MLB Hot Stove Morning Brew: Mets sign veteran infielder and former Yankees hurler, Vladi Miguel Guerrero picks a team ahead of international free agency
The Mets were busy on Wednesday night, agreeing to terms with Luis Severino on a one-year deal and infielder Joey Wendle on a one-year, $2 million deal, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
The left-handed hitter heads to Queens after two seasons with the Marlins. Wendle hit .238 with five homers and 52 RBIs with in Miami, while posting a .610 OPS.
The 33-year-old hit .212/.248/.306 in 112 games while dealing with injuries. The arrival of Wendle effectively replaces infielder Luis Guillorme, who was non-tendered earlier this offseason.
The Mets went 75-87 and finished in fourth place in the NL East this season despite spending an MLB-record $376.4 million payroll. They’ve now turned to David Stearns as the new front office chief to rebuild the Mets to a sustainable winner.
Mets to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s younger brother at the start of international free agency
The Mets are also signing Vladi Miguel Guerrero, the brother of Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the son of Hall of Fame outfielder Vladimir Guerrero.
He will reportedly sign with the Mets once the international free agency period begins, according to MetsmerizedOnline’s Mike Mayer.
The 17-year-old has been playing in the Dominican Republic and has tremendous power, like his brother and father.
“He’s a very interesting prospect, bat first as there’s plus-impact potential — above-average bat speed with potential plus-raw power as well,” Sherman wrote about in the New York Post. “More of a power over offensive profile, not as pure a hitter as Vlad Jr. but comes with the same concerns as he’ll have to watch his body and is a fair athlete as well. There’s thunder in those from the left-hand side.
The young prospect is expected to receive about $120,000, per Sherman. The Mets are set to have $5.925 million in their international bonus pool this year.
Royals agree deal with utilityman Garrett Hampson
The Royals made a move on Wednesday and signed utilityman Garrett Hampson on a one-year, $2 million deal, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Hampson spent last season with the Marlins, batting .276 (career hight) with three homers, 23 RBIs and a .729 OPS in 98 games. He was eligible for arbitration this winter but the club chose not to tender him a contract, making him a free agent.
The 29-year-old spent his first five seasons with the Rockies before joining the Fish. He is a career .241 career hitter with 29 home runs and a .676 OPS in 517 games over six major league seasons. He has 57 stolen bases in 70 attempts.
Dylan Cease trade rumors have intensified
White Sox ace Dylan Cease is a sought after commodity this winter. He’s been connected to the Dodgers and Braves the last week and his market is getting hotter and hotter by the day.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, trade talks have “intensified” in the last 48 hours.
“Sources: Dylan Cease trade talks have intensified in the last 48 hours, and some people close to the negotiations believe a deal *before* the winter meetings is increasingly possible. Cease’s hometown Braves are among the finalists,” Morosi posted on the social media platform X.
Cease is one of the top names available on the trade market this winter. He has two years of team control remaining before he can be a free agent in 2026. The righty went 7-9 last season posting a 4.58 ERA. His down 2023 season comes on the heels of his 2022 campaign where he finished 14-8 with a 2.20 ERA and was the runner-up for the American League Cy Young award.
The durable Cease has made 97 starts the last three seasons, 32 in both 2021 and 2022 and 33 last year. He’s also tossed 526 2/3 frames during that span.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
