s Jake Marisnick trade and Wednesday’s Michael Wacha agreement, RHP Noah Syndergaard is among the cornerstone pieces GM Brodie Van Wagenen believes to be pivotal for the team’s success next year.

Discussing the Mets’ rotation and bullpen in Wednesday’s 1-on-1 interview with SNY’s Steve Gelbs, Van Wagenen pointed to Syndergaard as one of the most important arms on the roster.

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Oct 25, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) runs to first base on a double during the first inning against the Houston Astros in game three of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports (Tommy Gilligan)
Oct 25, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) runs to first base on a double during the first inning against the Houston Astros in game three of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports (Tommy Gilligan)

For the second straight season, the Nationals have lost one of their biggest offensive stars via free agency.

According to multiple reports, third baseman Anthony Rendon is heading to the Los Angeles Angels on a seven-year deal worth $245 million. That contract is identical to the one agreed to by Stephen Strasburg to keep him in DC.

Rendon, 29, has gotten better with each of his seven seasons with the Nationals. A career .290 hitter, Rendon made his first All-Star team in 2019. He also finished third in MVP voting behind Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich, ending his season slashing .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs and 126 RBI.

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John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Is there a chance the Mets could pull off a trade with the Astros for shortstop Carlos Correa?

They’d have to get awfully creative, put it that way.

At the Winter Meetings in San Diego, SNY’s Andy Martino reported Wednesday that the teams have had “dialogue” about such a possibility, which comes on the heels of The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reporting Tuesday that the Astros have entertained the possibility of trading Correa as a way of dealing with their current — and future — payroll crunch.

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Mets' Jacob deGrom (Treated Image by SNY)
Mets’ Jacob deGrom (Treated Image by SNY)

Anthony McCarron, SNY.tv | Twitter |

In the wake of baseball’s winter pitching splurge, a popular social media hot take around the Mets goes something like this: Jacob deGrom is a bargain, even at $27.5 million per year! 

Yes, the Mets are getting their money’s worth out of the five-year, $137.5 million extension they gave their ace before last season, especially since he won a second consecutive National League Cy Young Award in 2019. 

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 (Joe Camporeale)
(Joe Camporeale)

Building pitching depth was priority number one for the Mets during the Winter Meetings, as stated repeatedly by general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.

On Wednesday, the team helped build that depth by agreeing on a deal with veteran Michael Wacha, who Van Wagenen has hinted will figure to be the team’s fifth starter behind Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, and Steven Matz.

Wacha is a 28-year-old right-hander, originally from Iowa City, Iowa, though he played his high school ball in Texarkana, Texas. He was selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2012 draft out of Texas A&M.

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Sep 7, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pinch hitter Jed Lowrie (4) reacts after striking out with two men on base against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)
Sep 7, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pinch hitter Jed Lowrie (4) reacts after striking out with two men on base against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

The Mets have talked with two MLB teams about trading Jed Lowrie.

The Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers have inquired with the Mets about the utility INF, SNY’s Andy Martino reported Wednesday.

Lowrie, 35, was an All-Star in 2018 with the A’s, who Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle first noted are interested in another reunion.

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