Juan Soto's Pete Alonso answer in a recent interview suggests something about leadership in the New York Mets' clubhouse.

Passan reports that the Pirates were willing to sign first baseman Josh Naylor for more than twice the franchise's previous record free-agent deal (currently $39 million) before he opted to return to the Mariners on a five-year, $92.5 million contract. Pittsburgh is known to have interest in DH Kyle Schwarber, among others.

The New York Yankees could get revenge on the New York Mets for stealing Juan Soto last winter by poaching Pete Alonso from Queens.

What has remained constant is that several respected insiders and analysts have stated that if Skubal does get traded, the Mets seem like his most likely suitors. The most recent MLB insider to share a positive perspective on the Mets being a fit for Skubal is ESPN's Jeff Passan, who did so in a November 18 article.

Cubs free agent Kyle Tucker will end up with the biggest contract from MLB free agency, and both New York-based teams will be in the running.

The Arizona Fall League can serve as one final chance for Rule 5-eligible prospects to prove to their parent clubs that they are worthy of a 40-man roster spot before the November protection deadline.

Ahead of the protection deadline for the Rule 5 draft, the Mets added Nick Morabito to their 40-man roster. In an additional roster move, the Mets designated Frankie Montas for assignment with $17 million left on his contract for this season, a season he will not play in as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery.