Morning Briefing: Mets Enter Trade Talks for Dylan Cease

Good morning, Mets fans!

Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Mets’ reluctance to hand out long-term contracts to pitchers led them to avoid pursuing Max Fried and Corbin Burnes. However, they remain engaged in trade talks for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease and could also consider Michael King. The Chicago Cubs are another team in the mix, though San Diego may prefer the Mets’ package, which could include Jett Williams, Brandon Sproat and Luisangel Acuña. Here’s our article on the situation.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

The Mets have announced the signing of reliever Ryne Stanek to a one-year deal, designating Dylan Covey for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster, per The Athletic’s Will Sammon.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Sammon, the Mets engaged in discussions with free agent closer Kenley Jansen, but his pursuit of 500 career saves and salary demands made a deal unlikely.

Keith Law of The Athletic ranked the Mets’ farm system No. 15 in MLB, placing them in Tier 3. He highlighted the team’s strong draft history and international signings, including the recent acquisition of Elian Peña, while noting that the system contains solid depth despite multiple trades.

The Mets offered former fan favorite Mark Canha a non-guaranteed deal, but as Heyman notes, the market for veteran position players over 32-years-old has been slow to develop.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns told Sports Business Journal’s Mike Mazzeo that MLB should do more to help small-market teams retain star players, citing other sports that have found solutions while baseball continues to struggle with the issue.

MLB Network released its Top 100 Players Right Now list, with Mets third baseman Mark Vientos landing at No. 81 and left fielder Brandon Nimmo at No. 91.

Latest MLB News

Free agent infielder Jorge Polanco has agreed to a deal with the Seattle Mariners, pending a physical, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome.

Lance Lynn could make a surprising transition to the bullpen. According to Rosenthal, multiple teams have asked about using the veteran right-hander as a closer, despite his last relief appearance coming in 2018.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment, as reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray.

According to Heyman, the Cincinnati Reds have emerged as a potential long-shot landing spot for Pete Alonso. With his free agent market developing slower than expected, Cincinnati could consider signing him to a deal with early opt-outs.

Bob Klapisch of The Newark-Star Ledger had an interesting conversation with David Cone regarding Juan Soto and why Yankees fans shouldn’t be upset about his potential future plans.

Latest on MMO

Chris Bello writes about Jose Iglesias and why he should return to Queens for the 2025 season.

Jack Ramsey looks at the state of the Mets’ bullpen after the signing of Ryne Stanek.

On This Date in Mets History

Born On This Date: Alex Claudio (1992), Guillermo Heredia (1991), Rafael Santana (1958), Bob Apodaca (1950), Nolan Ryan (1947)

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