It is January 3, so the slow portion of the MLB offseason continues. We’ve still got some big-name free agents available while some trade candidates haven’t yet been moved, so some stuff needs to happen before spring training. Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso and Anthony Santander are the top bats available in free agency while the pitching side offers Jack Flaherty, Roki Sasaki and Max Scherzer. Here’s the free agent tracker.
Let’s get to the news and rumors for the day.
Mets have most interest in Alonso?
Though the Angels have been floated as an interesting suitor for Alonso the last few days, MLB Network reports that no team “right now has more interest in Alonso than his original employer, the New York Mets.”
It’s a nice fit. We’ve already seen Alonso be one of the most prolific sluggers in franchise history and there’s a possible hole on either corner of the infield right now. The Mets could keep Mark Vientos at third base or swing him over to first. In re-signing Alonso, they’d leave Vientos at third, obviously.
For now, though the Juan Soto signing was obviously amazing, there seems like a bit of a void in the middle of the Mets’ order, given their aspirations to be one of the best teams in baseball. Francisco Lindor is a top-shelf leadoff man while Soto figures to come second. Then it’s Vientos and a grouping of Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Alvarez and Starling Marte for the middle of the order. Putting Alonso fourth after Vientos would really beef things up.
Kim agreement must come Friday
The deadline for Hye-seong Kim to reach an MLB agreement is today. He has been posted from KBO (Korea Baseball Organization). Full details here.
In 127 games for the Kiwoom Heroes last season, Kim hit .326/.383/.458 with 26 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, 75 RBI, 90 runs and 30 stolen bases. He has played mostly second base the last three seasons with some experience at third base and shortstop.
Read the full article here
