Meet the Mets<\/p>\n
Juan Soto was named a finalist<\/a> for the National League MVP award alongside presumptive winner Shohei Ohtani and Philadelphia\u2019s Kyle Schwarber. This is the second consecutive year that a Met will finish the year as an MVP finalist, after Francisco Lindor came in second to Ohtani for the award in 2024.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n As expected, Edwin D\u00edaz opted out<\/a> of the final two years of his contract with the Mets.<\/p>\n Also as expected (since he already revealed his plans): Pete Alonso has opted out<\/a>.<\/p>\n A.J. Minter, on the other hand, has opted in to his contract<\/a> for the 2026 season and will return to the Mets.<\/p>\n Ken Rosenthal spoke about Alonso\u2019s free agency and spoke about the Red Sox as a possible destination. He noted his belief that David Stearns does not seem inclined<\/a> to give Alonso a long-term deal.<\/p>\n Justin Williard has emerged<\/a> as a top candidate to become the team\u2019s pitching coach.<\/p>\n Anthony McCarron, writing for SNY, made ten bold predictions<\/a> for the 2025 offseason, including some big reunions, signings, and trades for the Mets.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Danny Abriano shared his<\/a> top priorities for the Mets this winter.<\/p>\n Writing for Baseball Prospectus, Matt Eddy compiled his list<\/a> of top ten prospects in the Mets\u2019 system<\/p>\n Around the National League East<\/p>\n The Braves have hired<\/a> Walt Weiss as their new manager. He has served as the club\u2019s bench coach since 2018 and previously managed<\/a> the Rockies for four seasons.<\/p>\n Ha-Seong Kim opted out<\/a> of his contract with the Braves.<\/p>\n The Marlins named<\/a> former Gabe Kapler as their new general manager. Kapler, who managed the Phillies and Giants in the past, was serving as Miami\u2019s assistant general manager before earning the promotion<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Cole Weintraub examined<\/a> ten free agent options for the Phillies this winter.<\/p>\n Around Major League Baseball<\/p>\n The Dodgers celebrated<\/a> their latest World Series win with a parade.<\/p>\n Will Leitch explored<\/a> the teams with the best chance to dethrone the Dodgers in 2026.<\/p>\n It may be early, but The Athletic put together<\/a> their MLB Power Rankings for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n Keith Law took a deep dive<\/a> into the top free agents this offseason.<\/p>\n ESPN\u2019s David Schoenfield looked at the best fits<\/a> for all the top free agents.<\/p>\n The full list of BBWAA Awards finalists were announced<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Baseball Hall of Fame unveiled the<\/a> eight-player Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot, which includes three players<\/a> who donned the orange and blue in their career\u2014Jeff Kent, Carlos Delgado, and Gary Sheffield.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Dale Murphy, a Utah resident, is getting another shot<\/a> at the Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n The Rays picked up<\/a> outfielder Ryan Vilade from the Reds for cash considerations<\/a>.<\/p>\n All-Star closer Robert Suarez officially opted out<\/a> of the remainder of his contract with the Padres and became a free agent. He had two years<\/a> and $16 million remaining on that original deal.<\/p>\n Similarly, Alex Bregman opted out<\/a> of the final two years of his contract with the Red Sox.<\/p>\n Cody Bellinger opted out of his contract<\/a> with the Yankees but expressed his willingness to return to the Bronx.<\/p>\n Adam Ottavino has spoken with<\/a> Dick Monfort about becoming the Rockies\u2019 head of baseball operations.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Yesterday at Amazin\u2019 Avenue<\/p>\n Lukas Vlahos analyzed<\/a> the team\u2019s free agents and potential QO recipients.<\/p>\n Steve Sypa reviewed<\/a> Week Four of the Arizona Fall League.<\/p>\n This Date in Mets History<\/p>\n The Mets dealt Roger Craig, the first Opening Day starter in franchise history, to the Cardinals on this date in 1963<\/a>.<\/p>\n