PORT JEFF, NY– Happy Holidays to all! Let’s talk some ball!
MLB HOT STOVE
Mets Bring Back Manaea
The Mets are bringing back Sean Manaea on what I’d consider to be a very team friendly deal considering the 2024 season Manaea had. Given the market for starting pitchers, I was certain the Mets wouldn’t be able to retain Manaea because I thought he’d get over 100 million over at least five years. To my surprise the Mets get their ace back on just a three year $75 million contract. Now that the Mets appear to be done adding starting pitchers, my hope is they’ll turn their attention to bringing back Pete Alonso. The market for Alonso has seemingly shrunk by the second and I really believe both sides want a deal to come to fruition. Things just wouldn’t feel the same if Pete wasn’t in Queens come spring time.
D-Backs Sign Burnes
The Diamondbacks signed Corbin Burnes to a six year 210 million dollar contract. I didn’t see this one coming. I thought Burnes would either return to Baltimore or end up with the Yankees or Red Sox. Instead Burnes signs with his hometown team and joins a very good rotation that includes Zac Gallen, Merril Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, and Eduardo Rodriguez. It’s been a very good offseason for Arizona as they’ve now signed Burnes and traded for Josh Naylor to replace Christian Walker.
Phillies Get Luzardo
The Phillies acquired Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins in a trade this past week. This is an excellent move for Philadelphia, Luzardo is one of the most talented left handers in the game who hasn’t quite hit his ceiling abilities yet. Luzardo joins the best rotation in baseball led by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. The Phillies are once again set up for a huge year. With the monster moves the Mets have made and the Braves returning to full health, the NL East is shaping up to be the best division in baseball.
Brunson Explodes
Jalen Brunson exploded for 55 points in Saturday’s win over the Wizards. The win was the seventh straight for the Knicks and after a bit of a bumpy start, it’s all coming together masterfully for this team. The starting five of Karl-Anthony-Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges can go toe to toe with any team in the league. The only possible addition I can think of for this team is a shooter off the bench. Other than that this team is positioned beautifully for a deep playoff run in a very top heavy eastern conference. This is not just one of the most exciting Knicks teams in recent memory but might be the best as well.
