Amazin' Daily Briefing: February 9th, 2025

Mets Spring Training: Trade Talks, a Possible Reunion, and Brandon Sproat’s Rise

As players begin to arrive to Port St. Lucie for Spring Training, the Mets are at the center of plenty of action. Trade rumors surrounding Dylan Cease continue to swirl, a potential Jose Iglesias reunion remains in play, and Brandon Sproat is making a serious case for a big-league call-up. With Opening Day approaching, let’s break down the latest buzz out of Port St. Lucie.

Mets in the Mix for Dylan Cease

The Mets are keeping a close eye on the Dylan Cease trade market, but acquiring the star right-hander won’t come cheap. The San Diego Padres are reportedly demanding at least three top-25 prospects, with names like Luisangel Acuña, Jett Williams, and Sproat in the mix.

Cease would immediately boost the Mets' rotation, especially if they can lock him into a long-term extension. He posted a 3.47 ERA with 224 strikeouts last season, proving he can handle the pressure of a playoff race. The big question is whether GM David Stearns is willing to pay the high asking price. If the Mets hold off, they may look for a midseason move instead.

Will the Mets Bring Back Jose Iglesias?

One of the more intriguing storylines this offseason has been the uncertain future of Jose Iglesias. The veteran infielder, known for his strong bat and leadership, rejected an early one-year offer from the Mets, but a return isn’t off the table.

Iglesias was a crucial piece of the team’s late-season push last year, finishing with a .337/.381/.448 slash line and a 137 wRC+, meaning he was nearly 40% better than the average MLB hitter. His ability to play multiple infield positions and provide depth makes him a strong fit for the roster. The Mets still have a need in the infield, and if both sides can agree on a deal, Iglesias could be back in Queens soon.

Brandon Sproat Making a Strong First Impression

While trade speculation and free agency moves dominate the headlines, Brandon Sproat is letting his pitching do the talking. The 24-year-old right-hander arrived at spring training with high expectations, and so far, he’s showing why he’s one of the most exciting arms in the Mets’ system.

Sproat’s triple-digit fastball and sharp breaking pitches helped him rocket through the minors last season, jumping from Single-A to Triple-A in just one year. He posted a 3.40 ERA with over 10 strikeouts per nine innings, making him one of the organization’s most promising prospects.

The Mets are expected to start him in Triple-A Syracuse, but with a six-man rotation in play, there’s a real chance he gets called up sooner rather than later. The team has been hesitant to include him in trade talks, and if he keeps dominating in camp, it will be tough to justify keeping him in the minors.

Mets Add a High-Upside Reliever

In addition to their top prospects, the Mets are continuing to make under-the-radar moves to strengthen their pitching depth. The team recently signed sidearm reliever Andrew Carson to a minor league deal.

Carson, who pitched at the University of Tampa, has been refining his mechanics and recently saw his fastball velocity jump to 94-97 mph. If the Mets’ development system can tap into his potential, he could be an intriguing bullpen option down the road.

What’s Next for the Mets?

With Brandon Sproat’s emergence, Dylan Cease trade talks, and a possible Iglesias signing, the Mets are far from finished making moves. Will Sproat force his way onto the big-league roster? Will Stearns pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade? And could Iglesias return to Citi Field?

Mets fans, what do you think? Should the team go all-in on a Cease deal? Will Sproat make his MLB debut sooner than expected? And should the front office bring back Iglesias? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

From Port St. Lucie- Spring Training Updates

Brandon Sproat Takes the Mound

The Mets have high expectations for their top pitching prospect, Brandon Sproat, who has rapidly climbed through the minor league ranks. Here, Sproat takes the mound for his first live BP session of the spring.

New York Mets OF Brandon Nimmo reacts to Pete Alonso re-signing with the team.

On This Day in Mets History

Mets History – February 9

Born on This Date

• Mookie Wilson (1956) – Speedy outfielder and fan favorite, best known for his role in the Mets' 1986 World Series championship and the iconic Game 6 ground ball.
• Doug Linton (1965) – Right-handed pitcher who appeared in 32 games for the Mets in 1994.
• Todd Pratt (1967) – Backup catcher famous for his 1999 NLDS walk-off home run against the Diamondbacks while filling in for Mike Piazza.
• Danny Muno (1989) – Infielder who made his MLB debut with the Mets in 2015.

Notable Transactions

• 1987 – Mets signed Clint Hurdle as a free agent.
• 2004 – Anaheim Angels signed Jason Middlebrook (previously with the Mets) as a free agent.
• 2007 – Mets signed Chan Ho Park as a free agent.
• 2010 – Mets signed Frank Catalanotto (previously with the Brewers) as a free agent.
• 2010 – Mets claimed Jason Pridie off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.

Randomly selected Met Player

Rod Gaspar – New York Mets

• Born: April 3, 1946, in Long Beach, California
• Years with the Mets: 1969, 1970
• Games Played: 129
• Batting Stats:
  • Home Runs: 1
  • RBIs: 14
  • Batting Average: .214
  • Runs: 30
  • Stolen Bases: 8

Trivia Question of The Day:

Who was the Mets pitcher who gave up the 9th-inning two-run homer to St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina in Game Seven of the 2006 NLCS?

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Trivia Answer (February 8th)

In 1984, Tom Seaver was selected by the Chicago White Sox from the New York Mets through a compensation rule known as the "Rule 5 Draft", but more specifically, a special free agent compensation rule.

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