WEATHER ALERT
Joey Votto homers on 1st pitch in 1st spring training game with hometown Toronto Blue Jays
Read full article: Joey Votto homers on 1st pitch in 1st spring training game with hometown Toronto Blue JaysJoey Votto sure knows how to make an instant impression, going deep on the first pitch he faced as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Mets owner Steven Cohen doesn't expect long-term deal with star Pete Alonso before season ends
Read full article: Mets owner Steven Cohen doesn't expect long-term deal with star Pete Alonso before season endsNew York Mets owner Steve Cohen doesn’t expect to sign a long-term contract with star first baseman Pete Alonso before the end of the season.
Mets owner Cohen says he expects Alonso to explore free agency but wants to keep him
Read full article: Mets owner Cohen says he expects Alonso to explore free agency but wants to keep himNew York Mets owner Steve Cohen doesn’t anticipate a resolving Pete Alonso’s future with the team until after the season.
New York Mets hit with record luxury tax of nearly $101 million for season of fourth-place finish
Read full article: New York Mets hit with record luxury tax of nearly $101 million for season of fourth-place finishThe New York Mets must pay a record luxury tax of nearly $101 million after a fourth-place finish in their division, among an unprecedented eight teams that owe the penalty for the 2023 season.
Mets owner Steve Cohen went to Japan to meet with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Read full article: Mets owner Steve Cohen went to Japan to meet with pitcher Yoshinobu YamamotoNew York Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns went to Japan before the winter meetings to speak with free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and his family.
Dodgers acknowledge meeting with Ohtani. Yankees covet Yamamoto
Read full article: Dodgers acknowledge meeting with Ohtani. Yankees covet YamamotoThe Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to publicly acknowledge meeting with Shohei Ohtani when manager Dave Roberts disclosed what he said was a two-to-three hour get-together at Dodger Stadium a few days ago.
David Stearns agrees to become Mets president of baseball operations, according to reports
Read full article: David Stearns agrees to become Mets president of baseball operations, according to reportsDavid Stearns has agreed to become president of baseball operations for the underperforming New York Mets, according to several reports.
Lawsuit says Tennessee's US House and state Senate maps discriminate against communities of color
Read full article: Lawsuit says Tennessee's US House and state Senate maps discriminate against communities of colorTennessee is facing a lawsuit over a congressional redistricting map that carved up Democratic-leaning Nashville to help Republicans flip a seat in last year’s elections.
Mets owner Steve Cohen addresses trade-deadline deals, thinks team will still compete in 2024
Read full article: Mets owner Steve Cohen addresses trade-deadline deals, thinks team will still compete in 2024New York Mets owner Steve Cohen met with player and team personnel in Kansas City prior to the team's game Wednesday.
Memphis, Tennessee, police shoot suspect after he fired shots outside Jewish school
Read full article: Memphis, Tennessee, police shoot suspect after he fired shots outside Jewish schoolMemphis, Tennessee, police say officers shot a suspect after he attempted to enter a Jewish school with a gun and fired shots after he couldn’t get into the building.
AP source: Mets swoop, snatch Correa for $315M, 12-year deal
Read full article: AP source: Mets swoop, snatch Correa for $315M, 12-year dealCarlos Correa has agreed to a $315 million, 12-year contract with the free-spending New York Mets after his pending deal with the San Francisco Giants came apart over an issue with his physical.
Verlander: Mets move 'a leap of faith' that 'has paid off'
Read full article: Verlander: Mets move 'a leap of faith' that 'has paid off'Justin Verlander says owner Steve Cohen and his willingness to spend his hedge-fund fortune on building a World Series-contender is the reason he joined the New York Mets.
Manfred sure Mets-Yanks collusion query will find no issue
Read full article: Manfred sure Mets-Yanks collusion query will find no issueBaseball Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed Thursday that Major League Baseball is looking into potentially improper communication between the New York Mets and Yankees regarding star free agent Aaron Judge.
New cemetery chapel honors victims of synagogue attack
Read full article: New cemetery chapel honors victims of synagogue attackOne of the congregations targeted in the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre has dedicated a new chapel in honor of those slain in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
MLB GMs weigh bigger bets in Las Vegas than those at tables
Read full article: MLB GMs weigh bigger bets in Las Vegas than those at tablesIn the hallways and meeting rooms of Resorts World, baseball general managers are starting to weigh bigger bets than the wagers placed on tables and machines in the casino downstairs.
Mets get Naquin, reliever from Reds for 2 minor leaguers
Read full article: Mets get Naquin, reliever from Reds for 2 minor leaguersThe first-place New York Mets have acquired outfielder Tyler Naquin and left-handed reliever Phillip Diehl from the Cincinnati Reds in a trade for two teenage minor leaguers.
Mets, minor leaguers plan meeting to discuss pay, conditions
Read full article: Mets, minor leaguers plan meeting to discuss pay, conditionsLeaders from the New York Mets recently held what’s believed to be an unprecedented meeting with the nonprofit group Advocates for Minor Leaguers to discuss pay and working conditions in the minors, and another meeting is planned soon that will include players from the team’s farm system.
Larger than life: Mets unveil Seaver statue at Citi Field
Read full article: Larger than life: Mets unveil Seaver statue at Citi FieldA long-awaited statue of pitcher Tom Seaver has been unveiled by the New York Mets in a 40-minute ceremony that began about 2 1/2 hours before their home opener against Arizona.
Spring forward: What to know as MLB camps open Sunday
Read full article: Spring forward: What to know as MLB camps open SundayShohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and the rest of baseball’s biggest stars are due at spring training Sunday for the first official day of preseason training following the end of Major League Baseball’s 99-day labor lockout.
Former Mets acting GM Zack Scott acquitted of DUI charges
Read full article: Former Mets acting GM Zack Scott acquitted of DUI chargesFormer New York Mets acting general manager Zack Scott has been cleared of drunken-driving charges stemming from his arrest last August after he attended a fundraiser at team owner Steve Cohen’s house.
To the Max: Scherzer, Mets finalize $130M, 3-year deal
Read full article: To the Max: Scherzer, Mets finalize $130M, 3-year dealThe New York Mets and Max Scherzer have finalized a $130 million, three-year deal, a contract that shattered baseball’s record for highest average salary and forms a historically impressive 1-2 atop New York’s rotation with Jacob deGrom.
AP source: Mets add CF Marte with $78 million, 4-year deal
Read full article: AP source: Mets add CF Marte with $78 million, 4-year dealThe New York Mets have bolstered their lineup with three free-agent deals, adding speedy center fielder Starling Marte to go along with Mark Canha and All-Star infielder Eduardo Escobar.
Eppler, joining Mets, embraces return to `intimidating' NYC
Read full article: Eppler, joining Mets, embraces return to `intimidating' NYCBilly Eppler embraced the bright lights of the big city, promising on his first day as Mets general manager to pursue pricey free agents and create a perennial World Series contender.
Mets' Alderson claims New York a deterrent in GM search
Read full article: Mets' Alderson claims New York a deterrent in GM searchMets President Sandy Alderson says the biggest impediment in the club’s dragging search for a general manager isn’t his presence nor owner Steve Cohen, but the spotlight created by the New York market.
AP source: Mets fire acting GM Scott after DUI leave
Read full article: AP source: Mets fire acting GM Scott after DUI leaveActing general manager Zack Scott will not return to the New York Mets after being placed on administrative leave following an arrest on drunken driving charges in August, according to a person familiar with the firing.
Mets' Báez bolts out of doghouse with apology, winning run
Read full article: Mets' Báez bolts out of doghouse with apology, winning runJavier Báez bolted home for the winning run in the ninth inning of New York’s 6-5 win over the Miami Marlins hours after he and Francisco Lindor apologized for taking a dig at booing Mets fans.
Mets respond to Cohen tweet with 12-inning win over Giants
Read full article: Mets respond to Cohen tweet with 12-inning win over GiantsKevin Pillar hit a three-run home run in the 12th inning, lifting the New York Mets over the San Francisco Giants 6-2 hours after the team’s owner called out its hitters for a lack of production.
Wheeler 2-hitter, Harper HR, Phils beat Mets, 8th win in row
Read full article: Wheeler 2-hitter, Harper HR, Phils beat Mets, 8th win in rowZack Wheeler pitched a two-hitter and struck out 11, Bryce Harper homered and the first-place Philadelphia Phillies finished off a three-game sweep for their eighth straight victory, 3-0 over the fading New York Mets.
Under presssure, company cancels Tennessee pipeline
Read full article: Under presssure, company cancels Tennessee pipelineEnvironmentalists are claiming victory after a company canceled plans to build an oil pipeline through southwest Tennessee and north Mississippi and over an aquifer that provides drinking water to 1 million people.
Mets fire 2 high-ranking employees after workplace review
Read full article: Mets fire 2 high-ranking employees after workplace reviewThe New York Mets have fired two high-ranking employees and will overhaul their legal and human resources departments on the recommendation of independent investigators hired to review the organization following allegations of sexual misconduct against former manager Mickey Callaway.
Buttigieg visits closed Interstate 40 bridge in Tennessee
Read full article: Buttigieg visits closed Interstate 40 bridge in TennesseeU.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came to Tennessee to learn how the closure of the Interstate 40 bridge connecting that state and Arkansas has affected freight movement since it was shut down more than three weeks ago when a crack was found in the span.
Lindor: Easy decision to sign $341M, 10-year deal with Mets
Read full article: Lindor: Easy decision to sign $341M, 10-year deal with MetsFrancisco Lindor and the New York Mets agreed to a $341 million, 10-year pact on the eve of opening day, terms that could keep the four-time All-Star in Queens for the rest of his career.
AP source: Lindor, Mets agree to $341 million, 10-year deal
Read full article: AP source: Lindor, Mets agree to $341 million, 10-year dealLindor was eligible for free agency after this season and said this spring he wouldn't negotiate with the Mets on a long-term contract after opening day. New York added Lindor knowing he could walk after the 2021 season, but the team said it would try to negotiate a long-term pact. Lindor will retain his $22.3 million salary for 2021 before the contract kicks in for 2022. Only Mike Trout's $426.5 million, 12-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels and Mookie Betts' $365 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers are worth more. Lindor's deal is also by far the largest payout ever from the Mets, surpassing contracts for third baseman David Wright ($138 million), pitchers Jacob deGrom ($137.5 million) and Johan Santana ($137.5 million).
Chris Christie joins Mets' board of directors under Cohen
Read full article: Chris Christie joins Mets' board of directors under CohenChristie has joined the board of directors of the New York Mets. His son Andrew has worked for the team since 2018 and is the Mets' coordinator of international scouting. Chris Christie has joined the board of directors of the New York Mets. Jeanne Melino also joined the Mets board under new owner Steve Cohen, and New York said Friday she will be hired by the team as senior vice president of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The Mets' board also includes chairman emeritus Fred Wilpon and vice chairman Andrew Cohen, who is not related to Steve.
Opponents suspect environmental racism in pipeline project
Read full article: Opponents suspect environmental racism in pipeline projectRobinson's land is coveted by Valero Energy and Plains All American Pipeline, and their joint venture, the Byhalia Connection. “It’s just not fair.”The Byhalia Connection would link the east-west Diamond Pipeline through the Valero refinery in Memphis to the north-south Capline Pipeline near Byhalia, Mississippi. Opponents suspect environmental racism — the practice of placing toxic factories, landfills and other polluters in minority neighborhoods and indigenous areas, where voiceless residents only realize the danger after people get sick. Byhalia Connection spokeswoman Katie Martin said the comment doesn't reflect the company's views. Byhalia Connection representatives say the pipeline will make refineries along the artery more efficient and poses no threat to the aquifer.
Alderson details Mets' pursuit of Bauer, pleased by results
Read full article: Alderson details Mets' pursuit of Bauer, pleased by resultsThis photo from a Zoom press conference shows New York Mets President Sandy Alderson, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. Alderson returned as team president Friday when Steve Cohen bought the Mets from the Wilpon and Katz families. Two higher-profile incidents both involved women, including a college student who accused the 30-year-old Bauer of harassing her online. We understood what the risks were associated with some of the social media stuff. Alderson said he never spoke directly with Bauer but talked with the pitcher’s agent about the social media presence and the need for Bauer to take responsibility for it.
Report: Coach, ex-manager Callaway pursued women in media
Read full article: Report: Coach, ex-manager Callaway pursued women in mediaFILE - This 2020 file photo shows Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway. Callaway, former manager of the New York Mets and current Los Angeles Angels pitching coach, aggressively pursued several women who work in sports media and sent three of them inappropriate photos, The Athletic reported Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)NEW YORK – Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway, former manager of the New York Mets, “aggressively pursued” several women who work in sports media and sent three of them inappropriate photos, The Athletic reported Monday night. Callaway sent uninvited and sometimes unanswered messages to the women via email, text or social media and asked one to send nude photos in return, according to the report. Ad“I was appalled by the actions reported today of former manager Mickey Callaway,” Alderson said in a statement released by the Mets late Monday night.
Owner of Mets and hedge fund leaves Twitter, citing threats
Read full article: Owner of Mets and hedge fund leaves Twitter, citing threatsThis photo from a Zoom press conference shows New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. (New York Mets via AP)NEW YORK – The owner of the New York Mets says he has dropped off Twitter because his family received threats that he attributed to “misinformation" that was not tied to the baseball team. Hedge funds that shorted GameStop have lost billions as small investors bid up the company's shares. One of the short sellers, Melvin Capital, announced this week that it received a $750 million infusion from Point72. The Mets tied for last place in the National League East division last season.
New Jays OF Springer sees echoes of Astros in Toronto's core
Read full article: New Jays OF Springer sees echoes of Astros in Toronto's coreSpringer and the Blue Jays agreed last week to a team-record $150 million, six-year contract. The Blue Jays swept in two games during a first-round series by the eventual AL champion Rays. Besides Springer, Toronto also has signed right-handers Kirby Yates and Tyler Chatwood in the past week. Shapiro insisted the Blue Jays still have flexibility to add payroll, likely to strengthen the rotation, but said “the bulk of our heavy lifting is done.”Springer split time between center field and right with the Astros, but is expected to become a fixture in center for the Blue Jays. “This is about the Blue Jays,” Springer said.
Mets fire GM after he sent explicit texts to female reporter
Read full article: Mets fire GM after he sent explicit texts to female reporterThis screen grab from a Zoom call shows New York Mets general manager Jared Porter Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Mets general manager Jared Porter sent graphic, uninvited text messages and images to a female reporter in 2016 when he was working for the Chicago Cubs in their front office, ESPN reported Monday night, Jan. 18, 2021. “We have terminated Jared Porter this morning,” Cohen wrote Tuesday. ESPN said he was the Cubs’ director of professional scouting when he sent the messages to the woman. She said the Cubs employee told her Porter wanted to apologize in person, but she didn't want to see him.
Mets' new GM excited by Cohen's title expectations
Read full article: Mets' new GM excited by Cohen's title expectationsNEW YORK – Jared Porter knows his new boss with the Mets is counting on a championship. “Hearing comments like that motivates me,” Porter said Monday after being introduced as New York’s general manager. “It’s really important to create a situation where you’re a really hard team to play against. But the Mets still have several holes to fill in the rotation and lineup. “I don’t wear them out.”In Queens, Porter will report to the 72-year-old Alderson, a former Mets GM who was brought back by Cohen and has taken over baseball operations.
AP source: Catcher James McCann, Mets near $40M, 4-yr deal
Read full article: AP source: Catcher James McCann, Mets near $40M, 4-yr dealFree agent catcher James McCann and the New York Mets were close to completing a $40 million, four-year contract Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, as the team continues to upgrade its roster under new owner Steve Cohen. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)NEW YORK – Free agent catcher James McCann and the New York Mets were close to completing a $40 million, four-year contract Saturday as the team continues to upgrade its roster under new owner Steve Cohen. McCann was an All-Star with the White Sox in 2019 when he hit .273 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs. Last week, the Mets signed free agent reliever Trevor May to a $15.5 million, two-year deal. He was regarded as the second-best catcher on the free agent market behind J.T.
Schwarber, Bradley, Duvall among 59 cut in pandemic fallout
Read full article: Schwarber, Bradley, Duvall among 59 cut in pandemic falloutThe total cut was one more than the previous high at the tender deadline, ahead of the 2004 season. Schwarber earned $2,596,296 in prorated pay from his $7.01 million salary last season but hit .188 with 11 homers in 59 games, down from 38 homers, 92 RBIs and a .250 batting average in 155 games in 2019. Schwarber returned from a serious knee injury and hit .412 with two RBIs in the 2016 World Series as the Cubs won their first championship since 1908. Fifty-nine players agreed to one-year contracts ahead of the deadline, many of them facing a threat of being cut. Minnesota reached deals with five players, including pitcher José Berríos ($500,000 signing bonus plus $5.6 million salary) and center fielder Byron Buxton ($5,125,000).
Mets 2B Canó suspended 162 games by MLB after drug test
Read full article: Mets 2B Canó suspended 162 games by MLB after drug testThe New York Mets second baseman was suspended for 162 games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in his decorated career. Minus Canó, the Mets could give offensive sparkplug Jeff McNeil a regular spot at second base — probably his most natural position. “We were extremely disappointed to be informed about Robinson’s suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” new Mets president Sandy Alderson said in a statement. He played 49 games this year in a season shortened from the usual 162 to 60 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Canó has 2,624 career hits and Hall of Fame-caliber statistics for a second baseman.
Mets GM Van Wagenen, others out as Cohen takes over team
Read full article: Mets GM Van Wagenen, others out as Cohen takes over teamSpecial assistant to the general manager Omar Minaya, assistant general managers Allard Baird and Adam Guttridge and executive director of player development Jared Banner also departed. He hired former Mets general manager Sandy Alderson as team president in his first move and ended Jeff Wilpon's tenure as chief operating officer. and Van Wagenen fired manager Mickey Callaway and replaced him with Carlos Beltrán. It is a record price for a baseball team, topping the $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers from Frank McCourt to Guggenheim Baseball Management in 2012. “I hope that your energy, competitiveness and resources will be welcomed by Major League Baseball,” Van Wagenen said.
Sale of Mets to Steve Cohen approved; Wilpon era nears end
Read full article: Sale of Mets to Steve Cohen approved; Wilpon era nears endFILE - In this Dec. 10, 2009 file photo, billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen attends a benefit in New York. Major League Baseball owners voted Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, to approve the sale of the New York Mets to Cohen. The Mets sale is likely to close within 10 days. “I am humbled that MLB’s owners have approved me to be the next owner of the New York Mets,” Cohen said in a statement. Cohen made his announcement as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city does not object to the sale.
LEADING OFF: Blue Jays-Yanks, Padres go for 9th straight
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Blue Jays-Yanks, Padres go for 9th straightSan Diego Padres' Jurickson Profar, right, reacts after scoring on a fielder's choice in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in San Diego. Prized rookie Deivi García (1-1, 3.06 ERA) pitches for the Yankees, who have won five straight following a 5-16 slide. New York expects to get third baseman Gio Urshela and right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga back from the injured list. WILD WESTThe surging San Diego Padres go for their ninth straight victory and try to close within a half-game of the West-leading Dodgers when the NL's top two teams square off again at Petco Park. Lamb homered and doubled in his Athletics debut Monday, a 9-0 victory at Seattle that gave his new team a doubleheader split.
LEADING OFF: Blue Jays-Yanks, Darvish faces skidding Indians
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Blue Jays-Yanks, Darvish faces skidding IndiansPrized rookie Deivi García (1-1, 3.06 ERA) pitches for the Yankees, who have won five straight following a 5-16 slide. New York expects to get third baseman Gio Urshela and right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga back from the injured list. Sportico reported Cohen will own 95% of the team, with the rest staying with the Wilpon and Katz families. Former major league star Alex Rodriguez and fiancee Jennifer Lopez also tried to buy the team but dropped out of the bidding last month. Cohen also entered negotiations to buy the Mets last year, but the deal fell apart in February.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Cohen agrees to buy Mets
Read full article: Billionaire hedge fund manager Cohen agrees to buy MetsFILE - In this Sept. 9, 2020, file photo, Citi Field is viewed at dusk before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles in New York. Billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen has agreed to purchase the Mets from the Wilpon family. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)NEW YORK – Billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen has agreed to buy the New York Mets from the Wilpon and Katz families. Cohen also entered negotiations to buy the Mets last year, but the deal fell apart in February. The limited partnership shares were sold after a proposed $200 million sale of a stake of the Mets to hedge fund manager David Einhorn fell through in 2011.
A-Rod/J-Lo out of Mets' bidding amid report Cohen set to buy
Read full article: A-Rod/J-Lo out of Mets' bidding amid report Cohen set to buyFILE - In this Dec. 13, 2019, file photo, Jennifer Lopez, left, and Alex Rodriguez sit courtside during an NBA basketball game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers in Miami. Rodriguez and Lopez have retained J.P. Morgan to represent them in raising capital for a possible bid for the New York Mets. The move was first reported by Variety and confirmed to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the decision who spoke on condition of anonymity because it was not announced. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
A-Rod/J-Lo out of Mets' bidding amid report Cohen set to buy
Read full article: A-Rod/J-Lo out of Mets' bidding amid report Cohen set to buyRodriguez and Lopez have retained J.P. Morgan to represent them in raising capital for a possible bid for the New York Mets. Rodriguez announced Friday night that despite a fully funded offer at a record price, their group was pulling its offer. CNBC reported Friday night that Cohen had entered final negotiations and was expected to finalize a deal with the team in the coming days. Cohen also entered negotiations to purchase the Mets last year, but the deal fell apart in February. Rodriguez and Lopez emerged as potential buyers after Cohen's first negotiations fell apart.