MLB news: New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Andrew Chafin

It’s Super Bowl Sunday, and the New York Mets are ready for their big part in the big game. Also, the Toronto Blue Jays make a bullpen depth signing as part of today’s MLB news and notes roundup.

New York Mets news: Another Super Bowl commercial tease

To kick things off (pardon the pun), while we count down the moment until the big game on Sunday, we also watch the clock tick down until we can all finally see the much-hyped Super Bowl commercial that will air for the New York Mets. The ad will air during the game live in New York, but those outside the Big Apple will have to wait until it makes it internet/Twitter debut.

Check out the latest tease (featuring plenty of Mets players) below, then read the story behind the tease and the ad here.

There are some new players in the tease, as well as some returning favorites. Will the new-look Mets have enough firepower to knock off the Atlanta Braves for the National League East title in 2023? Some of the most recent projections have their doubt.

Toronto Blue Jays news: Luke Bard inked to minor league deal

The Blue Jays added the 32-year-old right-hander on a minor league deal on Saturday, giving Toronto potentially another option for their bullpen heading into the season.

Bard saw action in nine combined games for the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays last season, with the Rays picking him up on waivers on August 5. From that date, Bard pitched in eight of his nine contests last season, posting a 1.93 ERA/3.90 FIP/1.000 WHIP over 14.0 innings.

Seeing if Bard can grab a spot in the Toronto bullpen will be one of the roster battles to watch during spring training. By the way, Bard’s brother, Daniel, is the closer for the Colorado Rockies.

MLB news: Arizona Diamondbacks sign Andrew Chafin

We reported in yesterday’s news and notes that the signing of Michael Fulmer by the Chicago Cubs might break for the dam for relievers inking contracts before spring training. That certainly seems to be the case as Chafin, one of the most sought-after relievers this offseason, signed a one-year deal with Arizona to bring another veteran to the late-inning options for the Diamondbacks.

Could Chafin be on the move at the MLB trade deadline if the 32-year-old southpaw performs well and the Diamondbacks sink near the bottom of the NL West standings as expected? Don’t be surprised.