Morning Briefing: Mets’ Rotation Beginning to Take Shape

Good morning, Mets fans!

On Friday, the Mets signed former Yankee Clay Holmes to a three-year, $38 million contract according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. The deal also includes an opt-out after year two. The Mets intend to convert Holmes to a starting pitcher despite Holmes not having started games since 2018. Holmes joins Frankie Montas as the two newest members of the Mets’ starting rotation for 2025.

Latest Mets News

The Mets officially announced that they signed Alex Ramírez, Grant Hartwig, and Edward Olivares to minor league deals with invites to spring training. Ramírez and Hartwig were known to be returning to the organization for a few days, but Olivares’ signing was not. The 28-year-old outfielder has spent time with the Padres and Royals and spent 2024 with the Pirates. In 196 major league plate appearances in 2024, he had a .624 OPS.

The Mets acquired reliever Sean Harney from the Rays in exchange for international pool money. The 2022 eighth-round pick had a 3.76 ERA between rookie ball, High-A, and Double-A in 2024.

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets have received trade interest in Brett Baty. The third baseman has struggled in his brief major league career but is still highly thought of as a former top prospect.

New Met Frankie Montas had his introductory press conference on Friday. He spoke highly about the Mets’ lineup and how he’s glad he doesn’t have to face them anymore. He also mentioned how he hopes his former teammate and one of his best friends Sean Manaea returns to the Mets next season.

Latest MLB News

Buster Olney of ESPN reported that Shane Bieber is returning to the Guardians in 2025. Jeff Passan noted the deal is one-year, $14 million with a $16 million player option for 2026. Bieber will miss the start of the regular season after undergoing Tommy John surgery this past year.

Robert Murray of FanSided reported that the Rays signed catcher Danny Jansen to a one-year, $8.5 million contract. According to Murray, Jansen had multi-year offers on the table but wanted to bet on himself after a down offensive year. The 29-year-old had a .658 OPS between the Blue Jays and Red Sox last year, but has a career .727 OPS.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic said on Foul Territory that he expects both Nolan Arenado and Steven Matz to be traded from the Cardinals, but they are likelier to hold on to Ryan Helsley.

The A’s officially announced that they signed former Met Luis Severino.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the controversial “Golden Bat” rule is not likely to happen. The rule would allow teams to use any player they want for one at-bat a game.

MLB Pipeline released their Top 100 for the 2025 MLB Draft. Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline called high school infielders “the strength of this class.”

Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote that with or without Juan Soto, the Yankees should pursue a trade of Cody Bellinger.

In the lawsuit involving the family of Tyler Skaggs and the Angels, the judge in the case rejected the Angels’ request to delay the trial. Mike Trout will be deposed by attorneys in January and owner Arte Moreno will be required to release some of the contents of his cell phone.

Latest on MMO

Jordan Baron profiles outfielder Teoscar Hernández as a potential free agent target for the Mets.

On This Date in Mets History

1984: The Mets acquired Howard Johnson from the Tigers in exchange for Walt Terrell. Johnson went on to become a two-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Mets. He spent parts of nine seasons with the club and had an .801 OPS in a Mets uniform.

Born On This Date: Pete Alonso (1994), Mike Baxter (1984), Don Cardwell (1935).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets’ Rotation Beginning to Take Shape appeared first on Metsmerized Online.