Mets’ Rotation Set, Bullpen Battles Brewing, and WBC Tensions Rising: What to Watch Around MLB
With spring training just around the corner, the Mets’ 2026 rotation is starting to take shape-and it’s looking like the front office has embraced a modern approach. The trade for Freddy Peralta wasn’t just about adding a frontline starter; it was a nod to the growing trend of stockpiling quality arms.
Six, seven, even eight legit big-league starters? That’s the new blueprint, and it’s one the Dodgers have leaned into for years.
Now, the Mets are following suit, building depth with the understanding that injuries aren't a matter of if, but when.
But the rotation is only half the story. The bullpen is where things could get interesting this spring.
Adbert Alzolay, signed last offseason to a two-year minor league deal while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, is back to full health and ready to compete. He’ll be in the mix for a bullpen spot, and if he can regain the form he showed before the injury, that’s a sneaky-good addition to a Mets relief corps that could use a few pleasant surprises.
Zooming out, there’s a bigger picture taking shape in Queens. With Juan Soto entering his prime and a wave of young talent pushing up through the system, the Mets aren’t just building for 2026-they’re laying the groundwork for sustained contention.
That doesn’t mean the pressure is off this year. Quite the opposite.
The clock is ticking, and expectations are rising. This team may not be in full-on “World Series or bust” mode just yet, but the window is cracking open-and they know it.
Around the NL East: Bullpens, Big Arms, and Baseball Cards
In Philadelphia, the focus is on fine-tuning the bullpen. There are three key areas the Phillies are targeting to get better relief work in 2026, and it’s clear they’re not content to let last year’s late-inning struggles linger.
Meanwhile, the Braves continue to chase a top-tier starter to anchor their rotation. Atlanta’s front office has been aggressive in recent years, and there’s no sign they’re slowing down. They know what it takes to win in October, and a true ace can be the difference.
On the prospect front, 21-year-old Braves pitcher Cody Miller is getting some early buzz-not just for his arm, but for his first Bowman card, which features a photo taken by his father, Brian Miller. It’s a cool moment for the family and a reminder of how personal the journey to the big leagues can be.
In Washington, Nationals fans have plenty to watch this spring. Cade Cavalli, Dylan Crews, and Luis Perales are three names to keep an eye on. Each brings something different to the table, but all three could play a role in reshaping the Nats’ future.
WBC in Limbo: Insurance Concerns Cloud Tournament’s Future
The World Baseball Classic is facing some serious headwinds. After injuries to stars like Jose Altuve and Edwin Díaz in the last tournament, insurance requirements for players have tightened. The league’s insurer has become more selective, and that’s already having a ripple effect-particularly for Team Puerto Rico.
Several key Puerto Rican players, including Francisco Lindor, weren’t cleared to participate due to insurance denials. That’s led to real frustration, and now the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation is openly considering pulling out of the tournament altogether.
“If we are not playing under equal conditions, we will not participate,” said Federation President Dr. José Quiles.
A final decision is still pending, but the tone is serious-and the implications could be massive.
One of the more controversial provisions in the updated insurance rules is the cutoff for players aged 37 and older. Players who hit that age are no longer eligible to have their contracts insured, effectively barring them from WBC participation.
Miguel Rojas, who turns 37 on February 24, was denied permission to play for Venezuela and didn’t mince words: “It’s not right. I don’t feel it’s right.”
In a separate development, Shohei Ohtani has opted not to pitch in the WBC. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, that decision came directly from Ohtani himself. While he’ll still be a force at the plate, fans hoping to see him on the mound in international play will have to wait.
Free Agency Roundup: Deals, Departures, and Who’s Still on the Market
The Giants made a notable move by signing Luis Arráez to a one-year, $12 million deal. He’ll take over second base duties in San Francisco, bringing his elite contact skills and steady glove to a lineup that needed a bit more consistency.
Austin Hays, who had been linked to both New York teams earlier this offseason, is heading to the South Side. He signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the White Sox, giving Chicago a solid outfield option with pop and experience.
As for the top remaining starter on the market? Framber Valdez is still unsigned, but interest remains high. Several teams are reportedly in the mix, and given the way rotations are being built these days, don’t be surprised if a contender makes a late push to bring him in.
Back in Queens: Reasons for Optimism on the Mound
Griffin Canning’s 2025 season was cut short by injury, but when he was on the mound, he showed flashes of what made him such an intriguing arm in the first place. His success-limited sample size and all-offers a reason to believe the Mets’ pitching infrastructure is trending in the right direction. If he can stay healthy, he could be a valuable depth piece or even more.
Chris Devenski didn’t rack up a ton of innings last year, but the ones he did pitch were quality. He’s another name to watch this spring as the Mets sort out their bullpen roles. It’s the kind of under-the-radar performance that can pay dividends over a long season.
Bottom Line
The Mets are entering 2026 with a deeper rotation, intriguing bullpen options, and a roster that’s starting to blend superstar talent with promising youth. Around the league, WBC uncertainty looms, free agents are still finding homes, and the NL East remains a hotbed of competition and storylines. Baseball is almost back-and there’s no shortage of drama to follow.