Spring Storylines: Mets Camp Buzzing with New Faces, Position Shifts, and a Hall-of-Fame Presence
The Mets are wasting no time making moves as spring training ramps up. The club announced the signing of MJ Melendez, a versatile backstop with pop, and cleared space on the 40-man roster by moving right-hander Tylor Megill to the 60-day injured list. It’s an early bit of roster maneuvering that signals the front office is keeping its options open as camp unfolds.
One of the more intriguing stories heading into spring is Carson Benge. The right field job is his to lose, and he’s drawing plenty of eyes in Port St.
Lucie. Those who’ve worked with him speak highly of his poise and approach, and Benge himself seems ready for the spotlight.
The Mets are hoping his bat and glove can lock down a position that’s been in flux.
Meanwhile, Jorge Polanco is stepping into unfamiliar territory-literally. Before signing with the Mets, Polanco had logged just one major league pitch at first base.
That’s not a typo. Now, he’s expected to take on the position more regularly.
It’s a big ask, but the Mets believe his athleticism and baseball IQ can ease the transition. There will be growing pains, sure, but Polanco’s adaptability will be key.
Bo Bichette is also undergoing a position change, shifting from shortstop to third base. It’s a move that’s been made before by plenty of middle infielders, and Howard Johnson-who knows a thing or two about switching spots on the dirt-believes Bichette will handle it just fine. The footwork and reaction time are different, but Bichette’s instincts and arm strength should carry over.
And then there’s Craig Kimbrel. The veteran closer brings more than just a fastball to camp-he brings gravitas. The future Hall-of-Famer’s presence is felt throughout the clubhouse, and even if his best years are behind him, his leadership and experience are a valuable asset for a Mets team hoping to make noise in a competitive NL East.
Off the field, SNY is bolstering its coverage, hiring Chelsea Janes as its new MLB insider. Janes previously covered the sport nationally and brings a sharp eye and deep knowledge to the network’s baseball coverage.
NL East Notes: Castellanos Out, Acuña All In, and Rotation Questions in Atlanta
Elsewhere in the division, the Phillies officially cut ties with Nick Castellanos, releasing the veteran outfielder after previously informing him he wouldn’t be part of their spring plans. It’s a clean break from a relationship that clearly soured, and MLB.com has shed some light on what went wrong behind the scenes last season.
Down in Florida, Ronald Acuña Jr. is back in Braves camp and says he’s feeling “200 percent.” That’s not a typo either-just Acuña being Acuña.
The reigning MVP is fresh off a cameo in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, but now it’s back to business. If he’s anywhere near that “200 percent” mark, the rest of the league better buckle up.
The Braves, however, are facing some uncertainty in their rotation. With Spencer Schwellenbach dealing with an injury, the question now becomes: how aggressive will Atlanta be in shoring up their starting depth? Battery Power is already asking the right questions, and it’s a storyline worth watching as spring progresses.
The Nationals are also evaluating their options. With Miles Mikolas now in the fold, Federal Baseball is taking stock of the roster and wondering which non-roster invitee might force their way onto the Opening Day squad. Every spring has its surprise stories-Washington’s camp could be ripe for one.
In Miami, the Marlins’ bullpen is shaping up to lean heavily on left-handed arms. It’s a strategic choice that could give them some matchup advantages, especially late in games, but it also puts pressure on those southpaws to deliver consistently.
Around MLB: Carroll’s Quick Return, Fried’s Motivation, and a Familiar Face Back in New York
Over in Arizona, Corbin Carroll is showing why he’s one of the most exciting young players in the game. Less than 24 hours after undergoing hamate bone surgery, he was already back at the Diamondbacks’ complex getting in some light work. That’s the kind of drive you can’t teach.
In Chicago, White Sox exec Chris Getz had to walk back a detail about Luisangel Acuña, acknowledging that the infielder is not, in fact, a switch-hitter-despite saying so multiple times. It’s a minor mix-up, but one that drew some attention.
Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers just added a high-profile name to their ownership group: Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham. The All-Star and MVP vote-getter is now a part-owner of the reigning World Series champs. It’s another example of athletes investing across sports-and Cunningham’s not the first to do it.
Max Fried, now entering his second season with the Yankees, hasn’t forgotten his rough outing in Game 2 of the ALDS. He’s using that memory as fuel, and if his offseason training is any indication, he’s coming into 2026 with something to prove.
And for Mets fans with a taste for nostalgia, Rafael Montero is back in the New York baseball scene-sort of. The Yankees have signed the former Mets pitcher to a minor league deal. It’s not quite a Flushing reunion, but it’s a familiar name back in the city.
On the league front, commissioner Rob Manfred is reportedly pushing for prediction markets to be embraced by team owners. It’s a controversial move that’s sure to generate plenty of debate in the coming weeks.
From the Vault: A Cone Comeback and a New Name to Know
Back in 2003, David Cone made a surprise comeback with the Mets after a year in the Yankees’ broadcast booth. He’d already thrown over 1,100 innings for the Mets in his career, but gave it one last go at age 40. He added just 18 more innings before hanging up the cleats for good, but the effort was vintage Cone-competitive to the end.
And with Francisco Lindor sidelined, a new name has popped up: Jackson Cluff. If you hadn’t heard of him before, you’re not alone. But with an opportunity now in front of him, Cluff could be one of those spring surprises who earns a longer look.
Spring is always full of storylines-position battles, comeback bids, and unexpected breakout candidates. The Mets are right in the thick of it, with a roster that’s shifting, a clubhouse that’s buzzing, and a season that’s starting to take shape. Buckle up.