JUST IN:Mets free agency and trade buzz Signing…..
JUST IN:Mets free agency and trade buzz Signing…..
The age of a Mets signee from the 2023 international signing period is reportedly under investigation by Major League Baseball.
According to a report by The Athletic, several teams recently learned that players they either have agreements with or were interested in were older than they previously believed. The Mets, Astros, Royals, Twins and Athletics are reportedly those teams.
The Mets declined to comment when approached by The Athletic.
The Atheltic notes that according to those familiar with baseball’s international signings, identity and age fraud in the Dominican Republic is on the rise. This is evident by deals that players had in place for the 2024 signing period, which began Jan. 15, falling apart because MLB or a team became suspicious about their age.
Players who have already signed or agreed to a future deal can face MLB-issued suspensions if found their identity or age has been falsified.
Earlier in January, the Mets signed 20 international free agents but did not officially sign shortstop Raymel Ortiz. Michael Marino reported that a deal between Ortiz, MLB Pipeline’s No. 26 international prospect in the 2024 class, and the Mets fell through because of player age falsification.
Following the re-signing of Adam Ottavino, the Mets are deciding whether to acquire another reliever this offesason.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets are weighing their options after bringing back the veteran right-hander on a one-year, $4.5 million deal on Saturday. Martino expects the Mets to talk to the remaining free agents, which include Wandy Peralta and Ryne Stanek amongst others.
The Mets are considering adding another hitter, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post, who lists the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels as other teams interested in bats.
Heyman notes that the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers could also possibly bolster their offense.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, who had been looking for a hitter, have seemingly crossed that off their list with the signing of lefty slugger Joc Pederson.
Rhys Hoskins signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week (and will likely play lots of first base), but there are three prominent DH options left.
Jorge Soler, whom The Post links to the Jays, is perhaps the best option.
Also out there are J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner.
SNY’s Andy Martino recently reported that if the Mets were to make a “splash” at any point during the remainder of the offseason, it would likely be for a designated hitter.