Mets Begin to Stir in Port St. Lucie as Spring Nears
Spring training is still over a week away, but the Mets’ facility in Port St. Lucie is already buzzing. A few early arrivals - Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Clay Holmes - are getting a head start on 2026, setting the tone before pitchers and catchers officially report.
For Tong, this early arrival isn’t just about getting loose - it’s about mindset. The young righty acknowledged the recent trade that sent Brandon Sproat packing, but his focus is squarely on the present.
“I’m just going to be where my feet are and let everything else take care of itself,” he said. “I’m looking forward to having fun along the way.”
It’s a grounded approach from a pitcher looking to carve out a role in a system that’s seen plenty of turnover.
Speaking of turnover, the Mets’ bullpen is entering 2026 without Edwin Díaz - a major void, no doubt. But don’t mistake absence for weakness.
There’s upside here. The front office has built a group that may lack a clear-cut closer but offers depth, flexibility, and high-velocity arms across the board.
It’s a ‘strength-in-numbers’ approach that could pay off if the right pieces click.
And while the roster is largely set, there’s still some intrigue in the air. Framber Valdez remains unsigned, and some around the league are wondering if the Mets might be in position to make a late push. It’s unclear whether that’s in the cards, but it’s the kind of move that could change the complexion of the rotation overnight.
Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor’s status for the upcoming World Baseball Classic remains in limbo. Puerto Rico wants him.
He wants to play. But there’s a hurdle: insurance.
If a private insurer steps in, MLB and the Mets would then need to give the green light. It’s a waiting game - but one worth watching.
On the international front, Huascar Brazobán is confirmed to suit up for the Dominican Republic in the WBC, where he’ll join fellow countryman and teammate Juan Soto. And the Mets are keeping tabs on talent abroad, sending scouts to the Caribbean Series in Mexico - a sign that the front office is still looking for diamonds in the rough as spring nears.
Around the NL East
In Philadelphia, Todd Zolecki took a stroll down memory lane, spotlighting some of the best debuts in Phillies history - a reminder that sometimes, greatness announces itself early.
The Braves rolled out their 2026 promotional schedule, giving fans a few extra reasons to circle dates on the calendar beyond the usual marquee matchups.
And in D.C., the Nationals are still shopping for bullpen help, with several names under consideration as they look to stabilize the back end of their pitching staff.
Around Major League Baseball
The broadcast landscape continues to shift. Several MLB teams are moving away from the financially struggling FanDuel Sports Network and aligning with MLB’s in-house broadcast group - a move that could reshape how fans consume games this season.
On the trade front, the Mariners made a splash, acquiring All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals in a three-team deal. It’s a savvy pickup for a team with postseason ambitions.
Elsewhere, six teams are entering 2026 with their backs against the wall. Whether it’s aging cores, expiring contracts, or just unmet expectations, the pressure is on. Meanwhile, four teams are trending up and four are trending down in early standings projections - the kind of preseason chatter that often sets the tone for what’s to come.
Roster turnover is a fact of life in the majors, and seven players across the league have been singled out as needing to step up in the wake of key departures. Whether they rise to the occasion could be the difference between contention and collapse.
Off the field, the Blue Jays are honoring a legend. A statue of Joe Carter - the man who delivered one of the most iconic moments in baseball history - is set to be unveiled, giving fans another reason to visit Rogers Centre.
The White Sox are making moves off the diamond too, upgrading their clubhouse to help Munetaka Murakami feel at home. It’s a small gesture that could pay big dividends for a player adjusting to the big leagues in a new country.
In a bit of redemption news, Edwin Díaz is set to return to the World Baseball Classic - a full-circle moment after the injury that cut short his 2023 season. It’s a big step for a pitcher whose presence looms large, even in his absence.
The Yankees are still eyeing Ty France as a potential addition. And manager Aaron Boone didn’t hold back when discussing the club’s 2026 roster, Brian Cashman’s role, and the state of the franchise.
Meanwhile, the Rays continue to do what the Rays do - work the trade market like chess masters. Their latest three-team deal is just another reminder of how they consistently find value in places others overlook.
And finally, Carl Edwards Jr. is making a case for himself in Queens. As spring training approaches, he’s competing for a spot on the Mets’ roster - and based on early signs, he’s not just here to fill innings. He’s here to earn a role.
Spring may not have officially sprung, but the wheels are already turning - and the 2026 season is starting to take shape.