Mets hire a new manager as the offseason officially begins

New York has hired a new manager, and no, it wasn't Craig Counsell. Plus the latest offseason rumors.

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What’s Up with the Mets? 🍎

• The Mets hired Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza to be the club’s next manager, according to multiple reports (story)

• Craig Counsell, who was believed to be the leading candidate for the job, signed with the Cubs – who were already employing David Ross as their manager – instead

• New York was not given a chance to match Chicago’s contract offer to Counsell (New York Post)

• The Mets are among the teams interested in trading for Padres OF Juan Soto (Morosi)

• There is a “50/50” chance the Mets trade 1B Pete Alonso by Opening Day (Morosi)

• RHP Kodai Senga was announced as a National League Rookie of the Year finalist

• Senga did not finish in the top-three for the National League Cy Young race

• RHP Adam Ottavino declined his 2024 player option and will become a free agent

• The club officially announced that they picked up LHP Brooks Raley’s club option for the 2024 season

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Rumor Mill 💭

• In addition to the Mets, the Cubs and Mariners have expressed interest in trading for Padres OF Juan Soto (Morosi)

• RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani could make his decision early in free agency (MLB.com)

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Hot Stove 🔥

• Giants OF Michael Conforto exercised his $18 million player-option to stay with the club for the 2024 season

• The Guardians officially hired former major league catcher Stephen Vogt as their new manager

• The Padres are considering David Ross, who the Cubs fired in favor of Craig Counsell, for their managerial opening

• Tigers SS Javier Báez opted into the final four years of his contract with the club, where he will earn an additional $98 million (Detroit Free Press)