Morning Briefing: Mets Check In On Juan Soto
Good morning, Mets fans!
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Juan Soto has already sparked significant interest as a free agent. About a dozen teams, reportedly including the Mets, have reached out following the New York Yankees’ Game 5 World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.
When asked if he thinks the Mets will pursue him in free agency, Soto responded, “I don’t know what’s the teams that are going to come after me. Definitely, I’ll be open to this and every single team. I don’t have any doors closed. I’m gonna be available for all 30 teams.”
Now onto the morning briefing!
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Latest Mets News
The Mets have signed right-hander Dylan Covey to a one-year major league deal. Covey, who struggled in the majors previously, impressed in Triple-A this past season, allowing only one earned run and striking out 27.6% of batters after returning from injury. With open roster spots, the Mets will consider him as a bullpen option for 2025.
According to Baseball America, the Mets have brought back right-handers Joander Suarez, Joshua Cornielly, and catcher Hayden Senger on minor league contracts.
Latest MLB News
As reported by Rowan Kavner of FOX Sports, Dodgers reliever Daniel Hudson has confirmed his decision to retire, stating “I can’t make it another 162.” After overcoming numerous challenges this season and in previous years, he’s decided to end his career on a high note.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Alex Kirilloff has announced his retirement from professional baseball after a nine-year career.
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that the Cardinals have decided not to exercise their 2025 options on Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn or Keynan Middleton, each of whom will receive a $1 million buyout. John Mozeliak explained that the team is aiming for “maximum flexibility” with these choices.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Randal Grichuk has opted out of his $6 million mutual option with the Diamondbacks and will enter free agency. He will receive a $500,000 buyout.
As reported by Francys Romero, the White Sox have chosen not to pick up Yoan Moncada’s $25 million option. Moncada will receive a $5 million buyout and enter free agency.
The Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves have completed the offseason’s first significant trade. Mike Rodriguez was the first to report the deal that sent designated hitter Jorge Soler to the Angels in exchange for right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning. No money is involved in the deal, with the Angels taking on Soler’s remaining two years and $26 million, while Atlanta will cover Canning’s final arbitration salary.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz has stepped back from consideration for the Miami Marlins’ managerial position, having previously done the same for the Chicago White Sox. Albernaz will stay in Cleveland and is viewed by many front offices as a potential future big league manager. Meanwhile, Passan’s sources indicated that Clayton McCullough, the first-base coach for the Dodgers, is a candidate for the Marlins’ managerial role.
The Boston Red Sox announced that pitcher Lucas Giolito picked up his $19 million player option for the 2025 season.
As reported by Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News, the Minnesota Twins have informed outfielder Manuel Margot that they will not exercise their portion of the mutual 2025 option, making him a free agent. The option was valued at $12 million, and the buyout is set at $2 million, which will not be covered by the Twins.
Bob Costas has announced his retirement from MLB play-by-play broadcasting, as confirmed to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. The 72-year-old will still engage in his emeritus role at MLB Network. His most recent assignment was calling this year’s ALDS matchup between the Yankees and Kansas City Royals on TBS.
The Baltimore Orioles announced that they have re-acquired outfielder Daz Cameron from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for cash considerations.
From Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the San Francisco Giants are set to announce on Friday that Zack Minasian will be their new general manager. With this promotion, the Minasian family will make history as the first to have two brothers serving as GMs simultaneously in Major League Baseball, with Perry Minasian currently holding that position for the Angels.
Latest on MMO
David Melendi writes about Soto and his options in free agency.
Mike Mayer runs through the important dates of the offseason.
On This Date In Mets History
2019: Carlos Beltrán is introduced as the twenty-second manager in Mets history.
2015: Curtis Granderson hits his third home run of the World Series to tie Donn Clendenon for the most homers by a Met in a single Fall Classic.
Born On This Date: Eric Hanhold (1993), Jose Moreno (1957)
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