MACK - MONDAY OBSERVATIONS - Murakami Munetaka, Free Agent Combo, Edwin Diaz, Darryl Strawberry, Bob Ojeda

 

Eno Sarris        @enosarris

The contract projections are wild for a player like this with huge obvious flaws.

Free agent combo

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Rumblings of the Mets' interest in Cody Bellinger began back in the summer, and for good reason. The former NL Rookie of the Year and MVP has the run prevention skills at four positions that David Stearns is looking for, while also being a force at the plate. It's easy to see that he'd fit the roster like a glove.

The best place to slot Bellinger would be in center, though if necessary, he could slide to either outfield corner. Still, center field is one of the team's biggest holes, and having a quality defender there with the statuesque duo of Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo on either flank is a must.

But what makes Bellinger truly special is his ability to play a stellar first base. That wouldn't be his primary function following a hypothetical landing in Queens, but if New York pulls off the second part of this free-agent exacta, it could work in conjunction with the next leg.

Kazuma Okamoto is one of two high-profile Japanese sluggers who will be moving stateside this winter. While the younger Munetaka Murakami initially had more fanfare, Okamoto has gotten more buzz recently thanks to his consistent power and strong combination of plate discipline and contact skills.

Okamoto's best position is first base, but the 29-year-old has experience at third base and left field also on his resume, with most of the action of his injury-shortened 2025 season coming at the hot corner, getting 52 starts there compared to just 17 at first.

 

Mets a Near Lock to Re-Sign Edwin Diaz for Two Major Reasons

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Diaz opted out of the record-breaking five-year, $102 million contract he signed two years ago. He was set to make just under $16 million in 2026. He is sure to be looking for more money annually or a long-term pact.

Furthermore, there is something else that will help the Mets retain the star closer. Ragazzo notes Diaz also has the qualifying offer attached to him. This means that teams would have to fork over a draft pick if they sign him this offseason. That was another reason for Pete Alonso’s weaker-than-expected market a year ago.

 

President Trump pardons Darryl Strawberry

President Donald Trump has pardoned Darryl Strawberry from past tax evasion and drug convictions, according to a statement Strawberry posted on social media. A White House official confirmed the news Friday.

Strawberry, the former outfielder who won three World Series titles with the Mets and Yankees during a 17-year career, said he received the news on Thursday afternoon while at home caring for his wife, who is recovering from surgery.

MACK - GMAFB

 

Mets add Bob Ojeda in a trade with the Red Sox

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This was a November trade that worked out well for both teams. On November 13, 1985, the Mets traded four players, including pitcher Calvin Schiraldi, to the Boston Red Sox for Bob Ojeda and three others. Less than a year later, both would be appearing in the same 1986 world series. Ojeda was 18-5 in 1986 and his .783 winning percentage led the national league. He finished fourth in the Cy Young vote and was undefeated in the post season.

While he never matched his 1986 performance, and was injured for a lot of 1987, Ojeda still pitched to a 51-40 record and 3.12 ERA over his time in Queens.