SPORTS
The Mets traded Steven Matz to the Toronto Blue Jays for
pitchers Sean Reid-Foley, Yennsy Diaz and Josh Winckowski.
SHORING UP THE OFFENSE
Besides bolstering the pitching staff, the Mets have also
been concerned with improving offensive stats. According
to columnist Anthony DiComo of MLB News, the team,
after coming to terms with Albert Almora Jr., struck a similar
agreement with utility man Jonathan Villar. According to
DiComo, Villar will provide needed depth in the infield as he
has played many positions in his eight years in MLB.
Once Syndergaard was offered a one-year deal, outfielder
Michael Conforto began eyeing a contract extension, but the
matter wasn’t addressed prior to spring training season. He
enters free agency in 2022, and has spent all of his years in
MLB with the Mets.
The 40-man roster lists 26 pitchers; four catchers, including
newly signed James McCann; five infielders and five outfielders.
Since Syndergaard won’t appear on the active roster
until the regular season begins due to his recovery process,
the spring training pitching rotation lists possibilities of
deGrom, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Carrasco, David Peterson
and Lucchesi.
If the use of the designated hitter, or DH, is approved for
the National League, the Mets might try to sign free agent
OF Jackie Bradley Jr. The team has been involved in talks
with Bradley for some time. This acquisition could set up a
domino effect on the field, according to columnist Joel Sherman
with The New York Post, resulting in big bat and former
Gator great Pete Alonso playing the DH.
MLB separated the Grapefruit League into two pods this
INDIAN RIVER MAGAZINE
Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy
winner and former University
of Florida quarterback,
is getting another chance
at making the Mets roster.
The 33-year-old lefty-hitting
outfielder, who played three
seasons in the NFL, signed
with the team in 2016. He
played 77 games at Triple-A
in 2019 before the pandemic
wiped out the 2020 minor
league season.
year. Spring training games start on March 1 with the Mets
heading to Jupiter to take on the Marlins. The last Mets home
game is Saturday, March 27, against the Astros. Two away
games follow, ending spring training on March 29. Coming to
Clover Park to face the Mets this spring training are the Marlins,
the Cardinals, the Astros and the Nationals. All home
games begin at 1:10 p.m.
The regular season is set to begin in New York City on
April 8, with the Mets hosting the Marlins and looking for
more than last year’s fourth-place finish in the NL East. E
Port St. Lucie Magazine 15
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