Mets Trade Josh Smoker

Former Mets reliever Josh Smoker

The New York Mets announced today that they have traded LHP Josh Smoker to the Pittsburgh Pirates for LHP Daniel Zamora and cash considerations. Last week, Smoker was designated for assignment to make room for infielder Jose Reyes on the 40-man roster. Last year, he had a 5.11 ERA, 1.70 and allowed 10 homers in 56.1 innings. Zamora went to Stony Brook University and was drafted by the Pirates in the 40th round of the 2015 draft. He had a 2.49 ERA in three minor league seasons and had a 1.76 ERA in 56.1 innings in 2017. Zamora had 63 strikeouts and 19 walks with a 1.225 WHIP. He spent most of last year in Single-A, but had three scoreless innings in Double-A after he was promoted late in the season. 

Mets Sign Jose Reyes

Mets Infielder Jose Reyes

The New York Mets announced today they are re-signing infielder Jose Reyes to a one-year deal for $2 million and can make $500,000 more with incentives. Reyes will be used in a utility role and play several positions including second base, shortstop and third base as well as possibly in the outfield. He played in 145 games for the Mets last year and hit ..246 with 15 homers and 58 RBI in 561 plate appearances. Reyes lead the team with 24 stolen bases and 561 plate appearances. He did well in the second half and had an .828 OPS. Hopefully Reyes can build off his strong second half and provide some speed and versatility off the bench. He will help serve as a exciting leadoff hitter and a mentor to SS Amed Rosario.

Mets Sign Adrian Gonzalez

Mets First Baseman Adrian Gonzalez

Today, the New York Mets officially announced that they signed free agent first baseman Adrian Gonzalez after he passed his physical. Gonzalez will be paid the major league minimum of $540,000 by the Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers will pay the rest of his $22.3 million that he is owed for this season. He is a five-time all star and at one point was one of the best hitters in baseball. Gonzalez is a lifetime .288 hitter over the course of his 14-year career. Last season, a degenerative back injury caused him to hit only .242 with three homers. Hopefully Gonzalez is able to get healthy this year and provide some power in the middle of the lineup and return to his former success. He will help serve as a nice veteran presence on the field and will be ready to start if 1B Dominic Smith is in the minor leagues for opening day. 

Mets Sign Jay Bruce

Mets Outfielder Jay Bruce

The New York Mets announced tonight that they have signed outfielder Jay Bruce for a three-year deal worth $39 million. Bruce was acquired by the Mets at the July 2016 trading deadline for second baseman Dilson Herrera and pitching prospect Max Wotell. He got off to a slow start, but finished up strong in September and came back in 2017 and had an excellent season. In 103 games games for the Mets last year, Bruce hit .256 with 21 homers and 75 RBI's before being moved to the Cleveland Indians at the trading deadline to help them in their postseason run. This was a huge signing for the Mets since they needed to add another powerful bat in the outfield and help lengthen their lineup. Bruce will help serve as insurance in case outfielders Yoenis Cespedes and Michael Conforto are hurt. He can also play some first base as well. I think that this was a move that the Mets had to make and I think that Bruce will serve as a great guy in the clubhouse and help mentor younger guys. I'm excited to see what he can do this year.

Mets Sign Anthony Swarzak

The New York Mets announced today that they have signed reliever RHP Anthony Swarzak to a two-year $14 mil deal. Last season, Swarzak posted a 2.33 ERA, 2.74 FIP, and 1.034 WHIP in 77.1 innings combined with the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers. He began his career with the Minnesota Twins and then pitched for the New York Yankees before joining the White Sox and Brewers. Swarzak throws a fastball that tops out at 95 mph and has a sharp slider at 87 mph. He is joining a bullpen that already features RHP Jeurys Familia, RHP A.J. Ramos and LHP Jerry Blevins. It will be interesting to see how manager Mickey Callaway utilitizes Swarzak and what inning he will pitch since Callaway stated he will not have a set closer and will mix and match his relievers throughout each game.

Mets Hire Gary DiSarcina As New Bench Coach

The New York Mets announced today that they have hired Gary DiSarcina to be their new beach coach. DiSarcina was the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox last year and the third and first base coach for the Los Angeles Angels from 2014-2016.  He has had some experience managing in the minors leagues for the Red Sox from 2007-2009 and was their Triple-A manager in 2013. His record in the minor leagues was 205-162.

Mets Pick Up Asdrubal Cabrera's Option

The New York Mets announced today that they have picked up infielder Asdrubal Cabrera's option for next year. Cabrera will be paid $8.5 million instead of getting of a $2 million buyout. Last year, he hit. 280 with 14 homers and 59 RBI's. Cabrera finished up strong in September and October with a .371 average after requesting for a trade due to his unhappiness after being asked by the team to no longer serve as the every day shortstop. While playing third base, Cabrera fared better defensively making six errors while making eleven errors at shortstop.