Mets Spring Update: Injuries, New Faces, and a Fresh Start in 2026
Spring training is just around the corner, and for the Mets, it couldn’t come soon enough. After a 2025 season that fell well short of expectations, the team enters 2026 with a revamped roster, a fresh mindset, and more than a few storylines worth watching. Let’s break it down.
Lindor’s Surgery and the Hamate Hurdle
Francisco Lindor recently underwent surgery to repair a hamate bone injury - a small, hook-shaped bone in the wrist that’s become an increasingly common problem for hitters. The good news? The Mets are optimistic he’ll be ready to go by Opening Day.
The hamate bone might be tiny, but when it’s injured, it packs a punch. It affects grip strength and bat speed - two things Lindor relies on heavily.
Recovery timelines can vary, but if the Mets' confidence is any indication, they believe their star shortstop will be back in the lineup without missing a beat. That’s a big deal for a team that needs his leadership and production to start strong out of the gate.
Senga Eyes a Bounce-Back Year
Kodai Senga is hoping 2026 brings better luck on the health front. The right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance when he’s been on the mound, but injuries have kept him from establishing the rhythm and consistency the Mets were counting on when they brought him over.
If Senga can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a frontline starter - the kind of arm that can change the tone of a rotation. The stuff is there.
Now it’s about durability. The Mets know they’ll need him if they want to keep pace in a stacked NL East.
New Blood in Camp
There’s no shortage of fresh faces in Port St. Lucie this spring.
The Mets brought in a number of new players from outside the organization, and there’s a wave of rookies looking to make a name for themselves. It’s a mix of veteran experience and youthful energy - exactly what you want in a camp that’s trying to reset the tone after a rough year.
For manager Carlos Mendoza, that means evaluating talent quickly and decisively. After a disappointing 2025, the leash might not be long. A slow start could lead to some hard questions, and Mendoza knows the importance of setting the right culture from Day 1.
A Legacy of Strikeouts
The Mets have a rich history of dominant pitching - from Tom Seaver to Dwight Gooden to Jacob deGrom. And when it comes to strikeouts, few franchises boast the kind of top-tier talent the Mets have rolled out over the decades.
It’s a fun debate for fans: who’s the greatest strikeout artist in team history? The answer depends on your era, but the legacy is undeniable.
Around the NL East
**Braves Projected to Finish Third? **
A panel of writers at USA Today is predicting the Braves to finish third in the division. That’s a bold take considering Atlanta’s recent dominance, but it speaks to the growing competitiveness in the NL East.
If the Mets want to make noise, they’ll have to capitalize early - especially if the Braves stumble.
Marlins Add a Lefty to the Pen
The Marlins inked reliever John King to a one-year, $1.5 million deal. It’s a low-risk move that gives Miami another option from the left side - something every bullpen needs in a division loaded with lefty bats.
Phillies in Limbo with Castellanos
Philadelphia has reportedly told Nick Castellanos not to report to camp as they weigh whether to trade or release the veteran outfielder. It’s a surprising development for a player who’s been a key part of their lineup, and it signals some serious roster retooling in Philly.
Nationals Sign Mikolas
The Nationals added veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas on a one-year deal. He brings experience and innings-eating ability to a young rotation that could use some stability.
Around MLB
Orioles Make a Splash with Bassitt
Baltimore continues to build on its momentum by signing Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million contract. It’s a big number for a short-term deal, but Bassitt adds a reliable arm to a rotation that’s looking to take the next step.
More Hamate Injuries Across the League
Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday are both dealing with hamate bone injuries of their own, and like Lindor, they’re now racing the clock to be ready for Opening Day. It’s becoming a trend - and a concerning one - as more players are sidelined by this specific issue.
So, what’s going on with the hamate bone? It’s a small structure in the wrist, but because of the torque and pressure involved in a baseball swing, it’s vulnerable - especially for power hitters. Surgery is typically successful, but recovery can impact a player’s feel at the plate for a while.
Legal Drama in Cleveland
In a developing legal case, lawyers for Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz are arguing that he was a victim in a pitch-rigging scheme allegedly orchestrated by teammate Emmanuel Clase. Ortiz’s legal team is pushing for a separate trial - a move that could have major implications depending on how things unfold.
British Coaches Gaining Ground
The number of British coaches in MLB continues to climb, as baseball’s global reach keeps expanding. It’s part of a broader effort to grow the game internationally, and the influx of diverse coaching perspectives is giving teams new ways to connect with players and innovate behind the scenes.
Bottom Line
The Mets are entering 2026 with a lot to prove - and a lot to figure out. Health, chemistry, and a strong start will be key. With Lindor on the mend, Senga looking to bounce back, and a clubhouse full of new faces, this spring will be anything but quiet in Queens.
Stay tuned. The NL East is shaping up to be a dogfight, and the Mets are right in the middle of it.