Morning Briefing: Brandon Waddell Clears Waivers

Good morning, Mets fans!

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell has cleared waivers and is being outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. He was designated for assignment by the Mets earlier this week.

Waddell posted a 3.45 ERA in 31 1/3 innings for the Mets this year.

Latest Mets News

Tread Athletics recently talked about how pitching prospect Ben Simon worked his way back after injury to throwing 98 mph. Simon focused on getting healthy, tightening up his pitches and building consistency, and velocity followed.

Voice of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Jacob Wilkins, on Friday announced that his time with the Rumble Ponies has come to an end as he endeavors upon other broadcast opportunities.

Per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online, the Mets’ luxury tax bill for the 2025 season was $91.6 million. In total since Steve and Alex Cohen purchased the team it is $320.3 million.

Latest MLB News

Per Robert Murray of FanSided, the Kansas City Royals are acquiring relief pitcher Matt Strahm in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Royals announced that the trade was in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jonathan Bowlan.

According to El Extrabase, Jose Alberto Martinez, who spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs, has announced his retirement from baseball after 19 seasons.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that according to sources, the Baltimore Orioles are acquiring right-handed pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Slater de Brun, catcher Caden Bodine, right-handed pitcher Michael Forret, outfielder Austin Overn, as well as a Competitive Balance Round A pick.

Per Sam Blum of The Athletic, the Angels and representatives of Tyler Skaggs have reached a settlement in the Skaggs-Angels wrongful death trial. Skaggs passed away 6 ½ years ago. As can be imagined, emotions were high. The terms of the settlement were not released to the public.

The Atlanta Braves announced that they signed right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton on Friday to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2026 season.

According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, per sources with information on the agreement, infielder Sung-mun Song and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a contract, pending a physical. This comes after earlier this week the Padres signed Michael King to a three-year, $75 million contract.

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ $169.3 million in luxury tax penalties are more than the entire payroll of 12 other teams. Teams paid $90 million more in luxury taxes than last year’s record of $311.3 million.

Latest on MMO

John Wilson takes a look at Jorge Polanco’s situational hitting stats in a statistical spotlight piece.

Jack Markowski discusses Steve Cohen quieting concerns about the Mets lowering their payroll in 2026.

Jack Markowski also talked about how the starting pitching market is still strong for the Mets.

David Melendi breaks down the Mets’ luxury tax bill that came in at $91.6 million.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Erik Goeddel (1988), David Wright (1982).

The post Morning Briefing: Brandon Waddell Clears Waivers appeared first on Metsmerized Online.