Morning Briefing: Soto Will Be Introduced as a Met Today

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets‘ signing of Juan Soto became official on Wednesday as the superstar slugger passed his physical. Francisco Lindor commented on the deal, “I couldn’t be happier for the future,” per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Soto will be introduced as a Met on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

The Mets’ outfield is starting to get crowded as they’ve now added Soto and Jose siri to the existing outfield group of Brandon Nimmo, Tyrone Taylor, and Starling Marte. With New York having pitching needs, it looks as though it will look to move one of its surplus of outfielders to help fill that need. Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reported that it looks like Starling Marte will be the odd man out: “The Mets are open to trading veteran outfielder/DH Starling Marte in exchange for relief help, and have already talked to a number of teams about potential deals.”

Ragazzo also mentions that the Mets would have to pay down a portion of the former All-Star’s salary, which they are willing to do. Marte, who was once lauded for his outfield glove, has seen a steep decline in his fielding abilities over the past couple of season, paired with an inconsistent performance at the plate. That, coupled with injury issues, makes him the most expendable of the Mets’ outfield options, making him a candidate to help replenish their weaker bullpen. 

Latest Mets News

As part of Soto’s contract, he will receive a $500,000 bonus for winning the NL MVP award the first time, then a $1 million bonus for every MVP he wins after that, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said that they were in “constant discussion” and “had some back and forth” with the White Sox about Garret Crochet, but he does not know how serious of a suitor Chicago viewed them as, per Tim Healey of Newsday.

The Rays acquired RHP Mike Vasil from the Phillies in exchange for cash considerations, per Ryan Bass of NewsNation. Vasil was originally selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 Draft from the Mets. For a full Mets Rule 5 Draft recap, click here.

Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated went through the final steps in the Mets landing Soto, including how the final agreement came about. 

Latest MLB News

There are several teams, including the Washington Nationals, engaged with free agent first baseman Christian Walker, per Robert Murray of FanSided.

Cleveland Guardians announcer Tom Hamilton won the Ford C. Frick Award, presented by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mets announcer Gary Cohen was a finalist for the award. 

Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported on the Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger market, “I do think Tucker will be traded. I think it’s more likely to be the Cubs than the Yankees. Possibly a domino effect where the Yankees get Bellinger and Cubs get Tucker.”

The Yankees bring back relief pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga on a one-year contract with a team option for 2026, per Jorge Castillo of ESPN.

The Boston Red Sox acquired Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet, and in return sent Chicago catching prospect Kyle Teel, outfield prospect Braden Montgomery, infield prospect Chase Meidroth and RHP Wikelman Gonzalez, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Latest on MMO

Check out who the Mets lost in the Rule 5 Draft.

The Red Sox finally land their big fish, Garrett Crochet.

Juan Soto is officially a Met!

On This Date in Mets History

2005: The Mets sign 36-year-old José Valentin to a minor league deal. Valentin would go on to hit .271 with 18 home runs for the Mets in 2006.

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