Morning Briefing: Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays Finalists for Sasaki

Good morning, Mets fans!

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Monday that the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays are the finalists for Japanese hurler Rōki Sasaki. The 23-year-old’s posting window closes on Jan. 23. The Giants, Mets, Yankees and Rangers were informed that they were out of the running for his services before Monday.

Latest Mets News

In Sean Manaea‘s Zoom press conference on Monday, the left-hander said the Mets were a perfect fit for him. Manaea spoke fondly of his relationship with Jeremy Hefner and the way the team takes care of players and their families. Manaea also said he has been working out with Pete Alonso every day in Tampa and hopes the first baseman returns to the Mets.

Speaking to Chris Rose of Jomboy Media, Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos said he believes Jose Iglesias was the National League MVP in 2024. Castellanos said the spark that Iglesias provided on and off the field is the main reason he thinks the Mets were able to turn their season around.

The Clover Park Box Office is now open for fans to buy tickets to Mets spring training games. The office will be open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will be playing two games this season (June 28 and July 30) as the Bathtub Donkies. The name is based on a New York state law that was passed in 1924.

The Mets announced their roster for their Top Guns Pitching Development Camp, which includes 2019 third-round pick Matt Allan. The 23-year-old hasn’t pitched in a professional game since the year he was drafted due to three operations on his arm.

Latest MLB News

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported Monday that the Braves had a potential deal in place with Jeff Hoffman, but the right-hander failed a physical. Hoffman also failed a physical with the Orioles, leading him to sign with the Blue Jays.

The Yankees have signed Dominic Smith to a minor-league contract. The former first-round pick of the Mets spent time with the Red Sox and Reds in 2024, batting .233/.313/.378 with six homers in 307 plate appearances.

The Mariners have signed veteran infielder Donovan Solano to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. The 37-year-old spent 2024 with the Padres, batting .286/.343/.417 with a career-high eight homers in 309 plate appearances.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang profiles right-hander Lucas Sims as a free agent.

On This Date in Mets History

1970: Tom Seaver is named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. Seaver won his first Cy Young Award in 1969, leading the Mets to their miraculous first World Series title in franchise history.

Born on This Date: Dave Marshall (1943), Ross Jones (1960), Mike Pelfrey (1984), Aaron Altherr (1991).

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