Your Thursday morning dose of Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Mets Morning News
The Mets officially announced the return of Pete Alonso, who the Mets expect will be motivated to get the big contract that alluded him this offseason.
David Stearns is glad the Polar Bear is back in Queens and believes that Alonso makes the team better with his bat in the lineup.
New Yankee Devin Williams discussed Pete’s dramatic home run against him and the accusation he was tipping his pitches.
Stearns also confirmed that Jose Iglesias is unlikely to return to the team, leaving OMG in the past.
The duo of Stearns and Steve Cohen are proving to be a formidable front office combination.
The team re-signed Drew Smith to a one-year deal with a club option for next season.
Kodai Senga is an important piece to the Mets rotation and could help this team achieve its lofty goals if he remains healthy.
On the first day of camp, Clay Holmes threw three innings of live batting practice, which puts him ahead of schedule for spring.
Old friend Jeurys Familia is hoping to make a comeback despite not pitching in affiliated baseball last season.
Around the National League East
Cy Young winner Chris Sale reported to Braves camp hoping to build off last year’s success.
The Marlins signed righty Cal Quantrill to a one-year deal to bring depth to their rotation.
There are five pitching storylines to keep an eye on in Phillies camp writes the Good Phight.
It is going to be tough to compete for the Nationals who once again did not go after any big free agents on the free agent market.
Around Major League Baseball
Alex Bregman is reportedly signing with the Red Sox on a three-year deal worth $120 million.
Jeff Passan reports that the Padres added to their rotation by signing Nick Pivetta to a four-year deal worth $55 million, but the righty will only make $1 million this season.
With Pivetta heading to San Diego, are they now more likely to part with Dylan Cease?
Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon is scheduled to undergo hip surgery and will miss a significant amount of time.
Daniel Vogelbach was hired by the Pirates as a special hitting assistant.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
The Mets are hoping Griffin Canning can provide them with some solid innings this season writes Chris McShane.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 2003, David Cone re-signed with the Mets hoping for one more shot with the team.