Title: Dynamic Performances by Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña in Mets’ Match Against Astros
In a thrilling showdown between the New York Mets and Houston Astros, Brett Baty showcased his power with a deep home run, while Luisangel Acuña turned heads with his impressive performance on the field. Despite the Mets ultimately falling short in the clash with the Astros, the standout displays by Baty and Acuña left fans buzzing with excitement.
Baty’s powerful swing and ability to drive the ball deep into the outfield made him a standout player in the game. His performance at the plate demonstrated why he is a rising star to watch in the Mets’ lineup. On the other hand, Acuña’s skillful play in the field and at bat showed his potential as a valuable asset for the team.
Although the Mets may have faced a tough loss against the Astros, the standout performances by Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña are sure to leave a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike. Keep an eye on these two rising stars as they continue to make waves in the world of baseball.
Pete Alonso and the Mets are pitted in a tough negotiation. There is an easy solution that would be … [+] a win-win for both the player and the team. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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The New York Mets and their stalwart first baseman Pete Alonso are locked in a pitted battle. Just last week, Mets billionaire owner Steve Cohen said the negotiation has been “exhausting.” The hot stove music is getting quieter and quieter, and there are not many chairs left. Putting aside the Blue Jays and the Angels, the most logical place for Alonso to land is back in Queens, where he is 27 dingers away from becoming the Mets all-time home run leader (he has never hit less than 34 in a full season).
However, as Cohen expressed, Alonso’s discussions with the Mets are not going very well. In June of 2023, the Mets made Alonso a long-term offer of seven years and $158 million. That offer was presented to – and rejected by – Alonso’s former agents at Apex Baseball. Alonso has since switched to uber-agent Scott Boras, who is handling the current negotiations.
After the season, MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Alonso would receive a 5-year deal worth $125 million. ESPN was more bullish, guessing six years and $159 million. And The Athletic broke the bank, prognosticating seven years, $189 million. As of this writing, from various reports, the Mets’ current offer is roughly three years and $70 million. What went wrong? Wayne McDonnell at Forbes.com did a great breakdown of Alonso’s worth, but at this point, worth and value seem to be taking a back seat to ego. It now feels personal. After agreeing to pay $765 million to Boras’ prized free agent Juan Soto in December, it seems that Cohen is refusing to be bullied by the always-aggressive agent.
But, like the back and forth prior to a typical arbitration, there may be an easy fix to this situation – an easy solve. And luckily for the Mets and Boras, the hard work has already been done…by others. In 2022, the Seattle Mariners signed their superstar center fielder, Julio Rodriguez, to an incredibly inventive contract that could keep him with the club for 17 years. The specific details of Rodriguez’s pact are not important for this analysis (they can be found here) other than as a roadmap for a potential Alonso deal. When viewed through the Rodriguez lens, it seems extremely doable.
Alonso wants a long-term deal, thinking he will age fine into his 30s. The Mets are concerned about having an aging slugger who cannot easily shift to DH, as they will also have an aging right fielder who will be making too much money to be benched or be traded. The signing of Soto and the breakout of Mark Vientos, who could potentially play first base, have been the main reasons why the Mets went from offering seven years to offering three. But what if the two sides could figure out a way to protect each other; some form of guaranty that if Alonso continues to produce, he will remain employed? Enter a version of the Julio Rodriguez contract.
Here is what that deal could look like:
The Mets agree to slightly increase their current 3/$70 million offer to 3/$75 million – a clean $25 million per year.
Alonso would get a fourth year at $25 million if he accrues any of the following during the initial three seasons: (1) 435 games played; or (2) 1850 plate appearances; or (3) a top-15 finish in MVP voting in Year 3.
If Alonso finishes in the top-15 of MVP voting in Years 2 and 3, or if he finishes in the top-10 of MVP voting in Year 3, then he automatically vests Years 4 and 5, at $27.5 million per season.
And if Alonso wins an MVP award during Years 3, 4, or 5, a sixth year vests at $30 million.
In addition, like Rodriguez, the Mets could throw in the following kickers:
World Series MVP: $100K
LCS MVP: $50K
Silver Slugger Award: $50K
Gold Glove: $50K
All-Star Game: $25K
If Alonso remains healthy and/or productive, the worst this deal could be is 4/$100 million. If remains the player he believes himself to be, it quickly becomes 5/$130 million. And if he crushes it, this becomes a 6/$160 million contract, which is just two million dollars less than the deal Freddie Freeman signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022, except here there would be no deferrals.
Scott Boras is arguably the best agent in professional sports. Steve Cohen is a multi-deca-billionaire with all the resources and researchers available to him. David Stearns know how to do make this type of deal. This should not be that hard.
Steve Cohen has all the resources available to make a smart and inventive deal for Pete Alonso. … [+] (Photo by Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Newsday via Getty Images
Bring back the Polar Bear. Show him some respect. Protect your downside, but allow him some largesse if there is upside. This could and should be a win-win for everyone.
*This article has been updated to have the incentive structure not run afoul of the CBA.
The New York Mets and star first baseman Pete Alonso have been in contract negotiations for quite some time now, with both sides looking to reach a deal that benefits everyone involved. However, instead of a traditional contract, perhaps a more creative approach could be the key to a successful agreement.
A creative contract between the Mets and Alonso could be a win-win for both parties. For the Mets, it could provide them with cost certainty and flexibility in managing their payroll. For Alonso, it could offer him incentives and bonuses based on performance, as well as the opportunity to earn additional income through endorsements and other opportunities.
One idea for a creative contract could be a performance-based structure, where Alonso earns bonuses for reaching certain milestones such as hitting a certain number of home runs, driving in a certain number of runs, or winning awards such as the MVP or Silver Slugger. This would incentivize Alonso to perform at his best while also providing the Mets with a way to reward him for his contributions to the team.
Another possibility could be a contract that includes provisions for Alonso to participate in community outreach and charitable initiatives, with the Mets matching his contributions to charitable organizations of his choice. This would not only benefit the community but also enhance Alonso’s reputation as a player who cares about making a positive impact off the field.
Overall, a creative contract between the Mets and Pete Alonso could be a win-win for both parties, providing them with the flexibility and incentives needed to build a successful partnership. It’s time to think outside the box and find a solution that works for everyone involved.
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Mets, Pete Alonso, contract, creative contract, win-win, baseball, MLB, New York Mets, player contract, sports contract, player negotiations, Pete Alonso contract negotiations
Looking to add to their infield depth, the New York Mets agreed to a one-year deal with veteran Nick Madrigal on Friday, league sources confirmed. The New York Post first reported the agreement. It’s a split contract, league sources said, meaning Madrigal would earn different salaries in the majors and minors.
Madrigal, who turns 28 in March and holds minor-league options, is set to compete in spring training for an infield role along with younger players Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio, among others. The Athletic previously reported that the Mets were in the market for infield depth.
Similar to Jose Iglesias, a free agent who excelled in a utility role last season with the Mets, Madrigal offers some versatility. In the majors, he has played second base and third base (no word on Madrigal’s singing ability).
Madrigal puts the ball in play and hardly ever strikes out (just 9 percent of the time over his career). He doesn’t hit balls especially hard or find barrels, however. With the Chicago White Sox and over his first two seasons, Madrigal, the fourth pick in the 2018 draft, slashed .317/.358/.406. But he hasn’t matched that production since. Over his past three seasons, all spent with the Chicago Cubs, Madrigal has slashed just .251/.304/.312.
(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
The New York Mets have reportedly reached an agreement with infielder Nick Madrigal on a 1-year deal, according to sources close to the team. Madrigal, known for his exceptional defensive skills and high contact rate at the plate, is expected to provide a valuable addition to the Mets’ roster for the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for more updates as details of the deal are released. Mets fans, are you excited to see Madrigal in a Mets uniform? Let us know in the comments below! #Mets #NickMadrigal #MLB #HotStove
The Mets will have an additional experienced infielder to consider for a utility role this spring.
Nick Madrigal, a player known for his glove, was signed Friday, according to the Mets, to a split major league contract.
The major league portion of the contract is worth $1.35 million, according to The Post’s Joel Sherman, and contains another $500,000 in performance bonuses.
Madrigal, 27, spent the last three seasons with the Cubs. Last year, he appeared in 51 games and produced a .535 OPS.
The Mets signed Nick Madrigal to a one-year deal. Getty Images
He will join another former Cubs player, Jared Young, in camp as somebody with MLB experience vying for an infield job.
Jose Iglesias shined in a utility infield role for the Mets last season, but there hasn’t been much impetus at this point for a reunion, according to industry sources.
Iglesias hasn’t been ruled out, but team officials also don’t believe it’s necessary to add another veteran backup given the number of infielders within the farm system who might be ready to contribute this year.
Jose Iglesias remains a free agent. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
It’s a list that includes Luisangel Acuna, Ronny Mauricio and Jett Williams.
The Mets also began playing Brett Baty at second base at Triple-A Syracuse in the second half of last season.
Mauricio missed all of last season rehabbing from surgery to repair a torn anterior circulate ligament — he underwent a subsequent procedure to remove scar tissue from the knee — and it’s possible he won’t be an option to begin the season with the club.
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But a player such as Madrigal can be used as a bridge if Mauricio or Acuna isn’t deemed as the best option to begin the season with the club.
The Mets took a similar approach last year, opening the season with Zack Short and Joey Wendle on the roster.
Both were removed from the equation by late May, giving Iglesias an opportunity with the club.
Nick Madrigal spent the last three years with the Cubs. Getty Images
As it stands, the Mets are unsettled in the infield as Pete Alonso’s free agency continues. If Alonso is not re-signed, Mark Vientos and Baty figure into the plan at first base.
But if the Mets and Alonso can still reach an agreement, it would allow Vientos to remain at third.
The New York Mets have made a move to bolster their infield depth by signing former Chicago White Sox second baseman Nick Madrigal. The 24-year-old brings a versatile skill set to the Mets, as he can play both second base and shortstop.
Madrigal, a former first-round draft pick out of Oregon State, has shown excellent contact hitting ability throughout his young career. In 2021, he batted .305 with a .346 on-base percentage in 54 games with the White Sox before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury.
With Madrigal in the mix, the Mets now have added depth and flexibility in their infield, giving manager Buck Showalter more options to mix and match his lineup. Madrigal’s ability to make consistent contact and provide solid defense will be valuable assets for the Mets as they look to compete in a tough NL East division.
Overall, the signing of Nick Madrigal is a solid move for the Mets as they continue to build their roster for the upcoming season. His versatility and skill set will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset for the team in the years to come.
NEW YORK — The Mets struck a deal for another potential bench bat on Friday, signing infielder Nick Madrigal to a one-year pact. It’s a split contract worth different amounts in the Majors and Minors.
On paper, Madrigal is a replacement for Jose Iglesias, the popular infielder whom the Mets have not pursued aggressively in free agency. Unlike Iglesias, Madrigal has an accessible Minor League option, allowing the Mets to start him out at Triple-A Syracuse if they desire.
The No. 4 overall pick of the White Sox in the 2018 Draft, Madrigal batted .317 his first two big league seasons but hasn’t reached such lofty heights since, producing a .251/.304/.312 slash line since that time. Much like Iglesias, he’s capable of playing both second and third base and is one of the more difficult hitters in baseball to strike out, doing so in just 9 percent of his career plate appearances.
Madrigal was traded to the Cubs in a package for Craig Kimbrel at the 2021 Trade Deadline, and was non-tendered after last season.
This spring, the righty-hitting Madrigal will compete with Luisangel Acuña, Luis De Los Santos, Brett Baty and Jared Young, among others, for a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster. Otherwise, he should land in Triple-A.
The New York Mets have officially announced the signing of second baseman Nick Madrigal to a multi-year contract. Madrigal, who was recently acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a blockbuster trade, is expected to bring a new level of speed and defensive prowess to the Mets’ infield.
The terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but sources close to the team suggest that it is a long-term deal that will keep Madrigal in Queens for the foreseeable future. Mets fans are excited to see how Madrigal will fit into the team’s lineup and help lead them to a successful season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nick Madrigal’s contract with the Mets and how he will make an impact on the team in the upcoming season. #Mets #NickMadrigal #MLB #BaseballSigning
The Chicago Cubs decided to part ways with utility infielder Nick Madrigal earlier this offseason. While he never panned out quite how the Cubs had hoped, he still showed flashes of being a quality depth piece for the team.
Now, Madrigal has found a new home.
According to a report from MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Madrigal has agreed to terms with the New York Mets. The deal is pending a physical.
Madrigal is an intriguing addition for the Mets. He’s a low-cost player who can be plugged into any hole in the lineup on a day-to-day basis.
During the 2024 MLB season with Chicago, Madrigal ended up playing in 51 games. He ended up driving in 10 RBI without hitting a home run and slashed .221/.280/.256. Obviously, those numbers weren’t great.
Back in 2023, Madrigal had a much better season. He played in 92 games, batting .263/.311/.352 to go along with two home runs and 28 RBI.
Even though Madrigal is not going to be a piece that helps power New York to a World Series appearance, he’ll give them quality depth.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for Madrigal with the Cubs. As long as he doesn’t come back and hurt Chicago, the hope is that he can figure things out and become a quality piece for the Mets.
All of that being said, the Cubs still have some more work to do this offseason if they can find the right fits. They could use another bullpen arm, possibly another starter, and a big bat would be great.
It will be interesting to see what else happens in Chicago this offseason.
Former Chicago Cubs infielder, Javier Baez, has officially signed with the New York Mets. The talented player, known for his flashy plays and powerful hitting, will bring his skills to the Big Apple as he joins the Mets roster. Fans are eager to see Baez in action and are hopeful that he will help lead the team to success in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting signing! #Mets #JavierBaez #MLB #Baseball
On Friday, the New York Mets signed infielder Nick Madrigal to a major-league deal, according to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman. Madrigal conceivably fills the spot occupied by Jose Iglesias last season as a backup at second base and third base.
Madrigal had the worst season of his professional career last year with the Chicago Cubs. He hit .221 with a .535 OPS and no home runs in 51 games and 94 plate appearances at the major-league level and was demoted to Triple-A, where he suffered a broken hand in his first game there.
Madrigal, 27, was the No. 4 overall pick of the Chicago White Sox in 2018. The light-hitting infielder has four home runs and an 86 OPS+ in his career, which spans five seasons and 285 games. He has a career 9% strikeout rate, which is among the best in the majors.
He’s a younger (by more than seven years) version of Iglesias, who became a fan favorite and an important clubhouse piece in 2024. Iglesias’ “OMG” song became a hit last season. Not only did it play every time Iglesias, who recorded it under his performer name Candelita, came up to bat, but it also blared each time a Mets player hit a home run. The dugout and stands were full of “OMG” signs, too.
Iglesias had one of the best stretches of his career with the Mets, posting a .337.381/.830 line with four home runs and 26 RBIs in 85 regular-season games and 270 plate appearances. He had 10 hits in 46 playoff plate appearances.
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The New York Mets have reportedly signed infielder, potentially marking the end of Jose Iglesias and causing fans to say ‘OMG’ in response. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story! #Mets #MLB #InfielderSigning #JoseIglesias #OMG
The Mets made a low-risk depth move on Friday afternoon, signing 27-year-old infielder Nick Madrigal, according to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. Madrigal, a right-handed hitter with experience at both second and third base, has been primarily known for his bat-to-ball skills and defensive versatility. However, his offensive production in recent years has left much to be desired.
Last season, Madrigal appeared in 51 games but had only 94 plate appearances, slashing .221/.280/.256 with 10 RBIs. Power is virtually nonexistent in his game—he has just four career home runs over 285 major league games. Given his limited offensive ceiling, he’s more likely to serve as a depth piece in Triple-A rather than making an immediate impact on the major league roster.
Credit: Mark Hoffman;Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Defensive Fit and Positional Insurance
While Madrigal has experience at both second and third base, the Mets are clearly bringing him in as insurance for Brett Baty, who is currently projected to be the team’s starting third baseman. Madrigal logged 138 innings at third base last season and 91 at second, but his defensive metrics weren’t particularly strong. He combined for -2 defensive runs saved and -5 outs above average, showing that he’s not exactly a standout defender.
Historically, third base has been his stronger position, which is likely why the Mets see value in having him around. With Mark Vientos preparing for a transition to first base—assuming Pete Alonso doesn’t return—the Mets need as many infield depth options as possible. Madrigal fits the bill as a contact hitter who can provide defensive flexibility, but it remains to be seen if he’ll earn a roster spot.
A Role in Triple-A Seems Likely
Given his struggles at the plate and his defensive limitations, Madrigal is more of a safety net than an immediate contributor. The Mets are likely bringing him in to compete for a spot in camp, but barring an injury or an unexpected performance surge, he seems destined to start the season in Syracuse.
For a team looking to solidify its infield situation, this is more of a footnote than a headline-grabbing move. But in a long season, depth matters, and Madrigal gives the Mets another option should they need reinforcement at third base.
The New York Mets have added some infield depth by signing 27-year-old versatile infielder to a contract. This move is sure to bolster their roster and provide some much-needed flexibility in the infield. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting signing! #Mets #InfieldDepth #MLBSigning
Madrigal, 28 in March, has spent the past five seasons in Chicago. Playing for both the White Sox and the Cubs, he has generally served as a light-hitting, part-time depth infielder. He has stepped to the plate 940 times over those five seasons. His 9% strikeout rate is very low but he also doesn’t walk much, taking free passes 4.6% of the time. While he puts the ball in play a lot, he doesn’t do a ton of damage in the process. He currently has just four home runs and sports a career batting line of .274/.323/.344 for an 88 wRC+. Statcast hasn’t given him strong marks for his exit velocity, hard hit rate nor his barrel rate.
He has been able to contribute in other ways. He has 17 stolen bases in 23 attempts. His defense is also well regarded. He has racked up eight Defensive Runs Saved at third base in his career and has been league average at second base. Outs Above Average has given him a +7 score at the hot corner and +2 at the keystone.
More to come.
According to reports, the New York Mets are set to sign second baseman Nick Madrigal to a multi-year deal. Madrigal, who was recently traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Chicago Cubs, is known for his impressive defensive skills and ability to make contact at the plate.
Mets fans are excited about the addition of Madrigal to the roster, as he is seen as a potential key piece in helping the team compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. With his speed on the basepaths and consistent bat, Madrigal could provide a much-needed spark to the Mets’ lineup.
Stay tuned for official confirmation from the team and more details on Madrigal’s contract with the Mets. In the meantime, Mets fans can look forward to seeing Madrigal in action and cheering him on as he helps lead the team to victory. #LGM #NickMadrigal #MetsSigning
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The Mets showed they don’t like long-term deals for pitchers when they didn’t pursue Max Fried or Corbin Burnes, but they’ve been trying for Padres rental ace Dylan Cease (and presumably would also consider rotation mate Michael King).
The Cubs also are involved. But while their prospect list is ranked higher, with highly regarded 3B prospect Matt Shaw understandably off limits in rental deals, the Padres may prefer the Mets’ list, including Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams and Luisangel Acuña.
The Padres will listen on just about all (except Manny Machado or Fernando Tatis Jr.), so that likely does include King, also free after 2025.
Dylan Cease pitching for the Padres. Getty Images
If the Padres trade either starter, they will consider Nick Pivetta or Jack Flaherty.
Flaherty is a surprise in his continuing availability since he’s only 29, has no qualifying offer attached, was 13-7 with a 3.18 ERA in 2024 and had big postseason starts against the Mets and Yankees.
Pivetta, despite the QO, has interest from 10 teams, including the Jays, who’re focusing on pitching (while also trying to extend superstar Vladimir Guerrero). Flaherty’s former Tigers team is interested in him, while the Giants may sign more pitching.
Max Scherzer told the Jays he’d happily consider them if they look like a pennant contender following their 74-win campaign, and after they signed Anthony Santander, Scherzer was good to his word, agreeing at $15.5M for 2025.
The Mets offered old favorite Mark Canha a non-guaranteed deal. It’s been a slow market for position players over 32, but Canha, a versatile guy with power who’s posted an above-average OPS-plus seven years running, could help many.
J.D. Martinez, a big influence in the Mets’ winning clubhouse, is aiming to play in 2025.
The Mets are interested in a reunion with Mark Canha. Robert Sabo for NY Post
The Mets haven’t yet strongly pursued Jose Iglesias, who belongs in Queens. OMG, does he ever!
According to sources, the New York Mets are currently in talks with the San Diego Padres about a potential trade involving pitcher Dylan Cease. The 25-year-old right-hander has shown promise in his young career, with a fastball that can reach the upper 90s and a solid repertoire of off-speed pitches.
The Mets, who are looking to bolster their pitching staff for a playoff push, see Cease as a potential valuable addition to their rotation. Meanwhile, the Padres are looking to add depth to their lineup and may be interested in some of the Mets’ prospects in return.
While nothing is set in stone yet, this potential trade could shake up both teams’ rosters and provide a boost for each team as they look to make a push for the postseason. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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