The Mets and Lucas Duda have failed to reach an extension prior to the first baseman’s Opening Day deadline and have shelved negotiations, reports Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. “No agreement was reached, so talks have concluded and Lucas will focus on the upcoming season,” agent Dan Horwits told Rubin. Duda will make $4.2MM in 2015 and will be eligible for arbitration two more times before becoming a free agent following the 2017 season.
In other National League news and notes:
- MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon tweets he doesn’t expect the Reds and Johnny Cueto to agree to an extension before the right-hander’s Opening Day deadline.
- Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart told reporters, including Zach Buchanan of The Arizona Republic, Yasmany Tomas was optioned to Triple-A for regular at-bats. “Once he returns back here, we probably will be able to get him at-bats at third base but we’d like to get the majority of his work in the outfield,” said Stewart. “Probably, Yasmany’s long-term future is going to be in the outfield as he was when we signed him.“
- The Braves are still talking to teams about moves that could affect their roster plans, tweets MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
- The Diamondbacks may have one of the least talented clubs in baseball, but the presence of Paul Goldschmidt, Archie Bradley, Tony La Russa, and low expectations are reasons for hope in the desert, opines Dan Bickley of The Arizona Republic.