New York Mets rumors: Haggerty released, game times set, and more!

New York Mets, Sam Haggerty
Sep 6, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets second baseman Sam Haggerty (19) scores a run in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets are making roster moves to accommodate their newest signing, Dellin Betances. They released Sam Haggerty.

Also, MLB announced the times for the opening series against the Washington Nationals.

Here are the New York Mets’ news and rumors:

MLB Trade Rumors: The New York Mets had to make a roster move to make room for Dellin Betances. They had designated infielder/outfielder Sam Haggerty for assignment a few days ago.

The DFA tag allows a team to trade, release, or put a player on waivers. In the last few hours, though, the Mets decided to release the utility player.

Haggerty will be able to talk to other clubs but it is possible he returns to the Mets on a Minor League deal. He is 25 years old and made his MLB debut in 2019.

Haggerty played in 11 games and had only four plate appearances. He landed on the Mets following the Kevin Plawecki deal. The owner of a 250/.371/.378 line in 155 Double-A games and a .271/.358/.424 one in 19 games in Triple-A, Haggerty’s primary asset is his defensive versatility.

MetsMerizedonline.com: The New York Mets’ opening game of the 2020 season will be on March 26th. Carlos Beltran’s squad will face off with the reigning champs, the Washington Nationals, at 1:10 as a part of a triple header on ESPN.

The opening game, and the rest of the series, will be at Citi Field. The second game is on Saturday, March 28 at 4:05 p.m. and the finale is on Sunday, March 29 at 1:10 p.m.

MLB.com: The league’s official website made a rundown of the NL East’s top catchers. They correctly identified the Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto as the division’s best. They wrote that the Mets have a solid offensive performer in Wilson Ramos, but that his framing is suspect and his defense is “average at best.” Tomas Nido is his primary backup.

Metsminors.net: Former major league infielder Reid Brignac was appointed as the new manager of the Mets’ Class-A affiliate, the Columbus Fireflies. Jerome Williams will be the pitching coach and Mariano Duncan the hitting coach.