Morning Briefing: Mets, Alonso May Part Ways
Good morning, Mets fans!
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mets offered Pete Alonso a three-year deal in the range of $68-70 million with opt-outs, but the first baseman declined, seeking a higher annual value. If he signs elsewhere, the Mets plan to move Mark Vientos to first base and consider Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio or Luisangel Acuña as the solution at third base.
Andy Martino of SNY adds that the Mets signed Jesse Winker as a backup plan, anticipating Alonso’s departure. Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic also reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are pursuing Alonso, with interest in him increasing. For more on this, check out our story on the situation.
Now onto the morning briefing!
Photo by John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Latest Mets News
The Mets are re-signing Winker, pending a physical, per Martino. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports the deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and totals around $8 million in 2025. Sherman adds that it’s a one-year contract worth $7.5 million, with bonuses that could raise it to $9 million.
Michael Baumann of FanGraphs talks about Baty. Once a top prospect, he has struggled in the majors, slashing .215/.282/.325 (72 wRC+) with average defense. Trade interest exists, but his limited versatility and lack of standout skills leave his Mets future unclear, especially after the Juan Soto signing.
Two former Mets found new homes, as outfielder DJ Stewart signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates and catcher Tomás Nido signed a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers.
As noted by Mike Puma of the New York Post, Mauricio is still rehabbing his knee and may not be ready for the start of spring training. Mets officials are evaluating his progress on a day-to-day basis.
As reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today and Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could move back to third base if the Blue Jays sign Alonso, which would also provide flexibility in case the former leaves as a free agent after 2025. Toronto is expected to pick up extension talks with Guerrero, as he’s its most important hitter, making any Mets speculation appear to be wishful thinking—or perhaps a leverage play in negotiations with Alonso.
The New York Mets will honor Tony Carullo by naming the visiting clubhouse in his honor. Carullo, who has dedicated 51 years to the organization since starting as a bat boy in 1969, will also receive the Mets Hall of Fame Achievement Award during a pre-game ceremony on July 19.
Mike Puma of the New York Post writes that the Mets informed Starling Marte last month that they would explore trade opportunities to find him a better situation but still see a potential role for him if he remains with the team. Despite Winker’s return, Marte could serve as a right-handed DH option. However, no trade traction has materialized so far, and Marte is owed $19 million in 2025.
Latest MLB News
Longtime Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker passed away on Thursday at 90-years-old. He was the lead play-by-play announcer for the team for 54 seasons, starting in 1971. Uecker also made a name for himself with his sense of humor, which led to appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”, “Mr. Belvedere”, and as Harry Doyle, the fictional play-by-play guy for the Cleveland Indians for the “Major League” movie series.
MLB Pipeline has unveiled its top 10 first base prospects, with six of them set to feature on the site’s 2025 Top 100 Prospects list—the highest number in a preseason ranking since 2009.
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow appeared on the “Foul Territory” podcast to talk about his phone call and recruiting pitch to free agent right-hander Rōki Sasaki.
Exclusive: Tyler Glasnow discusses his phone call and recruiting pitch to Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki ???? pic.twitter.com/KzlHA0xQAx
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 16, 2025
Spring Breakout returns! MLB revealed the 2025 schedule for the all-prospect games, starting March 13 in Port Charlotte with the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, and ending March 16 in Maryvale with the Cincinnati Reds and Brewers. The Mets will play the Washington Nationals on March 16 at 5:05 pm.
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the Chicago Cubs and outfielder Kyle Tucker have agreed to a $16.5 million deal for the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration. Tucker is also set to appear at the team’s fan convention this weekend.
The San Diego Padres have signed catcher Martín Maldonado to a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic.
MLB Network has released their Top 10 Second Baseman list, according to The Shredder from MLB Now.
Latest on MMO
David Melendi discusses a possible Starling Marte trade and the Mets’ interest in Anthony Santander.
On This Date In Mets History
1962: Bob Murphy and Lindsey Nelson are introduced as the first play-by-play announcers for the Mets
Born On This Date: Dario Álvarez (1989), Don Zimmer (1931)
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