Morning Briefing: Mets Facing Decision With Alexander Canario
Good morning, Mets fans!
Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that “the Mets expect to expose [Alexander Canario] to waivers — he is out of options.”
As expected, a seventh outfielder isn’t needed on the 26-man roster. Despite Canario’s strong spring, Starling Marte‘s veteran presence and Tyrone Taylor‘s reliability edged him out. He was always just an option in case of injury to one of the top five outfielders.
Like Puma notes, Canario will likely be claimed off waivers as the Mets try to sneak him through. The Mets could look to trade Canario before placing him on waivers.
Alexander Canario. Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Latest Mets News
Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated talks to Steve Cohen, who reveals new details about the Juan Soto sweepstakes. One fun thing to note: On Cohen’s initial offer for Soto (via Verducci’s article), “Boras told Cohen it was the worst of the initial offers he received: ‘Steve, you’re not even in the hunt.’ ‘All right,’ Cohen harrumphed. ‘I’m out.'” A few days later, Cohen met with Soto in person, but even then, he still thought Soto was headed back to the Bronx. But the rest is history.
Newsday’s Tim Healey sat down with Brandon Nimmo for a Q&A. Healey’s article covers everything from Nimmo’s new beard to the Mets’ cross-town rivals. “We’re not going to be the second team in New York anymore. We want to be New York’s team. We want to command respect for the Mets name,” Nimmo said.
The Mets will host a five-borough mascot race at Citi Field this year.
Check out Metsmerized’s food thread at Citi Field on X!
Watch a day in the life of a Mets clubhouse chef!
Latest MLB News
Cal Raleigh, aka “Big Dumper,” and the Mariners are finalizing a seven-year, $105 million deal, according to Jeff Passan. The contract buys out Raleigh’s arbitration year of 2025 and includes three years of free agency.
Nationals starter DJ Herz is dealing with a left elbow UCL sprain, according to the team (through Andrew Golden of the Washington Post). It’s a tough break for the 24-year-old, who showed promise in 2024 but struggled to a 6.52 ERA this spring.
MLB teams that have won a World Series since 2021 have also seen their franchise values grow the most. More here, via Lev Akabas of Sportico.
Former Met and Yankee Curtis Granderson has signed a multi-year extension with TNT Sports to continue as an analyst.
Jeff Passan of ESPN was first to report that the Los Angeles Angels have released outfielder Mickey Moniak. The former No. 1 overall pick will receive $333k in termination pay. He’s now two years removed from his last above-average season, though it wouldn’t be at all surprising if a team picks him up as a fourth or fifth outfielder.
Former Vandy teammates Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are both making the Rangers’ Opening Day roster, according to manager Chris Young. Shawn McFarland of Dallas News reports that the two will both be in the rotation.
Jordan Montgomery is undergoing Tommy John surgery next week, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Montgomery, who posted a 6.23 ERA last year, will therefore miss all of 2025 and likely much of 2026. It’s a brutal development for both the player and the team, who were obviously hoping for a bounceback season.
According to Chandler Rome of the Athletic, power-hitting first baseman Jon Singleton has cleared waivers and been released by the Astros.
Some NL East rotation notes (through Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal and DanielÁlvarez-Montes of El Extrabase): The Braves are starting the season with Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes. The Marlins are going with a rotation of Sandy Alcántara, Connor Gillespie, Valente Bellozo, Max Meyer and Cal Quantrill.
Off the heels of an impressive spring training, third baseman Cam Smith has deservedly received his first ever call-up to the majors, tweets Ari Alexander of KPRC2. He’ll make his MLB debut on Thursday against the Mets. Watch Smith’s emotional reaction to his call-up here.
Pirates right-hander Jared Jones‘ elbow does not require surgery and he will be shut down for six weeks, says Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. While Tommy John surgery has become a rite of passage for young flamethrowers, the 24-year-old Jones will try to avoid it.
Latest on MMO
Mathias Altman-Kurosaki remembers some of the best Opening Day moments in the Mets’ history.
John Wilson breaks down expectations for Edwin Díaz this season.
Evan Mazza analyzed the Mets’ outfield depth and outlook.
Patrick Glynn picked the biggest winners and losers in Mets spring training.
On This Date in Mets History
1997: Howard Johnson announces his retirement after failing to make the Mets’ major league roster. HoJo recorded three 30-30 seasons during his nine years with New York, and is the obvious second-best third baseman in Mets history.
2019: The Mets extend Jacob deGrom to a five-year, $137.5 million contract. At the time, the deal is the fourth-richest ever in terms of total guaranteed money for a pitcher.
Born on This Date: Mickey Weston (1961), Shawn Hare (1967), José Vizcaíno (1968), Rob Zastryzny (1992).
The post Morning Briefing: Mets Facing Decision With Alexander Canario appeared first on Metsmerized Online.