Mets free agency and trade buzz: Both NY teams reportedly haven't 'shut the door' on Jordan Montgomery
Here's the latest Mets free agency and trade buzz during the 2023-24 MLB offseason...
March 25, 10:45 p.m.
With Opening Day just days away, both the Mets and Yankees reportedly haven't closed the door on a potential Jordan Montgomery addition, according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post.
Sherman notes that as was the case with J.D. Martinez, the Mets have a price in mind and if the left-hander's ask were to fall into that range then they'd consider.
The Yanks have also given Montgomery and his agent, Scott Boras, their price range but the two sides are said to be not close on a deal.
The 31-year-old would be a welcomed addition to either team's rotation after pitching to a 3.20 ERA and shining during the playoffs last season with the Texas Rangers.
With Montgomery missing all of spring training, he likely won't be ready until at least the beginning of May for whoever ends up signing.
March 15, 8:43 a.m.
Top Mets executives met again on Thursday about the possibility of signing J.D. Davis, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
SNY's Andy Martino reported earlier this week that the team had remained in contact with Davis, adding that the Mets are not the only team in on him.
If Davis is signed, he would be an option to get starts at third base and/or DH. It would also have a ripple effect on the bench, likely costing another position player a spot on the Opening Day roster.
In 144 games last season for the San Francisco Giants, Davis slashed .248/.325/.413 with 18 homers, 23 doubles, and 69 RBI over 546 plate appearances.
During his seven-year career, Davis has hit .261/.343/.432.
He was released last week by the Giants, whose signing of Matt Chapman made Davis' presence on the roster superfluous. And because of new CBA rules, Davis will no longer be getting the $6.9 million he was set to earn this season via arbitration from the Giants. Instead, he was given $1.1 million in termination pay.
March 12, 5:41 p.m.
The Mets have reportedly reached out to infielder JD Davis, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Davis, who was released by the San Francisco Giants this week after being placed on waivers over the weekend, had a solid season in the Bay Area in 2023. In 144 games, Davis hit .248 while launching 18 home runs and driving in 69 runs.
The primary third baseman spent three-plus seasons with the Mets from 2019-22. Davis slashed .278/.364/.451 with 37 home runs and 120 RBI with New York.
Feb. 22, 1:25 p.m.
Gio Urshela is signing with the Detroit Tigers, according to multiple reports.
The third baseman had been a potential target for the Mets.
Urshela's deal with Detroit is for one year and $1.5 million.
Urshela, 32, missed significant time in 2023 due to a fractured left pelvis he suffered in June, and was hitting .299/.329/.374 with two home runs in 62 games with the Angels before the injury.
While the Mets' third base job is seemingly Brett Baty's to lose, signing Urshela could have given New York a safety net in case the young infielder falters in his second full season in the big leagues.
Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.
Brandon Woodruff, a potential starting rotation option for the Mets, looks to be officially off the board.
According to numerous reports, the right-hander has decided to re-sign with the Brewers on a two-year deal, after being non-tendered by the team earlier this offseason.
Woodruff is expected to miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, but he made a ton of sense for the Mets with an eye towards next year.
The 31-year-old is a top of the rotation arm when healthy, having posted a 3.10 ERA across his seven-year big-league career.
Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.
SNY's MLB Insider Andy Martino is reporting that the Mets are in talks with slugger Luke Voit on a minor league deal with a spring training invite.
Voit spent part of last season with Triple-A Syracuse and he enjoyed a ton of success, posting 15 homers and a 1.035 OPS across 45 games.
If brought back into the organization, the 32-year-old could potentially provide another right-handed hitting depth option at designated hitter.
Feb. 16, 8:35 p.m.
Former Mets designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach reached an agreement on a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Robert Murray of Fansided.
Vogelbach, 31, will receive a spring training invite with a chance to make the roster.
The left-handed hitter was acquired by the Mets at the 2022 trade deadline and spent the last year-and-a-half in Queens. Last season, Vogelbach hit .233/.339/.404 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI and a .742 OPS in 319 plate appearances.
Feb. 13, 8:57 a.m.
Jorge Soler, a potential designated hitter option for the Mets, is signing a three-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, per multiple reports.
The contract is for $42 million, with an average annual value of $14 million.
That $14 million AAV is in the same ballpark as the one-year, $13 million deal Justin Turner recently signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
With Soler off the board, the best external option remaining for the Mets is J.D. Martinez -- and the team has been in contact with the 36-year-old.
However, president of baseball operations David Stearns has been clear this offseason that it is not essential for the team to add a DH.
If the Mets stick with their current DH options, Mark Vientos could be in line for the lion's share of the at-bats.
Feb. 6, 8:00 p.m.
With spring training rapidly approaching the Mets have reportedly spoken with slugger J.D. Martinez, according to Mike Puma of the NY Post.
As SNY's Andy Martino has reported over the past few weeks, New York is still open to adding a big bat if the price is right, and Martinez is one of the top options left on the market.
The 36-year-old was named to his third consecutive All-Star game after recording 27 doubles, 33 homers, 103 RBI, and a .893 OPS across 113 games with the Dodgers last season.
Jan. 31, 9:32 a.m.
As the offseason winds down and spring training approaches, there are still around 125 free agents available, including Brandon Woodruff. And he could be a fit for the Mets.
"One pitcher that I think is worth keeping a bit of an eye on for the Mets is Brandon Woodruff," SNY's Andy Martino said Tuesday on Mets Hot Stove.
Added Martino: "Nothing close or particularly hot there with Woodruff and the Mets, but I do think that that's a possibility and something to keep an eye on."
Woodruff, 30, had shoulder surgery in October and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2024 season.
The expectation is that he'll sign a two-year deal somewhere, which would give the acquiring team a potentially ace-level pitcher for 2025.
With Woodruff having spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is quite familiar with him.
Woodruff, a two-time All-Star who finished fifth in National League Cy Young award voting in 2021, has a career 3.10 ERA and 1.04 WHIP to go along with 10.4 strikeouts per nine. He had a 2.28 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in 2023 before suffering his shoulder injury.
Jan. 30, 9:17 a.m.
Justin Turner, whom the Mets were in talks with earlier this offseason, is signing a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, per multiple reports.
The deal has a base salary of $13.5 million, and includes $1.5 million in roster and performance bonuses.
Turner was one of three obvious designated hitter options left on the free agent market.
While Turner is off the board, J.D. Martinez and Jorge Soler remain.
Soler had long been linked to the Jays, with Joel Sherman of The New York Post recently labeling Toronto the favorites to land him.
With Turner heading to the Jays, it almost certainly takes them out on Soler.
Turner, 39, is coming off a strong season for the Boston Red Sox, where he slashed .276/.345/.455 with 23 homers, 31 doubles, and 96 RBI while serving as the DH most of the time and also getting burn at first base (41 games), second base (10 games), and third base (seven games).
The Mets are expected to go internal at third base this season, with Brett Baty the likely choice there.
Jan. 29, 8:42 a.m.
The Mets are pursuing left-handed relievers and "have been targeting" Wandy Peralta, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
SNY's Andy Martino has noted the possibility of the Mets adding Peralta, and reported after the team re-signed Adam Ottavino over the weekend that he expected them to continue to talk to the remaining free agent relievers.
Given what similar relievers have received this offseason, it's fair to believe Peralta can be had on a one-year deal.
The 32-year-old has a career 3.88 ERA and is coming off three stellar seasons with the Yankees.
From 2021 to 2023, Peralta has posted a 2.82 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 165 appearances over 153 innings.
If the Mets add Peralta, he would give them a second lefty to go along with Brooks Raley.
Jan. 28, 11:37 a.m.
Following the re-signing of Adam Ottavino, the Mets are deciding whether to acquire another reliever this offseason.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets are weighing their options after bringing back the veteran right-hander on a one-year, $4.5 million deal on Saturday. Martino expects the Mets to talk to the remaining free agents, which include Wandy Peralta and Ryne Stanek amongst others.
Jan. 26, 10:14 a.m.
The Mets are considering adding another hitter, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post, who lists the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels as other teams interested in bats.
Heyman notes that the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers could also possibly bolster their offense.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, who had been looking for a hitter, have seemingly crossed that off their list with the signing of lefty slugger Joc Pederson.
Rhys Hoskins signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week (and will likely play lots of first base), but there are three prominent DH options left.
Jorge Soler, whom The Post links to the Jays, is perhaps the best option.
Also out there are J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner.
SNY's Andy Martino recently reported that if the Mets were to make a "splash" at any point during the remainder of the offseason, it would likely be for a designated hitter.
Jan. 25, 3:12 p.m.
The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are among the teams interested in right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The Mets have been showing interest in Stanek, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported earlier this week.
Stanek has been one of the more reliable relievers for the Houston Astros over the past three seasons.
The 32-year-old came back down to earth a bit after a stellar 2022 campaign, posting a 4.09 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts across 55 appearances last season.
SNY's Andy Martino recently reported that New York is expected to bolster its bullpen in the coming weeks.
Jan. 22, 7:20 p.m.
Free agent relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman is signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to multiple reports.
The left-hander will join the Pirates on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, pending the completion of a physical.
SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported earlier Monday the Mets had expressed interest in Chapman, but noted that the ex-Yankee closer was “more likely to find a better fit elsewhere.”
Chapman signed last offseason with the Kansas City. Royals on a one-year deal and pitched to a 2.45 ERA (1.69 FIP) over 29.1 innings in 31 appearances with 53 strikeouts to 20 walks before being dealt to the Texas Rangers.
In 30 regular season games with the eventual World Series champs, the lefty pitched to a 3.72 ERA (3.36 FIP) in 29 innings with 50 strikeouts to 16 walks.
The soon-to-be 36-year-old surrendered two runs on seven hits with five walks and six strikeouts in 8.0 innings of postseason work last year.
Jan. 19, 10:35 a.m.
The Mets are expected to bolster their bullpen by signing a legitimate reliever or two in the coming weeks, but they also remain interested in adding a serious bat to a still-incomplete lineup.
SNY's Andy Martino reported earlier this week that if the Mets were to make a "splash" at any point during the remainder of the offseason, it would likely be for a designated hitter.
And on Friday, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that New York has an interest in adding a hitter, with the Blue Jays, Giants, Rangers, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and Mariners also seeking a bat.
Per Heyman, the Jays are "a frontrunner" for DH/OF Jorge Soler, who has also been linked to the Mets.
Other DH options still on the market include J.D. Martinez, Rhys Hoskins, and Justin Turner.
Jan. 18, 7:20 p.m.
As the Mets turn their attention towards improving their bullpen ahead of spring training, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that they're among teams showing interest in right-hander Robert Stephenson.
Stephenson is one of the top bullpen arms on the market, and he certainly won't come cheap after the stellar season he put together.
The 30-year-old dominated after being traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Tampa Bay Rays, posting a 2.35 ERA and striking out 60 batters across 38.1 innings of work.
Stephenson would certainly provide a nice boost to a Mets bullpen that could use one or two more arms to help bridge the gap to star closer Edwin Diaz.
Jan. 16, 6:12 p.m.
The Mets have traded outfielder Cooper Hummel to the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations, the team announced Tuesday.
Hummel was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners last October but was designated for assignment last week.
The 29-year-old spent the majority of his 2023 with the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate. He slashed .262/.409/.435 while slugging eight homers and driving in 47 RBI over 104 games. He did make a brief appearance in the majors with Seattle, going 2-for-10 with a double in 10 games with Seattle.
Jan. 11, 3:35 p.m.
Lefty reliever Brent Suter, whom the Mets had been linked to, has signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds worth $2.5 million, reports Robert Murray of FanSided.
The deal includes a $3.5 million option (or $500,000 buyout) for 2025.
SNY's Andy Martino reported on Wednesday that the Mets are "active in the relief market" and will add to the bullpen "soon."
As the Mets search for established relievers, they have been "associated" with left-hander Wandy Peralta, Joel Sherman of The New York Post reported earlier this week.
Peralta has compiled a 2.82 ERA over the last three seasons with the Yankees, while Suter had a 3.38 ERA in 69.1 innings last season for the Rockies.
Another reliever Sherman said to keep an eye on, as it pertains to the Mets, is right-hander John Brebbia, who has a career ERA of 3.42 in six seasons with the Cardinals and Giants.
Brebbia struck out a career-best 11.0 batters per nine last season.
Jan. 9, 8:16 p.m.
On Tuesday's episode of Mets Hot Stove, SNY's Andy Martino reported that the Mets are not done spending this offseason and will continue to add to their roster with a loose budget of roughly $10 million.
While the starting rotation is likely set after the recent signing of LHP Sean Manaea, there are still some holes on the team that need to be addressed, and Martino says New York is prioritizing the bullpen over DH with that $10 million -- which is not a hard cap.
This news potentially puts New York out of the running for players such as J.D. Martinez, Justin Turner, and Jorge Soler, who could’ve been inserted into the lineup as everyday designated hitters, an area the Mets struggled to find consistent production last season. It could also mean the team will go into next season with a combination of players like Mark Vientos and DJ Stewart as their DH.
Martino added that New York has had communication with the White Sox about RHP Dylan Cease this offseason, but that the asking price for a potential trade is “astronomical.”
With the Mets entering the 2024 season with a handful of top prospects who could help make a difference in what’s shaping up to be a transitional year, trading away that young talent – even for a pitcher who has two more years of team control such as Cease – doesn’t make much sense.
Finally, even after the injury to Ronny Mauricio, a candidate to be the team’s starting third baseman out of spring training, the Mets have not made an effort to reach out to free agents like Matt Chapman, who can man the hot corner this offseason, per Martino.
Instead, New York will likely rely on Brett Baty to bounce back from a tough rookie season and hope he can figure out the issues that plagued him last year.
Jan. 8, 4:17 p.m.
Even after adding Sean Manaea on a two-year deal, the Mets are "actively trying to trade for more starting pitching," reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
In addition to Manaea, the Mets' current five-man rotation consists of Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, Luis Severino and Adrian Houser.
They have been linked to White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease, though the cost to acquire him is reportedly enormous.
Beyond the expected members of their five-man rotation, the Mets have depth options on the roster, including Tylor Megill and Joey Lucchesi. David Peterson is another depth piece, but he's expected to miss the first few months of the season due to injury.
The Mets haven't added many bold names this offseason, but Stearns has been thorough while turning over the roster.
He has added a slew of relievers on minor league deals with spring training invites and/or split deals. So Stearns employing that same strength-in-numbers strategy with the starting rotation is not a surprise.
Jan. 5, 12:39 p.m.
The Mets have "remained in contact" with free agent left-hander Shota Imanaga, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
According to The Post, Imanaga's eventual deal -- which some have speculated could reach $100 million -- might "drop into a lower range" due in part to concerns over shoulder surgery he had in 2020 and his propensity for allowing hitters to elevate the ball.
Imanaga doesn't have the kind of stuff Yoshinobu Yamamoto does, but he has been a very successful pitcher in Japan and has impeccable command.
Jan. 3, 3:29 p.m.
The Mets have interest in free agent LHP Sean Manaea, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post, who notes that New York is "one of many teams" interested in the 31-year-old.
Manaea had an up-and-down season in 2023 for the Giants, with a 4.44 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
He pitched in 37 games -- 27 relief appearances and 10 starts.
Manaea was locked in during his last four starts of the season, posting a 2.25 ERA (3.21 FIP) and holding opposing hitters to a .222/.245/.311 triple slash.
After the season, Manaea opted out of the second and final year of the deal he signed with the Giants last offseason. He had been set to earn $12.5 million in 2024.
During his eight-year career, which has included stints with the A's and Padres in addition to the Giants, Manaea has a 4.10 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 925 strikeouts in 1,002.2 innings pitched.
The Mets remain in need of at least one more starting pitcher to join a group that includes Kodai Senga, Luis Severino, Jose Quintana and Adrian Houser.
Jan. 3, 10:55 a.m.
The Blue Jays have shown interest in free agents Justin Turner and J.D. Martinez, reports Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet.
The Mets have been linked to both Turner and Martinez as they look to fill out their roster.
Turner, 39, spent the majority of his time for the Red Sox last season as their DH -- starting 98 games there. But he also played first base, second base and third base, and would offer the Mets serious versatility.
The 36-year-old Martinez is a DH only at this point in his career, but his bat still packs a serious punch.
In 113 games for the Dodgers last season, Martinez slashed .271/.321/.572 with 33 homers and 27 doubles.
Dec. 28, 2:40 p.m.
As the Mets continue their offseason plans after missing out on pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, they are reportedly looking at a bat in the form of designated hitter J.D. Martinez, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
According to Heyman, New York is not alone in their interest for Martinez as the Los Angeles Angels are also "eying" the veteran DH with his old team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, seeking a hitter, as well. Justin Turner is another player that fits the needs of the three teams, however, it’s unclear which teams are in the market for the one-time Met.
With Yamamoto off the table, Heyman reports that it remains uncertain if the Mets will pursue the top remaining free-agent starters like Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell. Instead, New York has been linked to pitchers such as Lucas Giolito and Shota Imanaga who are a tier below the front-line starters left on the market.
Additionally, New York is showing interest in former Yankee Gio Urshela as they look to add a veteran third baseman to the mix this offseason, according to Mark W. Sanchez of the NY Post.
The 32-year-old is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he appeared in just 62 games for the Angels, but he's always been known for his stellar defense at the hot corner.
Urshela also offers familiarity with New York, new manager Carlos Mendoza from their days in the Bronx, and star shortstop Francisco Lindor from their time together in the Guardians organization.
Dec. 26, 11:30 p.m.
As the Mets look to fill out their starting rotation this offseason, the club is reportedly showing strong interest in right-hander Lucas Giolito, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Among the handful of top arms remaining on the free agent market, Giolito certainly makes the most sense for the Mets on a one or two-year prove-it deal.
The right-hander is coming off a season in which he posted a 4.88 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 33 starts and 184.1 innings with the White Sox, Angels, and Guardians. He struck out 204 while walking 73, but allowed a league-leading 41 homers.
Though he's been a bit shaky over the past few years, he has remained a relatively reliable innings-eater, having made 30 or more starts in three straight campaigns and averaging 175 innings pitched per season in that span.
Dec. 26, 8:00 p.m.
With ace right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto officially off the board on a historic deal with the Dodgers, the Mets and many other teams will have to turn elsewhere to fill out their rotation this offseason.
One of the more intriguing arms remaining on the free agent market is Japanese southpaw Shota Imanaga.
With his Jan. 11 deadline quickly approaching, the 30-year-old is expected to meet with teams in the United States after the New Year, according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier.
Imanaga doesn't quite have the upside Yamamoto possesses, but he's certainly enjoyed his fair share of success over the past few years in the NPB.
Both the Mets and Yankees could make a ton of sense for the left-hander, who struck out 188 batters last season and is seen as more of a middle-of-the-rotation arm in MLB.
Dec. 20, 12:07 p.m.
In addition to reaching out to the top free agent starting pitchers on the market who can contribute in 2023, the Mets have "checked in" on free agent right-hander Brandon Woodruff, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Woodruff had surgery in October to repair the anterior capsule in his throwing shoulder, and is expected to miss most of the 2024 season -- and perhaps all of it.
That means any team signing Woodruff would be doing so with an eye on him providing value in 2025, when he'll be entering his age-32 season.
Woodruff has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since 2020, with a 2.76 ERA and 0.98 WHIP to go along with 566 strikeouts in 473.1 innings over 81 starts -- a strikeout rate of nearly 11 per nine innings.
The expectation is that Woodruff will ink a two-year deal this offseason, which would give the signing team a chance at an upside play in 2024 and provide him with some security while he rehabs.
At present, the Mets have only one reliable starting pitcher (Kodai Senga) under contract beyond 2024.
Dec. 15, 8:50 p.m.
The Mets have reportedly engaged in discussions with the camp of infielder and former Met Justin Turner, per the New York Post's Mike Puma.
Turner has been mentioned as a potential name to join the Mets for some weeks now, especially after Ronny Mauricio injured his knee in the Dominican Winter League.
SNY's Andy Martino brought up during the Dec. 5 episode of Mets Hot Stove that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns liked Turner when he was running the Milwaukee Brewers and tried to acquire him then.
Dec. 14, 8:00 p.m.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are acquiring RHP Tyler Glasnow and OF Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for RHP Ryan Pepiot and OF Jonny Deluca, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Glasnow and Margot were mentioned as potential targets for the Mets as they look to upgrade their starting rotation and outfield. However, as David Stearns said earlier this offseason, New York is reluctant to trade prospects for rental players.
As for the Dodgers, it's unknown how this acquisition will impact their pursuit of Japanese ace right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with Glasnow expected to sign an extension.
Dec. 13, 8:34 a.m.
The Mets remain interested in free agent outfielder Michael A. Taylor, reports Mike Puma of The New York Post.
SNY's Andy Martino reported on Dec. 4 that the Mets had talked to Taylor.
Much of Taylor's value comes from his defense and speed, and he was elite in both areas in 2023.
He was in the 94th percentile in outs above average and 90th percentile in arm strength.
His sprint speed was in the 85th percentile.
The 32-year-old Taylor, who profiles as a fourth outfielder, slashed .220/.278/.442 in 129 games this past season for the Twins.
Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who agreed to sign Shohei Ohtani to the most lucrative contract in the history of American sports, don't appear done looking to add big names this offseason as, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Tampa Bay right-hander Tyler Glasnow has “emerged as a prominent” trade target over the last week.
There is the suggestion that, with Ohtani now signed, the talks between the Dodgers and Rays could pick up, according to Ardaya. But LA is joined in its pursuit by the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angles and at least one other ball club that has approached Tampa.
Glasnow, 30, is owed $25 million this year and will become a free agent next offseason. In 21 starts last season, he pitched to a 3.53 ERA (2.91 FIP) and 1.083 WHIP with 37 walks and 162 strikeouts. over 120 innings pitched after Tommy John surgery took most of his 2021 and 2022.
Ardaya also mentioned that there is “buzz” around centerfielder Michael A. Taylor, a potential target of the Mets to fill an outfield role, and former Yankee utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Dec. 7, 12:41 p.m.
A couple of NL West teams in the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres are active on center fielders this offseason, which includes former Yankee and potential Mets target Harrison Bader, per MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Both clubs are also reported to have interest in another Mets target, outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who has a robust market since his posting window opened on Tuesday morning, according to The New York Post's Jon Heyman.
After trading Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yanks on Wednesday, the Padres have a dearth of major league outfielders on their roster.
Meanwhile, San Francisco has seven outfielders on its roster, including Michael Conforto, but are without a true center fielder.
Dec. 5, 7:20 p.m.
Right-hander Erick Fedde is signing a two-year deal worth up to $15 million with the Chicago White Sox, according to multiple reports.
The Mets were one of numerous teams showing interest in the 30-year-old, who is a former first-round pick and top prospect of the Washington Nationals.
Fedde has struggled throughout his big-league career, but he's coming off a terrific campaign in the KBO in which he took home the league's MVP and Cy Young after posting a 2.00 ERA and 209 strikeouts.
With him now off the board, David Stearns and the Mets will now have to turn elsewhere as they look to build out their starting rotation this offseason.
Dec. 5, 3:17 p.m.
The Mets have interest in free agent right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito, reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network, who adds that the Dodgers, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and Royals have also expressed interest.
Along with the Mets, the Dodgers and Red Sox also have strong interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with Yamamoto's eventual destination perhaps impacting how strongly those teams pursue Giolito.
Giolito, 29, pitched well for the White Sox last season before getting traded to the Angels and eventually finishing the year with the Guardians.
In 121 innings over 21 starts for the White Sox, Giolito had a 3.79 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 131 strikeouts.
In 12 combined starts with the Angels and Guardians, Giolito pitched so poorly that his ERA for the season rose to 4.88. He had a 6.89 ERA for Los Angeles and a 7.04 ERA for Cleveland.
Giolito put together very strong seasons for the White Sox from 2019 to 2021, when he had a 3.47 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 72 starts while striking out 11.1 batters per nine.
Dec. 4, 11:30 p.m.
The Mets and Chicago White Sox are the two finalists for right-hander Erick Fedde, with a decision coming as soon as Tuesday, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
Feinsand reports that a deal is expected to come in around the two-year, $10 million range for the 30-year-old.
Fedde has struggled throughout his big-league career, but he's coming off a terrific campaign in the KBO in which he took home the league's MVP after posting a 2.00 ERA and 209 strikeouts.
Dec. 4, 3:39 p.m.
The Mets "could be a potential fallback" for free agent LHP Blake Snell, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post, who discussed the situation on The Walk-Off via Bleacher Report.
Heyman suggested that Snell's deal could eclipse $200 million.
Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young award winner, is attached to a qualifying offer, which means the Mets will forfeit a pick in the 2024 MLB Draft if they sign him.
In 32 starts over 180 innings for the Padres in 2023, Snell -- who is entering his age-31 season -- led the majors with a 2.25 ERA (3.44 FIP). He had a 1.18 WHIP and allowed just 5.8 hits per nine, which also led the league.
Snell also led the league in a stat no one wants the distinction of having, with the 99 walks he issued being the most in baseball -- good for a rate of 5.0 per nine, which was his worst walk rate since his rookie season.
In addition to concerns about his command, Snell has thrown more than 130 innings just twice in his eight-year career and often has trouble pitching deep into games.
SNY's Andy Martino recently reported that separate from the Mets' Yoshinobu Yamamoto pursuit, Jordan Montgomery would be a likelier option for New York than Snell or Eduardo Rodriguez.
Dec. 3, 7:23 p.m.
At the 2023 MLB Winter Meetings from Dec. 4-6 in Nashville, Tenn., the Mets' "shopping list" is an outfielder, free agent starting pitching and relief pitching, according to SNY's Andy Martino.
Chief among those on New York's list is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whom the Mets "are still in on," as Martino described.
Nov. 30, 4:30 p.m.
The Mets have made an addition to their bullpen, signing right-hander Austin Adams to a one-year Major League, non-guaranteed split contract, according to the team.
Adams spent last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but his season was cut a bit short after landing on the 60-day IL due to a fractured ankle in early August.
When he was on the mound he struggled a bit, pitching to a 5.71 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across just 17.1 innings of work.
The 32-year-old right-hander could be an intriguing bounce-back candidate for New York, as he has been able to enjoy some success over his seven-year big-league career.
Adams struggles with command at times but he generates a ton of strikeouts (27.7 K-rate) and posses a wicked slider which he throws around 90 percent of the time.
Nov. 30, 8:53 a.m.
In a wide-ranging article about David Stearns' acclimation to the Mets job -- and the financial resources he now has at his disposal -- Joel Sherman of The New York Post spoke with rival executives regarding the Mets' offseason plans.
And one executive said his perception is that the Mets are going "full bore" in trying to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, and others.
"They’re not messing around," the exec told The Post. "I don’t think they have the stomach for a year or two to get the ship turned around.”
Sherman noted that "many executives spoken to think the Mets have an advantage with Yamamoto" since Steve Cohen has the ability to let Yamamoto's camp know he'll simply top any offer.
The Mets' strong interest in Yamamoto has been reported by SNY's Andy Martino.
Nov. 29, 8:45 p.m.
SNY's Andy Martino reports that the Mets are in agreement with utility man Joey Wendle pending a physical.
Wendle's deal is reportedly for roughly $2 million plus performance bonuses.
Wendle, 33, is an eight-year veteran who has spent time with the Oakland A's, Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins. Last season, Wendle slashed .212/.248/.306 in 112 games with the Marlins.
His best season came in 2021 with the Rays when he slashed .265/.319/.422 with 11 home runs and 54 RBI en route to his first and only All-Star selection.
The appeal of Wendle is his flexibility around the field. Wendle has experience at every infield position, aside from first base, as well as left and right field, albeit in limited time.
Nov. 29, 4:48 p.m.
Trade talks for Chicago White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease have “intensified in the last 48 hours,” according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. The Atlanta Braves – his hometown team – are among the finalists.
Morosi noted that some close to the negotiations believe that a trade before the MLB’s Winter Meetings begin Monday, Dec. 4 is “increasingly possible.”
Cease had a disappointing 2023 campaign, pitching to a 4.58 ERA (3.72 FIP) in 177.0 innings over 33 starts. The righty, who turns 28 in late December, still had 214 strikeouts (his third-straight season of over 200 Ks) for a 10.9 strikeout per 9-inning ratio, but walked 79 batters (4.0 walks per nine) to contribute to a 1.418 WHIP on the year.
Nov. 28, 8:44 a.m.
Star Japanese LHP Shota Imanaga has been posted by his NPB club, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, starting the clock on his 45-day window to sign with an MLB team.
The 30-year-old is coming off a fantastic season for Yokohama, as he posted a 2.77 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 159 innings pitched.
Imanaga's walk rate was also minuscule -- a career-best 1.4 per nine innings.
In eight seasons in Japan for NPB, Imanaga has a 3.18 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while averaging 9.2 strikeouts per nine and 2.5 walks per nine.
Imanaga does not have the upside fellow NPB pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto does, but there is expected to be strong interest in the southpaw.
Nov. 27, 9:40 a.m
Right-hander Sonny Gray and the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a three-year, $75 million deal, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Gray is the Cardinals’ third foray into the starting pitching market this offseason after agreeing to deals with Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. This could indicate that St. Louis is no longer in the race to sign Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The 11-year MLB veteran was an All-Star for the Twins last season, pitching to a 2.79 ERA (2.83 FIP, best in MLB) in 184.0 innings over 32 starts. Gray struck out 183 batters with 55 walks and his eight home runs allowed gave him the lowest homers per nining rate in baseball (0.391). The 34-year-old one-time Yankee had a 5.3 WAR last season, the fourth-highest in the game.
The Mets' interest in Gray likely cooled after the Twins extended him a qualifying offer, and would end up costing New York draft capital.
Nov. 26, 8:15 p.m.
The Detroit Tigers have secured the signature of right-hander Kenta Maeda on a two-year, $24-million deal, according to multiple reports.
The 35-year-old pitched for the last three seasons of Detroit’s division foes in Minnesota. In 2023, he had a 4.23 ERA (4.02 FIP) in 104.1 innings over 21 games (20 starts) with a 1.169 WHIP. He struck out 117 batters with just 28 walks after missing all of the 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Maeda has a 3.92 ERA over 866.1 innings and 190 games (155 starts) in his seven-year big league career.
Nov. 20, 5:00 p.m.
The Mets announced on Monday afternoon that they’ve reached an agreement with right-hander Cole Sulser on a minor league deal with an invite to MLB spring training.
Sulser made just four appearances at the big league level last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing four earned runs across 5.1 innings. He landed on the IL with a right shoulder strain and then struggled his way through 18 minor league outings.
The 33-year-old has enjoyed some MLB success, having pitched to a 2.70 ERA back in 2021 with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s regressed mightily since then but will look to turn things around with New York.
Sulser relies on a three pitch mix of a fastball, slider, and changeup.
Nov. 20, 12:05 p.m.
Free agent relief pitcher Reynaldo Lopez, a potential target for the Mets this offseason, has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.
Lopez will make $4 million in 2024 and $11 million each in 2025 and 2026. There is a club option for the 2027 season for $8 million with a $4 million buyout, Atlanta announced.
Over the last three seasons, Lopez posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 201 strikeouts in 189 innings over 149 appearances (including 10 starts) for the Chicago White Sox.
Chicago dealt Lopez and starter Lucas Giolito to the Los Angeles Angels ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline before releasing him a month later in a salary dump. He finished the 2023 season – his first as a full-time reliever – with the Cleveland Guardians, who claimed him on waivers.
Overall, he pitched to a 3.27 ERA in 66 innings over 68 outings for the three teams last year.
Nov. 18, 10:10 p.m.
After the non–tender deadline, the Mets have around a dozen spots to fill on the 40-man roster and one pitcher who they are showing interest in is former Yankee Luis Severino.
The Athletic's Will Sammon reports the Queens club is among the teams to have shown interest in the right-hander and "plan to soon meet" with him.
Severino is coming off a rough 2023 campaign marred by several injuries and some struggles on the mound, the final year of a four-year, $40 million extension he signed with the Yanks ahead of the 2019 season. He pitched to a career-worst 6.65 ERA (6.14 FIP) in 89.1 innings over 19 outings (18 starts).
But the righty, who turns 30 in Feb. 2024, has had success in the past, pitching to a 3.18 ERA over 102 innings in 2022 after missing nearly all of the prior three seasons with injury. (He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020.)
Nov. 17, 8:22 p.m.
The Milwaukee Brewers opted to non-tender starter Brandon Woodruff at Friday's 8 p.m. deadline.
Woodruff, who was projected to make $11.5 million if he was tendered, is now a free agent. Before the non-tender deadline, Woodruff was being shopped around by the Brewers to "multiple teams" according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Woodruff recently underwent right shoulder surgery and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2024 season and was set for free agency after next year.
It's unclear if teams will look to sign Woodruff to a contract prior to the 2024 season or wait until he's ready to return but the Mets are among the teams in need of multiple starters for the upcoming campaign.
Nov. 17, 10:43 a.m.
It's unclear what the Brewers will do with pending free agent Corbin Burnes this offseason, but they've made his co-ace available.
Milwaukee is discussing Brandon Woodruff in conversations with "multiple teams," reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Woodruff, who -- like Burnes -- is set for free agency after the 2024 season, had shoulder surgery in October and is expected to miss most (if not all) of this coming season.
The above obviously clouds the situation, and would seriously blunt any return the Brewers got for him via trade.
Woodruff, 31, is projected to earn roughly $11.5 million in 2024 during what is his final season of arbitration.
Nov. 16, 10:45 a.m.
A trade for Manuel Margot this offseason reportedly seems likely, and the Mets are among "at least five teams" including the Yankees that have have shown interest in the outfielder, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
Coming off a down year in 2023, Margot is set to make $10 million in 2024 with a $12 million option the following year that has a $2 million buyout.
The 29-year-old is a plus defender, and would provide the Mets with insurance in the outfield for Starling Marte, who is coming off an injury-plagued year and is entering his age-35 season.
Nov. 14, 2:41 p.m.
Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow "is out there and available today and this week" for teams interested in trading for him, reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Glasnow, who will be entering his final season of arbitration in 2024, is expected to earn roughly $25 million.
The Rays often trade players who are extremely expensive and on the verge of free agency, so dealing Glasnow this offseason would make sense.
Glasnow missed almost the entire 2022 season and the first two months of 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
When Glasnow returned this past season, he did so with fastball velocity that was right around his career norm (an average of 96.4 mph), continued to strike out batters at a prolific rate (12.2 per nine), and had advanced numbers that were mostly elite.
Since coming into his own in 2019 during his age-25 season, Glasnow has posted a 3.03 ERA (2.89 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 462 strikeouts (12.5 per nine) over 332.2 innings.
The issue has been Glasnow's availability, but with a reconstructed UCL, perhaps his injury troubles are in the past.
Nov. 9, 10:57 a.m.
The White Sox are "open for business," GM Chris Getz told reporters this week at the GM Meetings, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noting that Chicago is open to trading right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease, outfielder Eloy Jimenez, and others.
Cease could be of interest to the Mets, who are looking to add two or three starting pitchers this offseason.
Entering his age-28 season, Cease is under team control through 2025. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2022 after a strong 2021 campaign, but regressed in 2023 while posting a 4.58 ERA.
A look at Cease's advanced stats from last season show that he remained elite when it came to his whiff rate, strikeout rate, and ability to prevent hitters from barreling the ball up -- so he could be due for a bounce back in 2024.
Nov. 7, 4:04 p.m.
David Stearns discussed the money vs. prospects debate, and whether New York was willing to deal from a farm system that is on the upswing and features several potentially high-impact players who should start to contribute in the majors in 2024 and 2025.
"I think where we are as an organization I've been very explicit about this, and certainly Steve (Cohen) has been explicit about this," Stearns said. "We're aiming to get to a place where we can compete consistently at a championship-caliber level for a long time. You generally don't do that by continuously raiding your farm system.
"Does that mean we're never gonna trade prospects? Of course not. Does it mean we're gonna be cautious when we do? Yeah. Does it mean that we're going do it maybe a little bit judiciously, and make sure it's the right moment or the right time for our organization to do that? I think that's probably fair. But we're never going to shut down a conversation."
