Now 40, Verlander still looks strong this spring for Mets
March 23, 2023 GMTSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — It's a fair assumption that Father Time will catch up with Justin Verlander one of these days.
The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner is putting up quite a fight.
The 40-year-old Verlander signed with the New York Mets during the offseason and looks like he's got plenty of good pitching left.
Astros star Altuve has surgery on broken thumb, a WBC injury
March 22, 2023 GMTHouston Astros star Jose Altuve had surgery Wednesday on his broken right thumb, an injury that occurred in the World Baseball Classic and will significantly delay the second baseman's 2023 debut.
The Astros announced that the 32-year-old Altuve had the procedure done in Houston and will stay there to begin his rehabilitation, with only one week left in spring training.
Altuve could be out for a while; Nimmo has hopes for opener
March 19, 2023 GMTThe Houston Astros will be without 2017 AL MVP Jose Altuve for “a while” with a broken right thumb after he was hit by a pitch playing for Venezuela during World Baseball Classic.
Spring training’s loss is WBC’s gain as viewership jumps
March 17, 2023 GMTSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Many of Major League Baseball's biggest stars, like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, aren't playing in spring training. They're in the World Baseball Classic.
Some baseball fans, particularly New York Mets fans, aren't sure that's a good thing.
Mets’ Díaz expected to miss season with torn patellar tendon
March 17, 2023 GMTPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz has a torn patellar tendon and is expected to miss the entire season after hurting his right knee while celebrating a victory in the World Baseball Classic.
Conforto, Kluber, rookie Carroll off to good spring starts
March 16, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Michael Conforto's once-ailing shoulder appears healthy and the veteran slugger is back to mashing baseballs.
The Giants have eased the 30-year-old back on the field after he missed all of 2022 following right shoulder surgery.
Mets’ Díaz, Nats’ Cavalli expected to miss entire season
March 16, 2023 GMTThe start of the season can’t come soon enough for teams looking to keep their pitching staffs as healthy as possible.
A tough spring for pitchers continued Thursday with the announcements that New York Mets star closer Edwin Díaz and Washington Nationals prospect Cade Cavalli were expected to miss the entire season.
Mets’ Díaz hurts knee as Puerto Rico tops Dominicans in WBC
March 16, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — New York Mets star closer Edwin Díaz injured his right knee celebrating a win Wednesday night that advanced Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and eliminated the Dominican Republic.
Mets’ Edwin Díaz injured celebrating Puerto Rico’s WBC win
March 16, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — New York Mets fans began the year dreaming about a World Series closed out by Edwin Díaz.
For now, they’re facing a potential nightmare.
In a startling scene, Díaz was taken off the field in a wheelchair after injuring his right knee celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday night.
Mets’ Díaz latest on list of freak celebration injuries
March 16, 2023 GMTEdwin Díaz was jumping for joy with his Puerto Rico teammates.
Then Díaz crumbled to the turf, and the party came to a sudden stop.
Mets’ Quintana out until at least July with rib injury
March 14, 2023 GMTLeft-hander José Quintana won’t make his New York Mets debut until at least July because of a stress fracture in his rib.
The Mets are relieved that the prognosis wasn’t even more severe.
Mets general manager Billy Eppler told reporters Tuesday a scan revealed a lesion on the impacted rib.
Rangers finally see deGrom in a game, against minor leaguers
March 14, 2023 GMTTwo-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom finally pitched in a game for the Texas Rangers, though it was on a back field against minor leaguers.
The Rangers have been cautious with their prized addition since he reported tightness in his left side before the first spring training workout just less than a month ago.
Padres newcomer Wacha pitches 3 innings in spring debut
March 10, 2023 GMTPEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Michael Wacha was one of the last pitchers on the free-agent market this offseason, but the contract was well worth the wait for the veteran pitcher.
Wacha signed last month with the San Diego Padres for a guaranteed $26 million over four years.
Mets newcomer Verlander pitches 3 innings in spring debut
March 5, 2023 GMTJUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander threw both as a National Leaguer and with a pitch clock for the first time in his career Saturday. He said he wished the NL part would have happened earlier.
MLB pitchers adjusting to quick pace of new pitch clock
March 4, 2023 GMTJUPITER, Fla. (AP) — There’s a lot that Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara likes about Major League Baseball’s new rules, such as the limitation on infield shifts.
“Last year I got so mad sometimes because they move the position player and the ball was right there,” the NL Cy Young Award winner said.
Dodgers SS Gavin Lux out for season after knee injury
March 1, 2023 GMTGavin Lux hasn't seen the video of the injury that ended his chance of being the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting shortstop this season, and has no plans to watch it.
Lux will miss the season with torn ligaments in his right knee after getting hurt running the bases in a spring training game.
Mets’ Scherzer loves ‘cat-and-mouse’ game of MLB’s new rules
February 27, 2023 GMTPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets right-hander Max Scherzer described pitching under Major League Baseball's new rules as a “cat-and-mouse” game.
Machado rips RBI double after agreeing to $350M deal
February 27, 2023 GMTPEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Manny Machado continues to be a very rich man. He also is still a very good hitter.
Machado ripped an RBI double on Sunday, the same day he agreed to a new $350 million, 11-year contract that will keep him with the San Diego Padres through 2033, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
Conley’s pitch clock violation leaves Braves-Red Sox tied
February 26, 2023 GMTCal Conley of the Atlanta Braves thought he had just won the game with a two-out, full-count, bases-loaded walk-off walk on Saturday. He took a few steps toward first base, bat still in hand, when umpire John Libka jumped out from behind the plate and indicated strike three.
Mets’ Beltrán won’t discuss role in Astros’ cheating scandal
February 22, 2023 GMTPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Carlos Beltrán refused to discuss his role in the Houston Astros cheating scandal, preferring to concentrate on his new role with the New York Mets.
“Today’s not about the Astros,” Beltrán said Wednesday.
MLB curtails infield shift, hopes for more singles, speed
February 22, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell needed to add some pop to his lineup a couple years ago, so he put a few more big bodies in his four-man infield, sacrificing defensive range for offensive thump.
Former pitching coach Regan sues Mets for age discrimination
February 21, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Phil Regan sued the New York Mets and former general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, alleging age discrimination and wrongful termination when he was moved out as pitching coach after the 2019 season.
Luke Voit, Tyler Naquin join Brewers with minor league deals
February 21, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — First baseman Luke Voit and outfielder Tyler Naquin agreed to minor league contracts with the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday and will report to major league spring training.
Voit, 32,hit .226 with 22 homers, 69 RBIs, a .308 on-base percentage and a .402 slugging percentage in 135 games with San Diego and Washington last season.
Judge: ‘You never know’ if 62 homers possible this year
February 21, 2023 GMTTAMPA, Fla, (AP) — Aaron Judge flashed a big smile when asked if he could repeat his accomplishments of last year, when he hit an American League record 62 home runs for the New York Yankees.
"You never know," he said after the Yankees’ first full-squad workout on Monday.
DeGrom delay shows potential peril for new Rangers pitchers
February 18, 2023 GMTThe continued delay of Jacob deGrom's debut at spring training shows the potentially perilous situation the Texas Rangers could have with the veteran starting pitchers they added during the offseason.
Mets’ Scherzer, Verlander together for 1st time since 2014
February 17, 2023 GMTPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are back together for the first time in nearly a decade.
The pair of three-time Cy Young Award winners threw off adjacent bullpen mounds Friday at the New York Mets training complex.
Twins’ Correa: `Money is just a number in your bank account’
February 17, 2023 GMTFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Carlos Correra sat at an interview table, wearing a dark T-shirt with the Twins logo across his chest and a Minnesota spring training cap with an “M."
New Rangers ace deGrom says tightness in side `very minor’
February 16, 2023 GMTSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Newly acquired Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom said Thursday he is already further ahead than normal this spring training, even after being held out of the team's first official workout.
Orioles’ Henderson, D-backs’ Carroll among top MLB rookies
February 16, 2023 GMTA year after Julio Rodríguez and Michael Harris II delivered a pair of breakout performances, another group of prospects is searching for big league success.
Rangers hold deGrom out of 1st spring workout with tightness
February 15, 2023 GMTSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom was held out of the first spring training workout for the Texas Rangers on Wednesday because their top free-agent acquisition felt some tightness in his left side.
Verlander throws 1st bullpen with Mets; Padres’ Tatis in OF
February 14, 2023 GMTThere were some familiar faces in new places Tuesday as teams picked up the pace on the second day of spring training.
Justin Verlander threw his first bullpen session for the New York Mets in Port St.
AP sources: Wacha, Padres in agreement on contract
February 14, 2023 GMTRight-hander Michael Wacha has agreed in principle to a contract with the San Diego Padres, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.
The people spoke with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity on Tuesday because the deal was still being finalized and pending Wacha passing a physical.
Mets head into spring training knowing expectations are high
February 14, 2023 GMTPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Heading into a season with a record payroll projected at $370 million, the New York Mets realize the expectations.
“Is our season a failure if we win 90 — whatever number you want to come up with?” manager Buck Showalter said Tuesday, a day ahead of the team's reporting day.
Spotlight turns to baseball and Padres’ weighty expectations
February 14, 2023 GMTJust hours after confetti fell on the NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs in Glendale, Arizona, the sports spotlight shifted to pitchers and catchers who began reporting to spring training complexes Monday ahead of the World Baseball Classic
Spring training’s start brings pitch clocks, shift limits
February 13, 2023 GMTPALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Jeff McNeil thinks he’ll adapt quickly to baseball’s big shift — really, an anti-shift.
Astros celebrate, Cubs-Cardinals in London mark schedule
February 13, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — So many returns for baseball this summer. Some happy, some not so much.
Here are some dates to remember for the coming season:
Trout, Betts, Ohtani among 8 MVPs in World Baseball Classic
February 10, 2023 GMTPALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The United States’ Mike Trout and Mookie Betts, Japan’s Shohei Ohtani and Venezuela’s Miguel Cabrera and Jose Altuve are among eight Major League Baseball MVPs on rosters for next month’s World Baseball Classic.
Mets claim RHP Sam Coonrod off waivers from Phillies
February 7, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The active New York Mets added another newcomer to their bullpen mix Monday when they claimed reliever Sam Coonrod off waivers from the NL East rival Philadelphia Phillies.
Coonrod had a 7.82 ERA in 12 appearances covering 12 2/3 innings last year for the National League champions.
Suspended Padres star Tatis plans on ‘redeeming myself’
February 4, 2023 GMTSAN DIEGO (AP) — The laugh and smile are starting to return. So, too, is the fan adulation for Fernando Tatis Jr., at least in San Diego.
Still serving an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, the superstar was warmly received at FanFest on Saturday, when thousands of fans jammed Petco Park for a preview of the most eagerly anticipated season in Padres history.
O’s-Nats TV dispute goes before NY’s top court on March 14
February 1, 2023 GMTALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The New York Court of Appeals has scheduled oral arguments for March 14 in the long-running dispute between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals over television rights fees.
Batting title put McNeil in driver’s seat for $50M deal
February 1, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Winning a batting title put Jeff McNeil in the driver's seat — for a big-money contract and a new car.
New York Mets teammate Francisco Lindor told McNeil early last season he would gift him a vehicle if McNeil won a batting championship.
Diego Castillo, Mariners argue case in salary arbitration
February 1, 2023 GMTST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Diego Castillo and the Seattle Mariners went to salary arbitration Tuesday, with the relief pitcher asking for $3,225,000 and the team offering $2.95 million.
Richard Bloch, Melinda Gordon and Brian Keller heard the case.
Mets lock up batting champion McNeil on $50M, 4-year deal
January 31, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Batting champion Jeff McNeil and the New York Mets finalized a $50 million, four-year contract Tuesday that avoided a salary arbitration hearing.
O’Day retires following 15 seasons for 6 major league teams
January 30, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Right-hander Darren O'Day, who posted a 4.15 ERA in 28 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2022, announced Monday he is retiring after 15 seasons for six teams in the major leagues.
O'Day said on his Twitter account “it's finally time to hang 'em up.”
Twins, fans enjoy Correa jolt as spring training nears
January 28, 2023 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins were smitten after one season of Carlos Correa's hitting, defense, intelligence, experience and leadership. The belief in those traits was strong enough to commit a franchise-record amount of guaranteed money for at least the next six years.
Kennedy, Frazier among 5 to sign minor deals with Rangers
January 28, 2023 GMTARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Veteran right-hander Ian Kennedy and outfielder Clint Frazier were among five players the Texas Rangers signed Friday to minor league contracts that included invitations to major league spring training.
Mets sign outfielder Tommy Pham to $6 million, 1-year deal
January 25, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets signed veteran outfielder Tommy Pham to a one-year contract for $6 million Tuesday, adding to their busy offseason.
Pham can earn another $2 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.
Rolen could become just 18th third baseman in Hall of Fame
January 23, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Scott Rolen could become just the 18th third baseman elected to baseball's Hall of Fame, the fewest of any position.
“It stems from an original prejudice that third base is not important defensively,” John Thorn, Major League Baseball's official historian, said Monday.
OF Kevin Pillar excited to join Braves on minor-league deal
January 21, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have added another potential contender for playing time in left field by signing Kevin Pillar to a minor-league contract.
Pillar confirmed the deal Friday, tweeting that he was “beyond excited” to be joining the Braves.
Porter, Johnson become MLB’s 2nd, 3rd Black ump crew chiefs
January 20, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Alan Porter and Adrian Johnson became MLB's second and third Black umpire crew chiefs as the league announced 10 retirements along with promotions from the minors.
Tom Hallion and Ted Barrett are retiring, the commissioner’s office said Thursday, joined by Marty Foster, Greg Gibson, Jim Reynolds, Jerry Meals, Sam Holbrook, Bill Welke, Paul Nauert and Tim Timmons.
Catcher Tomás Nido, Mets agree to $3.7M, 2 year contract
January 19, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Catcher Tomás Nido and the New York Mets agreed Thursday to a $3.7 million, two-year contract.
Nido gets $1.6 million and $2.1 million in 2024, and he can earn additional performance bonuses.
AP Exclusive: Dodgers taxed $32M, MLB payrolls record $4.5B
January 19, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers were hit with a $32 million luxury tax for the second straight season, among six teams paying a penalty as baseball payrolls rebounded after the lockout to a record $4.56 billion.
Eppler says Mets’ lineup deep even after losing Correa
January 17, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Having failed to land Carlos Correa, Mets general manager Billy Eppler says he is satisfied with New York's offense heading into spring training.
“We have a strong and deep lineup,” Eppler said Tuesday during a news conference to introduce catcher Omar Narváez and reintroduce reliever Adam Ottavino.
Frank Thomas, Pirates star and original Met, dies at 93
January 17, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Frank Thomas, a three-time All-Star with his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates who later became the top hitter on the expansion New York Mets, died Monday. He was 93.
Alonso: Mets on the brink of something extremely special
January 15, 2023 GMTTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso returned to his old high school Saturday for a charity event being held just a long home run away from the residence of late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
Cards president: Holliday’s surprise departure ‘not ideal’
January 14, 2023 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — The resignation of Matt Holliday as the St. Louis Cardinals bench coach caught team President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak by surprise, but he’s happy with the hiring of Joe McEwing.
33 players left in arbitration as 170 reach agreements
January 14, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A total of 170 major league players agreed to contracts in the hours before Friday night's arbitration deadline to exchange proposed salaries with teams, and just one reached a multiyear deal: Minnesota right-hander Chris Paddack.
Soto, Alonso, Guerrero get big deals, 33 head to arbitration
January 14, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached big-money agreements on one-year contracts as 170 players avoided salary arbitration with deals Friday and 33 exchanged proposed figures with their teams.
Alonso, Mets avoid arbitration with $14.5M, 1-year deal
January 14, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso agreed Friday on a $14.5 million contract with the New York Mets for next season to avoid salary arbitration.
The slugging first baseman nearly doubled his $7.4 million salary from 2022, when he tied for the major league lead with 131 RBIs and finished eighth in NL MVP balloting.
Eric Hinske joins Mets as assistant hitting coach
January 12, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Eric Hinske is joining the New York Mets as assistant hitting coach in manager Buck Showalter's staff, Eric Chavez is switching to bench coach and Dom Chiiti is becoming bullpen coach.
Persistence led Twins back to Correa: ‘His heart was here’
January 12, 2023 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The fact that Carlos Correa picked richer offers from two other clubs didn't create any ill will from the Minnesota Twins — nor deterred them from trying again.
The Twins truly felt they were Correa's favorite all along, even if they were initially outbid.
Ottavino’s deal with Mets includes deferred money until 2035
January 12, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Veteran reliever Adam Ottavino's $14.5 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets includes $8 million in deferred money that will not be fully paid until January 2035.
His agreement, announced Dec.
EXPLAINER: Carlos Correa’s free-agent saga ends with Twins
January 11, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Forget about RBIs and OPS. Carlos Correa’s free-agent destination was decided by MRIs.
AP source: Correa spurns Mets, reaches $200M deal with Twins
January 10, 2023 GMTCarlos Correa has reversed course again, bringing him back to where he started in the most convoluted free-agent negotiation in baseball history.
Correa agreed Tuesday to a $200 million, six-year contract that keeps him with the Minnesota Twins after failing to complete deals with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
AP source: Marlins, Cueto agree to 1-year deal with option
January 10, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins and right-hander Johnny Cueto have agreed on a deal that guarantees him $8.5 million for 2023, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Minaya named adviser to Yankees GM; joins Sabean, Hendry
January 5, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees are bulking up on front office talent, hiring Omar Minaya on Thursday as a senior adviser to baseball operations.
A former general manager of the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, the 64-year-old Minaya joins a group of experienced leaders built around Brian Cashman, who has been Yankees GM since 1998 and is the longest-serving baseball operations head in the major leagues.
Dominic Smith says Nationals to make him regular at 1st base
January 5, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Dominic Smith described his move to the Washington Nationals via a one-year, $2 million contract as a “fresh start” and said the team that finished last in the NL East each of the past three seasons wants him to be its everyday first baseman.
AP source: Dominic Smith, Nationals agree to 1-year contract
January 3, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Outfielder and first baseman Dominic Smith agreed to a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals pending the successful completion of a physical exam, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Zaidi: Giants immediately communicated concerns about Correa
December 31, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Giants executive Farhan Zaidi said the club expressed concerns to Carlos Correa's representative immediately when an issue arose with the shortstop's physical exam that led to the deal collapsing.
Curry, Henry, Kupp, Judge among most bet-on athletes of 2022
December 30, 2022 GMTATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Did you win money betting on Saint Peter's, the longest-of-longshots men's college basketball team that got to the Elite Eight in the national championship tournament this year?
Wembanyama tracker: 19th birthday approaching for phenom
December 29, 2022 GMTThis is the latest periodic look at how the season is going for top NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama — the 7-foot-3, 18-year-old presumed No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft — and his French team Metropolitans 92:
AP source: Marlins, Segura agree to 2-year, $17M contract
December 29, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins have agreed with infielder Jean Segura on a two-year, $17 million contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Wednesday.
The deal is contingent on Segura — a two-time All-Star — completing a physical, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Marlins had not announced the signing.
Mets re-sign setup man Adam Ottavino to 2-year contract
December 27, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets re-signed reliever Adam Ottavino to a two-year contract on Tuesday, bringing back a top setup man for All-Star closer Edwin Díaz.
AP source: Correa’s ankle subject of talks with Mets
December 25, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets and Carlos Correa’s agent are having discussions over the infielder’s physical days after similar concerns from the San Francisco Giants led to a collapse of their agreement with All-Star.
AP source: OF Conforto, Giants agree to $36M, 2-year deal
December 23, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Outfielder Michael Conforto has agreed to a $36 million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, a deal that includes an opt out after the first season, a person with direct knowledge of the pact said Friday.
EXPLAINER: Why are baseball teams spending so much money?
December 23, 2022 GMTAaron Judge, Carlos Correa and Trea Turner combined for almost $1 billion in contracts. Xander Bogaerts, Jacob deGrom, Dansby Swanson, Carlos Rodón, Brandon Nimmo and Willson Contreras added up to another billion.
Orioles get McCann, $19M from Mets for player to be named
December 23, 2022 GMTBALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles acquired catcher James McCann and $19 million from the New York Mets on Wednesday night for a player to be named.
McCann was an All-Star in 2019 for the Chicago White Sox, but hit just .195 with three home runs and 18 RBIs for the Mets last season.
AP source: Mets swoop, snatch Correa for $315M, 12-year deal
December 22, 2022 GMTCarlos Correa is headed to the free-spending New York Mets with a $315 million, 12-year contract after his pending deal with the San Francisco Giants came apart over concerns about an ankle injury sustained eight years ago.
EXPLAINER: How Correa lost Giants deal, ended up with Mets
December 22, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fans of the San Francisco Giants spent a week reveling in the good news: Carlos Correa was coming to the Bay Area, lured by a megadeal worth $350 million over 13 years.
And then, just like that, the two-time All-Star was gone, poached by the New York Mets and deep-pocketed owner Steve Cohen.