New York Mets News

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Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor "100 Percent Optimistic" he Can be Ready for Opening Day

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) played four innings on defense in a minor-league spring training game on Tuesday, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lindor is just under a month removed from surgery to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. While the 32-year-old was able to play the field in a game, he has yet to progress to taking live at-bats. Per DiComo, Lindor said he is "100% optimistic" that he has a chance to be ready for Opening Day, although the veteran shortstop did not fully commit to a specific return date. Lindor has recorded four consecutive seasons with at least 680 plate appearances, so it would not be a surprise if he's able to make a quick recovery from surgery and avoid an early-season stint on the Injured List.

17 hours ago

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Fielding Ground Balls on Tuesday

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) is taking another step in his recovery from hamate-bone surgery in camp on Tuesday and is fielding ground balls with other Mets infielders, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Nothing is set in stone as far as Lindor's availability for Opening Day at the end of this month, but there remains optimism in the organization that the 32-year-old veteran All-Star will be ready to go. The fact that he has also progressed to hitting in the batting cage is definitely a good sign. The five-time Puerto Rican All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner is still one of the better fantasy options at the shortstop position despite his hand injury, and RotoBaller has him ranked at No. 5 at the position. Lindor had his second 30-30 season in the last three years in 2025, slashing .267/.346/.466 with an .811 OPS, 86 RBI, and 117 runs scored in a league-high 732 plate appearances.

Yesterday

Jonah Tong • SP • Mets

Mets Option Jonah Tong to Triple-A

The New York Mets announced on Tuesday that they optioned right-hander Jonah Tong to Triple-A Syracuse. Tong will most likely be back in the big leagues with the Mets at some point in 2026, but for now, he'll get some more seasoning in the minors to begin the year. The 22-year-old gave up three runs in 2 2/3 innings in his lone Grapefruit League start this spring. The Canadian hurler and former seventh-round pick in 2022 also struggled in his major-league debut last season, posting a 7.71 ERA and 1.77 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and nine walks in 18 2/3 innings over his first five starts for the Mets. It shouldn't take away from how great he was in the minors in 2025, as he posted a 1.43 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 179 strikeouts, and a 52.9% ground-ball rate in 22 starts at Double-A and Triple-A. Tong will eventually be locked into a starting rotation spot for the Mets down the road, but there are durability questions because of his small stature of 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds.

Yesterday

Carson Benge • CF • Mets

Right-Field Job is Carson Benge's to Lose?

New York Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge is making a case this spring for why the right-field job should be his to lose, according to Danny Abriano of SNY. Abriano writes that Benge "has looked the part of someone ready for the majors." Others vying for playing time in right field include Mike Tauchman, MJ Melendez, Tyrone Taylor, and Brett Baty. The Mets have been adamant all offseason that Benge would have a real chance to make the Opening Day roster, and he's done nothing in camp to really hurt his chances. Benge has had a three-hit day, hit an opposite-field homer in his most recent game, is making loud contact, and has looked very good in right field. The 23-year-old former first-rounder hit .282/.389/.467 with 14 homers and 24 steals in 116 games between Double-A and Triple-A last year and should make an impact in mixed fantasy leagues if he's on the strong side of a platoon for the Mets in right field in 2026.

4 days ago

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Takes Swings on Wednesday

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) continued his hitting progression in camp on Wednesday and took swings for the first time since his hamate bone surgery three weeks ago, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. There's still time for Lindor to be ready for Opening Day later this month, but nothing is guaranteed. The good news is that if Lindor isn't ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, he shouldn't be too far behind in making his season debut. If the 32-year-old five-time All-Star starts on the injured list, Vidal Brujan might be the favorite to make starts at the 6 in Queens in Lindor's absence for a bit. Lindor had his third straight season of 30-plus home runs in 2025 and also reached the 30-steal mark for the second time in the last three seasons. Despite potentially not being ready for Opening Day this year, fantasy managers should still treat him as a top-five shortstop.

6 days ago

Nolan McLean • SP • Mets

Nolan McLean Feeling Better, to Throw 50-55 Pitches in Sim Game

New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean (illness) is no longer dealing with vertigo-like symptoms and will throw roughly 50 to 55 pitches or four innings in a simulated game in camp on Wednesday, according to Laura Albanese of Newsday. As long as the vertigo-like symptoms don't return for McLean, he should be cleared to pitch for Team USA against Italy in the World Baseball Classic on March 10. In his Grapefruit League debut last week against the Houston Astros, the young right-hander looked great, striking out six over four scoreless innings. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of Oklahoma State looked great in his MLB debut last year, too, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA (2.97 FIP), 1.04 WHIP, and 57:16 K:BB in 48 innings over his eight starts. There's a lot to like about the former two-way player as he heads into his first full MLB season locked into New York's starting rotation. Treat him as a high-end No. 3 starter/low-end No. 2 starting pitcher in fantasy drafts.

7 days ago

Nolan McLean • SP • Mets

Nolan McLean "Day-to-Day" With Illness

New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean (illness) is scheduled to start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic on March 10 against Italy, but he's now "day-to-day" due to a recent illness, USA manager Mark DeRosa told reporters on Monday. McLean was experiencing vertigo-like symptoms, but he's feeling better now. The 24-year-old threw a side session a few days ago and is scheduled to throw some more in camp on Wednesday. If he continues to improve, he'll likely take the hill against Italy, but DeRosa won't push the young hurler. McLean is one of the top young arms in baseball after going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 48 innings over his first eight major-league starts last year. He should be ready in plenty of time for the start of the 2026 regular season after pitching for Team USA. McLean should already be rostered in all dynasty/keeper leagues, and he'll have SP2 upside in redraft leagues going into his first full MLB season.

Mar 3

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Plays Catch, Hopes to Take BP on Wednesday

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) played catch on Monday in camp, and the hope is he's able to take batting practice on Wednesday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman writes that it "seems like a good sign" for the notoriously quick-healing Lindor to reach his goal of being ready to play on Opening Day. The 32-year-old All-Star will do defensive drills and other baseball activities on Tuesday as he works his way back from hamate bone surgery. If Lindor isn't quite ready for Opening Day at the end of this month, he should miss minimal time going into April, barring a setback. The Puerto Rican veteran has reached the 30-homer mark in each of the last three seasons and has 30-plus steals in two of the last three years, making him a clear top-10 fantasy shortstop on one of the best teams in baseball.

Mar 3

Mark Vientos • 3B • Mets

Mark Vientos May Be Limited to Part-Time Role in New York

New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos posted a breakout season in 2024, slugging 27 home runs in 454 plate appearances and carving out a role in the middle of the Mets lineup. However, the 26-year-old came crashing back down to earth in 2025, slashing .233/.289/.413 with 17 home runs, 61 RBI, 44 runs scored, and one stolen base. Vientos also graded out as one of the worst defensive third basemen in the big leagues, making it more difficult for the Mets to stick with him through his relative struggles at the plate. New York added former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette in free agency this past winter with the plan to move him to the hot corner, eliminating a pathway to playing time for Vientos. Vientos should be in the mix at designated hitter in New York, but he could find himself in a rotation with infielders Brett Baty and Jorge Polanco. If Vientos can get back to the 14.1% barrel rate he posted in 2024, he could force his way into everyday playing time at DH. However, there are holes in his profile that lead to playing time questions, making him a risky bet for fantasy managers heading into 2026.

Mar 1

Grae Kessinger • 3B • Mets

Grae Kessinger Suffers Knee Injury on Friday

New York Mets infielder Grae Kessinger (knee) is reportedly getting imaging done after suffering a left knee injury during Friday's Grapefruit League contest against the St. Louis Cardinals. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the injury didn't look too good, but the team will wait until the MRI comes back before they decide the next step. Normally, Kessinger's presence wouldn't be a huge factor, but he's currently in the running for the starting shortstop gig. Francisco Lindor (hand) is uncertain for Opening Day, so the Mets might need to pivot once again if Kessinger misses significant time. The 28-year-old was unlikely to make a big impact on the Mets, given his .131/.243/.213 career slash line. However, the injury to Kessinger gives the Mets less depth going forward.

Feb 27

Devin Williams • RP • Mets

Devin Williams Sees Struggles Continue in Spring Debut

New York Mets right-handed reliever Devin Williams gave up a home run on his first pitch in Grapefruit League action on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. It's not exactly what Mets fans wanted to see, especially after Williams' struggles across town with the New York Yankees in 2025. The home run was the only hit he allowed in his one inning of work, and he didn't walk or strike out a batter. The Mets signed the 31-year-old to a three-year, $51 million contract in December, likely locking him in as the closer to begin the year to replace Edwin Diaz, who left in free agency. Williams blew four saves in 22 chances last year in the Bronx and ultimately lost his grip on the closer's role two separate times, finishing with a 4.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 90:25 K:BB in 62 frames. He'll be a top-10 closer in fantasy for one of the best teams in baseball, but Williams could have a short leash if he struggles again.

Feb 27

Carson Benge • CF • Mets

Carson Benge Making Strong Case to Earn Starting Role

New York Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge was perfect at the plate on Wednesday afternoon and continues to make a strong case to be on the Opening Day roster. Facing the Astros, the team's top hitting prospect went a perfect 3-for-3 at the dish (all singles). Given New York's current outfield situation, Benge could make a strong case to begin the regular season as the team's primary right fielder, as Juan Soto is slated to shift to left field. Last summer, Benge began the season at High-A but was able to reach Triple-A in the second half. While he posted a dominant .317/.407/.571 line across 32 games at Double-A, Benge faced some growing pains during his first stint at Triple-A, posting a much lower .178/.272/.311 line. Despite this, Benge will continue to have an opportunity to claim the starting job from veterans Tyrone Taylor and Mike Tauchman. He remains an intriguing late-round target in five-outfielder formats.

Feb 27

Sean Manaea • SP • Mets

Sean Manaea Trying to Return to Previous Arm Slot

New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea performed like an ace in the second half of 2024 after lowering his arm slot to emulate Chris Sale. In 2025, Manaea went even lower with his arm slot, but it didn't work, and he also dealt with elbow and oblique injuries before finishing with a 5.64 ERA in just 60 2/3 innings. The Athletic's Will Sammon writes that Manaea is "one of the Mets' biggest X-factors" in 2026, and while working with Tread Athletics over the offseason, he is "closer to where he was at his best in 2024" in terms of his revised arm slot. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw is also feeling totally healthy this spring. Pitching coach Justin Willard describes Manaea's fastball as "elite" because it's "a different pitch than hitters are used to seeing." Manaea has relied mostly on his fastball and sweeper in recent seasons, but he's working more on his changeup to potentially bring it back. Manaea isn't a bad late-round flier in fantasy drafts to mitigate the risk of an aging pitcher with two above-average seasons since 2020.

Feb 26

Nolan McLean • SP • Mets

Nolan McLean Dominant in First Spring Outing

New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Nolan McLean was dominant in his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday against the Houston Astros, allowing no runs on one hit, one walk, and six strikeouts in four innings pitched, according to MLB Pipeline. The No. 6 overall prospect in all of baseball picked up where he left off after posting a 2.06 ERA in eight starts for the Mets last year in his MLB debut. McLean retired 12 of the 14 batters he faced on the day and topped out at 97.9 mph on the radar gun with his fastball. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of Oklahoma State University should be considered a top-100 overall fantasy player going into his first full year in the big leagues. In addition to his 2.06 ERA in New York in 2025, McLean had a 1.04 WHIP, 57 strikeouts, 16 walks, and a 61.1% ground-ball rate in 48 innings. McLean already has an advanced arsenal with multiple offspeed pitches that can also generate swings and misses. He's one of the most attractive young arms in the game.

Feb 26

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor to Restart "Impact" Activities in 2-3 Days

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired hand on Tuesday and can restart some "impact" activities in the next two to three days, manager Carlos Mendoza told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lindor had surgery two weeks ago to fix a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. The 32-year-old five-time All-Star appears to be making good progress, though, and barring a setback, he has a good chance to be ready to roll in time for Opening Day on March 26 against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets will ease Lindor back into spring training activities when he's ready. There's a chance he's not ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, but if Lindor opens with a stay on the injured list, it's likely to be a minimum absence. Lindor is a bit more risky now in fantasy baseball drafts because of his hand injury, but he should still be considered a top-10 option at the shortstop position.

Feb 25

Bo Bichette • SS • Mets

Bo Bichette Batting Third in Mets Spring Training Debut

New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette is starting at third base and batting third in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the division-rival Miami Marlins, according to Max Goodman of NJ.com. Despite the injury to Francisco Lindor (hand) that could keep him sidelined to start the 2026 season, the Mets will keep Bichette at the hot corner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder in 2016 had an injury-plagued year for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 but bounced back nicely and led them to the World Series last season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS, 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 139 regular-season games (628 plate appearances). The move to Queens should be good for his run production near the top of a strong lineup, and as long as he stays healthy, he should provide around 20 long balls. Adding third base eligibility will help, too. RotoBaller has Bichette ranked as the No. 14 fantasy shortstop to begin 2026.

Feb 21

Jorge Polanco • 2B • Mets

Jorge Polanco Expected to See a Lot of Time as Designated Hitter

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the designated hitter spot will be in play "big" time as the team tries to keep infielder Jorge Polanco healthy in 2026, according to Chelsea Janes of SNY. Mendoza also expects infielders Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to get playing time at first base when Polanco is the DH. The Mets are also slow-playing the 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican early in Grapefruit League games. Polanco has played in 100-plus games in six of his 12 seasons in the big leagues, although he did manage to play in 138 contests while hitting .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six steals for the Seattle Mariners last year. Marcus Semien will be locked into Polanco's primary position at second, so most of his at-bats figure to come as New York's DH. Fantasy managers need to expect Polanco to miss time due to injury in 2026, but when healthy, he hits the ball hard and has solid pop with second base eligibility.

Feb 21

Jacob Reimer • 3B • Mets

Jacob Reimer Focusing on Defense at Third Base

New York Mets infield prospect Jacob Reimer focused on his defensive skills at third base during the offseason, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. Reimer has spent time at several positions in the infield throughout his minor league career, but emphasized the hot corner heading into 2026 spring training. Reimer joined the Mets in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Yucaipa HS. Last summer, he spent 61 games at High-A before spending another 61 games with Double-A. Through 122 total games, Reimer held a strong .282/.379/.491 line with an .870 OPS. He hit 17 home runs and swiped 15 bags. Additionally, the young infielder noted that he also emphasized improving his bat speed to increase his power output during the winter. Fantasy managers should expect Reimer to contend for an early ticket to Triple-A this spring.

Feb 20

Ryan Clifford • 1B • Mets

Ryan Clifford Making Strides as a Defender

New York Mets first base/outfield prospect Ryan Clifford has continued to improve as a defender in the outfield. Clifford has spent most of his time in the minor leagues as a first baseman but has been shifted to the outfield to provide more versatility ahead of his eventual MLB debut. Last summer, Clifford spent most of his time with Double-A before earning a look at Triple-A in the second half. Across 139 total games, the 22-year-old logged 70 of the starts at first base and 53 coming in the outfield. He held a cumulative .237/.356/.470 line with a .526 OPS, 23 doubles, and 29 round-trippers. While Clifford is nearing his MLB debut, managers should expect him to begin the season at Triple-A to further improve his skills in the outfield. However, given New York's current lack of outfield depth, especially in right field, Clifford could be in contention to join the MLB roster much sooner than expected.

Feb 20

Kodai Senga • SP • Mets

Kodai Senga's Velocity Up in Camp

New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga was up to 97 mph during his live batting practice session in camp on Friday, manager Carlos Mendoza told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. For reference, Senga only hit 97 mph four times after the All-Star break last year. The 33-year-old Japanese hurler had a nice 3.02 ERA (4.12 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 109 strikeouts and 55 walks in 113 1/3 innings over 22 starts in 2025 in his third year in the league, but he struggled after the All-Star break and eventually finished the year in the minor leagues. Senga's strikeout rate fell to 22.6%, but his velocity increase this spring is a good sign that he can bounce back in 2026. RotoBaller has Senga ranked as the No. 90 fantasy starting pitcher because of his rough finish to last season, but a bounce-back could be coming, making him a value target in upcoming drafts. Senga's fall in 2025 was likely related to a hamstring injury that threw his mechanics off.

Feb 19

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