Your Friday morning dose of Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Steve Cohen spoke about the team’s signing of Pete Alonso, saying that the first baseman just has to be himself. The owner flew to Florida to meet with Alonso shortly before the sides agreed to their deal.
There are reasons to believe that Alonso can be a 40 home run-hitter again.
Ken Rosenthal wrote about what Alonso needs to do this year.
The Mets aren’t worried that any dissatisfaction with his contract will affect Pete Alonso’s performance this year and see it as something that will likely motivate him.
Darryl Strawberry still holds the Mets’ franchise record for home runs, but he’s excited to hand that title over to Alonso.
Gary Cohen sees the Mets as National League East favorites now that Alonso is back.
The Mets reportedly offered Jose Iglesias a one-year deal.
With the addition of Alonso, the Mets’ payroll has exceeded the highest tier in the competitive balance tax system.
Alonso gives the Mets’ lineup some much-needed thump.
The deal between the Mets and Alonso felt inevitable.
David Stearns gambled on getting Alonso on the team’s terms, and it worked.
The Mets and Alonso needed each other, and they’re together for a win-now season.
Steve Cohen joined Rob Manfred’s executive council of owners.
At his media availability ahead of the Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes was asked about the Mets’ chances this year.
MLB Pipeline took a shot at guessing each team’s top prospect come 2027, and they unsurprisingly chose Elian Peña for the Mets.
Around the National League East
Federal Baseball writes that it’s a huge year for Nationals prospect Cayden Wallace.
Around Major League Baseball
The Astros have upped their offer to Alex Bregman, but the third baseman still hasn’t seen an offer to his liking.
The Angels signed Yoán Moncada to a one-year, $5 million deal.
Tommy Pham and the Pirates agreed to a one-year deal.
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter was sentenced to nearly five years in prison.
Major League Baseball owners approved John Seidler as the Padres’ new control person.
Owners also debated a push for a salary cap.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
We took a look at the Mets’ lineup now that Pete Alonso is back in it.
And we shared the first part of a breakdown of our minor league team’s takes on the Mets’ top 25 prospects.
This Date in Mets History
It’s Endy Chavez’s birthday.