Mets Morning News: A New Chapter Begins at SNY, and Across the Diamond
It’s a time of transition in Queens - and not just on the field. Behind the scenes, longtime SNY director John DeMarsico is stepping away after 17 years of calling the shots on Mets broadcasts.
For nearly two decades, DeMarsico helped shape the way fans experienced Mets baseball on television, blending camera angles, replays, and in-game moments into a signature broadcast style. His departure marks the end of an era for SNY, and while the booth and the dugout may look different in 2026, the passion of Mets fans remains as strong as ever.
Roster Overhaul in Full Swing
Speaking of change, the Mets haven’t exactly been quiet this offseason. The front office has taken a sledgehammer to the 2025 roster and rebuilt with purpose - the question now is, did they get better?
Time will tell, but the moves suggest a clear shift in philosophy. The Mets have added both experience and upside, and they’ve done it with an eye on competing now while keeping the long-term picture in focus.
With spring training just around the corner, the buzz around the 26-man roster is already heating up. Who cracks the Opening Day lineup?
Who’s on the bubble? The battle for roster spots is going to be one of the more compelling spring stories to watch.
Beltrán’s Hall of Fame Decision Looms
Carlos Beltrán is officially Cooperstown-bound, and now he faces a decision that carries symbolic weight: which cap will he wear on his Hall of Fame plaque?
Beltrán’s career spanned multiple franchises, but his years in Queens were among the most productive of his career. Whether he chooses to represent the Mets, the Royals, or another team entirely, his legacy in New York is secure. He was a game-changer in center field and a force at the plate - a player who helped elevate the Mets during his time in Flushing.
Criswell Heads West
The Mets made a small but notable move this week, sending right-hander Cooper Criswell to the Mariners for cash considerations. Criswell had been designated for assignment earlier in the week, and now he’ll look to carve out a role in Seattle’s bullpen. It’s a depth move, but one that clears a little space on the Mets’ 40-man roster as they continue to fine-tune ahead of spring training.
Around the NL East: Prospects, Proposals, and Pitching Depth
Philadelphia: The Phillies have announced their non-roster invitees for spring training, and two names jump off the page - Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller. Both are among the top prospects in the organization, and while neither is expected to break camp with the big league club, their presence in Clearwater will give fans a glimpse of the future.
Washington: The Nationals reportedly turned down a trade offer from the Giants that would’ve sent CJ Abrams to San Francisco. Abrams, an All-Star shortstop, is a cornerstone of Washington’s rebuild, and the Nats clearly aren’t eager to part with him.
They did, however, make a couple of lower-profile additions, signing Bryce Montes de Oca and Tres Barrera to minor league deals. Montes de Oca, a former Mets reliever, brings a big arm and some upside if he can stay healthy.
Around MLB: Prospect Rankings and Free Agent Moves
MLB Pipeline dropped its updated Top 100 Prospects list last night, always a must-read for fans looking to see where their team’s farm system stacks up. It’s a reminder that while free agency grabs the headlines, player development remains the lifeblood of sustainable success.
One of the better bullpen arms left on the market is now off the board - Seranthony Domínguez has signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the White Sox. It’s a solid pickup for Chicago, who continue to retool their roster after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Over at ESPN, the baseball writers are making bold predictions for how the rest of the offseason might shake out. Some of them may be long shots, but hey, that’s half the fun this time of year.
And yes, it still feels strange to say this - but Pete Alonso is an Oriole now. The Polar Bear may be wearing orange and black instead of blue and orange, but he’s embracing his new home in Baltimore. Mets fans will always have a soft spot for him, even if it’s going to be jarring seeing him launch homers at Camden Yards instead of Citi Field.
On the Farm and in the Rotation
Yesterday, Vasilis Drimalitis took a deep dive into the Mets’ starting rotation, now that Freddy Peralta is officially in the fold. Peralta brings swing-and-miss stuff and a competitive edge to a group that needed a boost. His addition reshapes the rotation and gives the Mets a legitimate top-three when healthy.
Meanwhile, the Amazin’ Avenue prospect team ranked Will Watson as the ninth-best prospect in the Mets’ system heading into 2026. Watson has the tools and upside to climb even higher if he continues to develop - definitely a name to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
As the Mets gear up for a new season, the storylines are already stacking up. From roster battles to Hall of Fame decisions, from new faces in the dugout to new voices behind the broadcast booth - 2026 is shaping up to be a year of fresh starts in Queens.