What’s Up with the Mets? 💭

• The Mets promoted Ben Zauzmer - their former director of analytics - to an assistant general manager to Billy Eppler (New York Post)

• The Mets have yet to address their holes in the bullpen so far this winter, but with plenty of options available on both the free agent and trade markets, Billy Eppler could pursue arms such as Kenley Jansen, Andrew Chafin, or perhaps a trade for Craig Kimbrel (New York Post)

• The Mets could use Jeff McNeil as a trade chip to acquire pitching (SI)

• Once the lockout is over, the Mets are likely to pursue a contract extension with OF Brandon Nimmo, who can become a free agent after the 2022 season (New York Post)

• In mid-December, the Mets signed Daniel Palka to a minor league contract.

Who is Ben Zauzmer?

Zauzmer joins Ian Levin and Bryn Alderson as the third assistant general manager under Billy Eppler. Zauzmer joined the Mets last winter as their director of baseball analytics after spending six years with the Dodgers following his graduation from Harvard in 2015. Zauzmer also oversaw research and development in his first year in the Mets organization, helping to grow a one person department into a large and multi-faceted division within the front office.

Zauzmer is also known for using metrics and analytics to predict Oscar winners. He can be followed on Twitter here.

Hot Stove 🔥

• Former Met RHP Robert Stock is close to signing in Korea with the Doosan Bears (Kim)

• The Yankees are considering Matt Chapman as an option at shortstop (ESPN)

• Mariners infielder Kyle Seager has retired from baseball.