As we edge closer to Opening Day, it's time for an update on the 2026 King of Spring Training (KoST) race. This year, the contest has a different flavor, with many players participating in the World Baseball Classic.
We've seen a campaign-ending injury and a new contender entering the fray. With the competition wide open, let's dive into the standout performances so far.
Cristian Pache - .474/.524/.737 in 19 ABs
Pache burst out of the gates in our KoST contest, but his offensive momentum has slowed. Yet, his defensive prowess in the outfield continues to turn heads. Tied for the team lead with nine hits, Pache remains a strong contender as we approach the final stretch.
MJ Melendez - .364/.364/1.000 in 11 ABs
Melendez hasn't added to his stats since our last check-in, as he's representing Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. With Puerto Rico set to face Italy in the quarterfinals, Melendez's focus is on international glory for now.
Austin Barnes - .286/.375/.500 in 14 ABs
Barnes' KoST stock has dipped, as he's been hitless since our previous update. He'll need to rediscover his form to stay in the running.
Mike Tauchman - .267/.450/.667 in 15 ABs
Tauchman is doing his best to make an impact, but with Carson Benge blazing hot this spring, securing an outfield spot seems tough. Despite a slight dip in his batting average, Tauchman continues to impress. However, with Tyrone Taylor also performing well, Tauchman might find himself on the fringes of both the outfield battle and the KoST race.
Vidal Bruján - .333/.524/.333 in 15 ABs
Bruján is the newest face in the KoST conversation. After a slow start and a brief injury setback, he's bounced back with five hits, six walks, and three stolen bases. His patience at the plate is evident, leading the team in walks this spring.
Tobias Myers - 1.69 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 7 Ks in 5 1/3 IP
Myers hasn't taken the mound since our last update, though he did pitch in Thursday's ongoing game. We'll assess his performance in the next update.
Robert Stock - 0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP, 6 Ks in 3 IP
Stock's KoST hopes have dimmed, along with his chances of breaking into the Mets' bullpen this year.
Austin Warren - 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 2 Ks in 4 IP
Warren's latest outing saw him surrender his first run of the spring. Despite this, he's shown enough to be considered a valuable depth option for the Mets.
Matt Turner - 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 6 Ks in 5 IP
Turner is making waves as a KoST dark horse. With two more scoreless appearances since our last update, he continues to impress. Though reassigned to minor league camp on March 1, Turner remains a player to watch as we inch closer to Opening Day.
With just two weeks until the season kicks off, the KoST race is heating up. Keep an eye on these contenders as they vie for the coveted title.