Morning Briefing: Verlander Signs One-Year Deal With Giants
Good morning, Mets fans!
Justin Verlander and the San Francisco Giants agreed to a deal on Tuesday, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The 42-year-old is reportedly guaranteed $15 million. Since winning the 2022 Cy Young Award, Verlander has experienced a notable decline in performance, which is natural with age. While it remains uncertain how much longer Verlander can pitch at the big-league level, the Giants are still getting one of baseball’s all-time greats.
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Latest Mets News
The Mets have expressed interest in Tanner Scott and have reportedly already met with him. Scott, 30, posted a 1.75 ERA last season and saved 22 games. Back in November, MMO’s David Melendi profiled the southpaw.
In the latest edition of Mets Hot Stove, Andy Martino of SNY shared some important Mets updates: On Scott, Martino mentioned that the Mets could target him for a high AAV/short-term deal. On the starting pitching side of things, he noted that, as of now, Rōki Sasaki doesn’t seem likely to join New York, and the team has not yet had discussions with the Mariners about Luis Castillo.
Latest MLB News
Designated hitter Brent Rooker signed a five-year extension with the Oakland Athletics, for a reported five years, $60 million. The deal buys out Rooker’s arbitration years and two free agent seasons. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was first on the news and also adds that there is a vesting option that can take the deal to six years, $90 million.
Reliever Chris Martin, who agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers on Monday, will be guaranteed $5.5 million for 2025 according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Additionally, WEEI’s Rob Bradford reports that the Red Sox offered more money, but Martin rejected them and possibly other teams in favor of returning home to Texas.
The Tampa Bay Rays have signed pitcher Drew Rasmussen to a two-year, $8.5 million deal, with a third-year club option valued at $8 million. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported the news, noting that the contract includes escalators that could raise the third-year option to as much as $20 million. Beverly Hills Sports Council, who represent Rasmussen, confirmed the deal.
Scouts shared insights on various aspects of their profession, including job security, the most and least friendly organizations, challenges in scouting, and more. You can read the full Baseball America’s scout survey here.
Brian Matusz has passed away at the age of 37, as reported by Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles out of UCSD, Matusz spent nearly his entire career with the team. He was a key contributor to the Orioles’ bullpen and one of the game’s most reliable relievers from 2013 to 2015.
The Athletic’s Evan Drellich tweeted that Shohei Ohtani‘s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, requested to delay his sentencing from Jan. 24 to Feb. 6, and a federal judge granted the request. Mizuhara gained infamy for stealing over $16 million from Ohtani to cover his gambling debts.
The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed the passing of former MLB pitcher Bob Veale at the age of 89. Veale logged 1,926 innings in the majors, winning the 1971 World Series and earning two All-Star Game selections during his career.
Latest on MMO
David Melendi looked at some of the bullpen options remaining in free agency.
Patrick Glynn selected some names to add to the Mets’ lineup.
On This Date in Mets History
2003: Gary Carter was elected to the Hall of Fame on his sixth attempt. Though Carter may have cemented his place in Cooperstown in a Montreal Expos helmet, he will always be a Met.
Born On This Date: John DeMerit (1936), Mike Cameron (1973), Geremi González (1975), Jeff Francoeur (1984).
The post Morning Briefing: Verlander Signs One-Year Deal With Giants appeared first on Metsmerized Online.