In what was the final home series of the year, the Mets split with the Phillies, with both teams winning two games apiece. Some inconsistent pitching didn’t help.

As a result, the Mets finished the 2026 season 36-45 at home, which sums up just how disappointing this season has been. The team also bid an emotional farewell to iconic Hall of Fame broadcaster Howie Rose.

On that note, let’s recap everything from the Phillies series in the latest edition of 3 Up, 3 Down…

Carson Benge by Roberto Carlo

3 UP

FAREWELL, HOWIE

The Mets got a chance to say goodbye to a franchise icon over the weekend. Howie Rose, the beloved Mets broadcaster, put it in the books for one final time on Sunday. Despite the fact that Howe’s retirement ceremony was postponed because of bad weather, fans and players were still able to show their appreciation to Howie. As much a part of the fabric of the Mets as anyone, Howie deserves all of the love and adulation he’s currently getting. It will be strange not to hear him on the radio broadcast anymore.

HOMEGROWN DELIGHT

Mets fans have a new homegrown stud to cherish. Carson Benge continues to show why he could be the future of this team. The outfielder is having a dream rookie year, which was on full display over the weekend. Benge became the Mets’ new rookie hit king after tallying his 156th hit of the year on Saturday. Furthermore, Benge hit his 19th homer of the year. As a result, he is now one homer short of joining the 20/20 club. Benge looks every inch a potential future franchise player for the team. If that wasn’t enough, he plays the game the right way and is incredibly easy to root for.

EYE ON THE FUTURE

All four of the Mets’ young starters got the ball in this series. Three of the young arms really stood out. It started on Thursday when Nolan McLean allowed just one run with five strikeouts over six stellar innings. Zac Thornton flashed his toughness on Friday by striking out four over six innings of two-run ball. Then, on Saturday, Christian Scott allowed three runs but struck out seven over 4.2 innings in a laugher of a win for the Mets. All in all, the Mets got an encouraging glimpse at their future with their three young starters all impressing.

Jonah Tong by Roberto Carlo

3 DOWN

SCARY MOMENT

Some things are bigger than baseball. That was the case on Thursday when Jared Young was carted off the field following a collision with Nolan McLean. The infielder was taken to the hospital and underwent tests following what was just a really scary scene. Thankfully, while he has a concussion, Young has since been discharged from the hospital and has full motion in his arms and legs. He is also able to walk. However, it was still a really scary moment and a tough way for Young’s exceptional season to end.

KILLER BLOW

The Mets were down by just two runs in the series finale on Sunday, with a chance to still play spoiler. However, Kodai Senga came in and gave up a three-run triple to Justin Crawford, putting the game out of reach. While wins and losses don’t matter, it still would have been great if the Mets could have taken the series. Plus, it raises fresh questions about Senga’s future role with this team.

MISSTEP

Speaking of players needing to impress, Jonah Tong suffered a slight setback over the weekend. The young pitcher struggled, allowing four earned runs and four walks over 4.2 innings. Tong didn’t have his best stuff, and he faced a lot of traffic. Now, while it was just one start, finishing strong was always going to be important for Tong as he looks to force his way into the rotation in 2027.

The post 3 Up, 3 Down: Mets Finish Home Schedule With Series Split appeared first on Metsmerized.

The Mets filed out of the dugout after Sunday’s 7-2 loss to the Phillies in their home finale and tipped their hats in the direction of the radio booth to honor Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose. The 72-year-old who was born in Brooklyn and went to high school and college in Queens had called his last game after 40 seasons covering the team.

Rose had delivered an emotional goodbye Saturday because Sunday’s game was threatened by rain. He choked up signing off: “Most importantly we shared some time bonding over the exploits of the team we love, the New York Mets. And so, as I said yesterday, in closing, thank you and I love you all.”

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Jonah Tong allowed four earned runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked four. Bo Bichette hit his 17th home run. The Mets went 36-45 at Citi Field this year. Johnluke Chaparro’s recap is here.

“I know his impact won’t be lost on each and every single one of us,” Tong said of Rose. “I know for me especially, he was one of the first people I met when I came up here. His catch line and smile will always be something I remember moving forward.”

Latest Mets News

Pre-game rain prompted the Mets to delay Rose’s retirement ceremony to the opening home weekend of 2027.

New York (71-85) is off Monday, then will finish the season with a six-game road trip to Texas and Washington, D.C. Sean Manaea (5-7, 4.74 ERA) will face Rangers LHP MacKenzie Gore (8-11, 4.67 ERA) at 8:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Triple-A Syracuse lost 5-4 in 11 innings to Lehigh Valley in its season finale. The Mets needed a win and a Rochester loss to make the International League playoffs. Rochester won 15-8.

Latest MLB News

Giants announcer Duane Kuiper said he was recently diagnosed with throat cancer and began treatment last week. He will miss some games, but plans to return this weekend for the final broadcasts with his long-time partner Mike Krukow, who is retiring.

The Braves (92-64) clinched the NL East with a 4-2 win over the Astros.

Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman was hit in the face by a foul ball while standing near the on-deck circle. He was taken to the hospital for X-rays and CT scans. Manager Craig Counsell said he was struck under the eye on the left cheekbone.

Shohei Ohtani is expected to come off the injured list and pitch this week, possibly during a three-game series with the Padres that starts Tuesday, manager Dave Roberts said.

Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left in the fourth inning of a 7-2 win over the Rangers with left lower back tightness.

Toronto RHP Dylan Cease underwent an MRI on his shoulder, which he said felt “fatigued,” per Blue Jays sportscaster Hazel Mae. Cease will miss his scheduled start on Wednesday, but may pitch in the regular season’s final weekend, Toronto manager John Schneider told Mae.

Huascar Brazobán was activated off of the injured list for the White Sox.

The Rangers placed RHP Cal Quantrill on the injured list. He suffered right lat tightness during an appearance on Saturday.

Latest on MMO

Carson Benge broke Pete Alonso‘s single-season rookie record for hits. John Stocum wrote about the keys to Benge’s encouraging year.

D’Andre Smith kept Syracuse’s playoff hopes alive with a walk-off homer on Saturday.

On This Date in Mets History

2001: Baseball returns to New York City for the first time since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Four first responders throw out the first pitch. Diana Ross, Marc Anthony, Liza Minnelli and bagpipers perform. Mike Piazza hits a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning of a 3-2 win over the Braves that brought a bit of much-needed joy to the 41,235 on hand. Howie Rose’s iconic call met the moment.

1987: Darryl Strawberry steals two bases in a 7-1 victory over the Cubs to join Howard Johnson in the 30-30 club, marking the first time teammates have done it in the same season.

1973: The Mets move into first place with a 10-2 win over the Pirates. John Milner, Wayne Garrett and Rusty Staub homer. New York was in last place on Aug. 30, though only 6 1/2 games out of first. The Mets have won 16 of 22 to even their record at 77-77.

On This Date in 1986 Mets

With the division clinched and home-field advantage decided by alternating years, September call-up John Mitchell makes his first career start. He allows four earned runs in five innings in a 7-1 loss to the Phillies in front of 42,631 at Shea Stadium. The Mets are 97-52.

Born on This Date: Devin Williams (1994), Antonio Bastardo (1985), Joaquín Arias (1984), Greg Burke (1982), Scott Rice (1981), D.J. Dozier (1965).

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Cristopher Sanchez was on the mound for the Phillies, delivering a strong performance by limiting the Mets’ offense to just two runs over 6 1/3 innings, while striking out six batters and allowing six hits. Alex McFarlane came in to relieve Sanchez, and after the Mets started a rally in the seventh inning, he managed to halt their momentum by getting Francisco Lindor to pop out for an infield fly and striking out Juan Soto.

On the flip side, Jonah Tong struggled on the mound for the Mets, only going 4 and 2/3 innings. He gave up four early runs, walked four batters, allowed five hits, and recorded five strikeouts, throwing 29 pitches in the first inning alone. Tong was also accidentally spiked by Phillies infielder Bryson Stott at first base early in the game but continued to pitch.

Jack Weisenburger and Jefry Yan provided scoreless innings, but things fell apart when Kodai Senga entered the game. Senga managed to get one out but then walked the bases loaded and allowed a bases-clearing triple to Justin Crawford, which effectively sealed the victory for Philadelphia. Senga struggled with his control during most of his outing and did not finish the eighth inning.

Austin Warren came in to relieve Senga, with the Mets walking four batters in the top of the eighth. Warren would come out for a second inning and would pitch a scoreless frame.

Aside from Bo Bichette‘s home run in the bottom of the sixth inning and Brett Baty‘s RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, the Mets’ offense had another lackluster performance. New York left six runners on base and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with Francisco Alvarez being the only player to record multiple hits during the game. A.J. Ewing went 2-for-2 after coming into the game for Nick Morabito.

After the final out, the entire New York Mets dugout walked over to behind home plate and raised their caps and helmets to salute Howie Rose.

Player of the Game: Howie Rose

For nearly 40 years, Howie Rose was a prominent voice for the Mets, whether through pregame or postgame shows on television or radio. He is one of the best in the business. Throughout numerous highs and countless lows, Howie provided fans with a soundtrack for many summers, skillfully painting a vivid picture of each game and guiding us through the season alongside his partner. As a fan himself, he connected with the emotions that fans experienced throughout the games, making the broadcasts enjoyable for everyone who listened.

Congratulations to Howie Rose on an illustrious career and a well-deserved retirement!

On Deck

The Mets are off Monday but will travel to Arlington, Texas, and Globe Life Field to take on the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Sean Manaea (5-7, 4.74 ERA) will start on the mound for the Mets, while the Rangers have not announced a starter for the series opener. First pitch will take place at 8:05 pm ET and will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio 880.

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The New York Mets will try to “put it in the books” for the last time at home this season. Prior to being postponed to 2027 due to the presence of weather, the long-time voice of the Mets, Howie Rose was set to be honored. He has been the soundtrack for many fans over the years, connecting generations.

Mets Lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Juan Soto – LF
3. Bo Bichette – 3B
4. Mark Vientos – 1B
5. Carson Benge – RF
6. Marcus Semien – 2B
7. Francisco Alvarez – DH
8. Nick Morabito – CF
9. Luis Torrens – C

Starting Pitcher: Jonah Tong

Jonah Tong has pitched in five games this season totaling 21 innings, surpassing his inning total for last season. He has a 3.43 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 1.190 WHIP, and a 121 ERA+. Tong is coming off of his best start of the season where he held the Orioles’ bats to one unearned run over six innings while striking out six batters. He has 13 strikeouts in his last 11 innings pitched.

The only player on the Phillies who has faced Tong before is Luis Arráez (1-for-1).

Phillies Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber – DH
2. Trea Turner – SS
3. Bryce Harper – RF
4. Luis Arráez – 2B
5. Alec Bohm – 1B
6. Bryson Stott – 3B
7. Brandon Marsh – LF
8. J .T. Realmuto – C
9. Justin Crawford – CF

Starting Pitcher: Cristopher Sanchez

The Mets have a tall order Sunday afternoon in Cristopher Sánchez. Sánchez is having a superb season, making 31 starts totaling 193 2/3 innings with a 2.93 ERA, 2.79 FIP, 1.224 WHIP, and a 156 ERA+. He is currently leading the league with 7.6 bWAR and if that holds it will be his second consecutive season leading the league in bWAR (8.1 last season).

That being said, he’s had a really rough last couple of games where he has allowed 11 runs over 12 1/3 innings. Sánchez has a 6.87 ERA in the month of September and has allowed at least three runs in four of his last five starts.

In his one start against the Mets this season, he held the Mets to one run over six innings. The Mets have the following career stats against him:

• Francisco Alvarez 1-11, 4 K
• Brett Baty 0-4, 3 K
• Carson Benge 0-3, 2 K
• Bo Bichette 2-12, 3 K
• Francisco Lindor 6-20, 2 BB, K
• Ronny Mauricio 1-4, HR, 3 K
• Christopher Morel 0-6, BB, 3 K
• Marcus Semien 1-5, BB
• Juan Soto 6-17, 2B, BB, 4 K
• Luis Torrens 1-10, 2B, BB, 3 K
• Mark Vientos 6-17, 4 2B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 8 K

Game Notes

As mentioned above, the ceremony honoring Howie Rose has been postponed to 2027 out of the fear of weather.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Carson Benge. Benge went 3-for-4 on Saturday hitting his 19th home run of the season and breaking Pete Alonso‘s record for most hits by a Mets rookie. He’s now only one home run away from a 20-20 season!
2. 300. Francisco Lindor has one more chance at home to get his 300th career home run. Lindor hit two home runs September 12 and has been sitting at 299 since then.
3. Last game at home. It’s been a trying year for the Mets. Sky high expectations to start that fell apart with a disastrous losing streak in mid-April. Lackluster play in May and June, injuries to star players, the Mets were basically out of it by the end of June. After trading away players in July the team was rejuvenated and has played well for the last two months.

The post Game Chat: Phillies vs. Mets, 1:10 P.M. appeared first on Metsmerized.

David Stearns was spotted in Japan watching Teruaki Sato of the Hanshin Tigers and he must have been impressed. The 27-year-old, left-handed hitting third baseman/outfielder homered twice to bring his season total to 34 in 120 games. He entered Thursday with a 1.022 OPS. He is expected to be posted this winter. The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers and Phillies are all reportedly interested.

Teruaki Sato

With the day off Thursday, I took a peek at the lotto standings. The Mets enter Friday with the fifth-best odds (8.75%) at securing the top pick in the draft and a 63.6% shot at a top-six selection, per Tankathon. The draft lottery is in December.

The Mets have picked first overall five times: RHP Paul Wilson (1994), OF Shawn Abner (1984), OF Darryl Strawberry (1980), SS Tim Foli (1968) and C Steven Chilcott (1966).

Nolan McLean (10-8, 3.06 ERA) has not allowed an earned run over his last 17 innings. He will try to keep that and his late push for Rookie of the Year going when the Mets (63-77) host the Giants Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET. Rookie LHP Matt Wilkinson (0-2, 4.63 ERA) goes for San Francisco.

Latest Mets News

High-A Brooklyn first baseman Ronald Hernandez went 5-for-5 with two homers and six RBIs in a 12-5 win over Frederick Thursday.

Émilien Pitre, 23, acquired from Tampa Bay in the Freddy Peralta trade, was named the second baseman on MLB Pipeline’s 2026 All-Breakout Team. See the whole team here.

Pitre was hitting .315/.430/.437 with five homers, 21 doubles and five triples in 107 games entering Thursday from High-A to Triple-A. He had stolen 34 bases in 47 tries. “He’s not a slugger or a speedster, but he has some gap power and base-stealing savvy,” wrote MLB.com’s Jim Callis.

Triple-A Syracuse placed third baseman Billy Amick on the temporary inactive list, which is usually done due to a personal matter.

The Mets claimed RHP Cameron Weston off waivers from the Orioles and optioned him to Syracuse. Weston, 26, has pitched to a 7.89 ERA in 51 1/3 innings at Triple-A Norfolk this season. Catcher Shawn Ross was designated for assignment.

Howie Rose, who will retire after the Mets’ home finale on Sept. 20, spent an hour on the Awful Announcing podcast.

Latest MLB News

Home runs are up 38% from last year and runs are at historic levels overall in the minor leagues and JJ Cooper of Baseball America looked into why. Better hitting? Worse pitching? Cooper said the “most eye-opening data point I found” is that Triple-A uses the MLB baseball and all other levels use a minor-league ball. A telling chart is here.

MLB announced August award winners for each league. Players of the Month were Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC) and Jac Caglianone (KC). Pitchers of the Month were Jesús Luzardo (PHI) and Noah Cameron (KC). Rookies of the Month were Sal Stewart (CIN) and Tristan Peters (CWS). Relievers of the Month were Trevor Megill (MIL) and Josh Hader (HOU).

Shohei Ohtani, who hasn’t pitched since July and has battled knee inflammation and right biceps pain for months, was out of the starting lineup on Thursday.

Pirates rookie SS Konnor Griffin is hoping to be activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday.

Latest on MMO

Andrew Steele-Davis reviews the good (Nick Morabito) and the bad (Sean Manaea) of the series with the Rays in 3 Up, 3 Down.

MMO’s Jorge Eckardt selected a Player and Pitcher of the Month for each minor-league level. Jonah Tong, Jefferson Rojas and Yonatan Henriquez were among his picks.

Jordan Baron wrote more about Morabito’s big night.

Satchel Pena-Rivero recapped Wednesday’s minor-league action, which included five scoreless innings for Noah Hall at Double-A Binghamton and a Sammy Stafura double for Brooklyn.

On This Date in Mets History

1985: A day after hitting three homers in an 8-3 win over Padres, Gary Carter belts two more in a 9-2 victory at Jack Murphy Stadium. He becomes the 11th player in MLB history to hit five homers in two games.

1972: The Mets split a doubleheader with the Cubs. In Game 1, future Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins (four-hit shutout) outduels soon-to-be Rookie of the Year Jon Matlack (eight innings, nine strikeouts, two runs) in a 2-0 Cubs win. In Game 2, Gary Gentry throws eight innings of one-run ball and strikes out seven in a 7-2 New York triumph. Tommie Agee doubled and Bud Harrelson had three hits.

On This Date in 1986 Mets

The Mets beat the Red Sox 7-3 in a charity exhibition game attended by 33,057 at Fenway Park that was planned 19 months ago and turned out to be a World Series preview.

(When the Mets dropped the first two games of the World Series at home, my dad was distraught. No team had ever come back to win the WS after losing the first two at home except for the 1985 Royals and he thought the odds of it happening two years in a row were remote. But 12-year-old me was confident the Mets could win in Fenway because a month prior I watched them do it in a meaningless game.)

When the teams played another exhibition game the following May at Shea Stadium, Bill Buckner said to Mookie Wilson, “Mookie, what do you say you hit me some ground balls?”

Born on This Date: Andrés Giménez (1998), Chris Beck (1990), Joe DePastino (1973), Luis López (1970), Mike Piazza (1968).

The post Morning Briefing: With Stearns Scouting, Japanese Slugger Sato Homers Twice appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Allison Waxman

I am depressed. But there’s something about his call of Pete’s go-ahead HR in the 2024 NLWC that just puts the cherry on top of all Howie calls. Watching him listen to it on the plane with the team was extra special.

David Melendi

It’s so cool that a kid from Queens grew up to be the announcer for his favorite team. His passion for the Mets is real. The Mets need to do the right thing and give him a proper send off with emcee duties in the Canyon of Heroes.

Matthew Tutrone

For nearly four decades, Howie’s voice has brought Mets games to life in my car, on my commute, and whenever the Mets game isn’t on SNY. Throughout the team’s history, Mets fans have been blessed with some of the greatest broadcasters in baseball, and Howie certainly ranks among them. I wish him an amazin’ retirement, and hope the 2026 season allows him an emphatic, ultimate “Put it in the books!” with a Mets World Series victory.

Michelle Ioannou

I will never forget sitting next to Howie and getting the chance to chat with him when I’d cover Mets games for Metsmerized. He was entirely down to earth, and always willing to chat, even though I wasn’t one of the “official” beat writers. Of course I can go on about all of his legendary calls – Bartolo Colon‘s home run, Pete Alonso‘s go-ahead home run in the 2024 NLWC, and so on. But I want to mention his memoir – reading that, as a kid from Queens who went to the same high school as Howie, was really cool. Him telling stories of how he’d take the bus from Cardozo to Shea Stadium hit home, as it was the same bus I would ride.

Matt Mancuso

Without Howie Rose, 2024’s playoff run would feel less magical. His calls merely didn’t demonstrate his passion for his job, but his best-in-class articulation of the English language. Howie’s a unique breed – a broadcaster whose passion for his job never fades from March to October. If there was ever a modern-day Vin Scully, Howie would certainly be in the running.

Mojo Hill

Much like Gary Cohen on TV, there’s just something iconic and pleasing about listening to Howie Rose call a Mets game. I have memories of listening to him from when I was a kid in L.A. to an adult driving through North Dakota backroads. Whoever replaces him, however much talent they might have, it just won’t be quite the same.

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki

Howie Rose was the soundtrack of my childhood. During baseball season, my dad would pick me up from swim practice and I’d hear Howie’s voice on the radio. It’s hard to pick a single favorite call of his, it’s a close one between his call of Mike Piazza‘s post-9/11 home run and Pete Alonso’s go-ahead homer in the 2024 Wild Card Series. I hope the Mets are able to put a World Series in the books for Howie.

Johnluke Chaparro

As Mets fans, regardless of the on-field product, we’ve been blessed with incredibly talented and well rounded broadcasters over the lifespan of this franchise. Howie Rose, whether it was on television or radio, has been able to call and describe Mets baseball with incredible grace and skill in a way that puts him up there with the likes of Mel Allen and Vin Scully. That might sound a bit pretentious to some, but for all of us, he’s been the soundtrack of many wonderful summers, as well as some that haven’t gone the way we’ve wanted.

As an aspiring play-by-play broadcaster, pretty much any call hes made during his career has been phenomenal and ive modeled my potential career how he does his games. My favorite moments of his boil down to two moments in two different sports. First, his “Matteau, Matteau, Matteau” call during game 7 of the 1994 ECF against the NJ Devils is one of his best. Secondly, outside of his 2015 pennant winning call on Jeurys Familia‘s strikeout on Dexter Fowler, his best Mets moment on the air would be his call of Johan Santana‘s no hitter in 2012. The pure excitement and elation in his voice as a fan and broadcaster was evident, as he, like the rest of us, had no idea that the franchise would ever achieve a no hitter, ever! That and his post game chat with Gary Cohen was peak broadcasting at its finest.

Howie is a Mets treasure and he will be missed on the air dearly. He is one of us and it came through plenty during his calls. Thats why he’s the best.

Brandyn Pokrass

There’s nothing better than a Howie Rose call in a big-time Mets moment. He, more than almost any radio or TV broadcaster, knows how to elevate that moment. From when I was a kid to when I was driving through North Jersey as a college student, Howie Rose had been a key part of the soundtrack of my Mets’ fandom. I truly cannot imagine a world  without Howie Rose doing games for the Mets, but just as I have every other season, I will treasure the games he does all throughout 2026. 

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Howie has worked with many partners in his Mets career, including Tom McCarthy, Wayne Hagin, Josh Lewin, Wayne Randazzo and since 2023 he has called games with Keith Raad.

Outside of baseball, he has worked as a play-by-play radio announcer for the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders, worked for Fox NHL Saturday, MLB on Fox, and called Long Island Blackbird basketball and soccer games. He also frequently serves as the master of ceremonies for on-field events for the Mets. In 2013, he released his autobiography, Put it in the Book.

Will Sammon of the Athletic immediately voiced his praise of Howie’s career writing, “Howie Rose is everything you want in a broadcaster. Prepared. Honest. Insightful. Curious. Informed. Entertaining. Every time, he meets the moment.”

After 2026, Howie will officially “put it in the books!”

“I’ve got two things on my bucket list – meeting Paul McCartney and/or Ringo Starr and calling the final out of a Mets World Series championship,” Rose said.

The post Howie Rose to Retire After 2026 Season appeared first on Metsmerized.

Longtime Mets radio voice Howie Rose will work fewer games this season. As reported by Anthony Rieber, Rose will not travel during the regular season but intends to call every postseason game, home and away, if the Mets make it this season. Rose will call a total of 84 games this season, including all 81 home games and a three-game series against the Yankees in The Bronx. In recent years, Rose’s schedule has been reduced partly due to his diagnosis of bladder cancer in 2021.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Latest Mets News

Construction equipment has arrived at Citi Field. Mark Weprin reported that heavy machinery appears to signal the Mets are breaking ground on a portion of the parking lot for Metropolitan Park.

The Mets plan to embrace the ABS challenge system in Spring Training fully. According to SNY’s Chelsea Janes, manager Carlos Mendoza said the team intends to be “aggressive” with challenges so players can learn who handles the system well before adjustments are made.

Outfielder Mike Tauchman had other offers, but chose New York. As shared by NJ Advanced Media’s Max Goodman, Tauchmann said he felt there was a legitimate opportunity to make the team and have the right camp experience to prepare for 2026.

The Triple-A affiliate will remain the Syracuse Mets, for now. According to The Syracuse Mets X account, due to copyright and trademark issues, a new team name is coming in 2028, with Opening Day set for Tuesday, March 31, this season.

The Mets made sure Brett Baty felt valued amid roster changes. Per SNY, the club called Baty before signing Bo Bichette to reinforce their belief in him. Baty described the communication as “tremendous” while discussing his offseason and 2026 outlook on Mets Hot Stove.

According to Bloomberg’s Nishant Kumar and Tom Metcalf, Mets owner Steve Cohen pulled in $3.4 billion, leading Bloomberg’s annual hedge fund rankings and edging out fellow heavyweights like David Tepper and Israel Englander.

Latest MLB News

The Rays have made their decision for the start of the season, as per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Drew Rasmussen will get the ball on Opening Day for Tampa Bay.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that with a potential lockout looming, teams have assembled a $2 billion-plus war chest, and ownership appears unusually unified around the idea of a salary cap. One source told Heyman, “I have never seen the clubs more united.”

Latest on MMO

Robert Colonna highlights some new notes and developments from Mets camp.

Rafael Gonzalez wraps up the 2026 NL East positional rankings with shortstop.

On This Date In Mets History

Born On This Date: Luis Severino (1994), Justin Verlander (1983), Liván Hernández (1975), Shane Spencer (1972), Phil Lombardi (1963).

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One of the last few notable starting pitcher free agents came off the board on Friday, with Zac Gallen re-signing with the Diamondbacks. Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the deal is for one-year, $22.025 million, the same value of the qualifying offer Gallen initially rejected. Gallen struggled to a 4.83 ERA in 2025, but he’s been the ace of the Arizona rotation for several years now, finishing in the top 10 of NL Cy Young balloting three times.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Francisco Alvarez has lost eight or 10 pounds this offseason after focusing on his nutrition. He is also planning on keeping the same batting stance that saw him have success late last season.

Jonah Tong told reporters he is focused on continuing to develop his off-speed pitches this season.

Latest MLB News

Per Robert Murray of FanSided, the Cubs signed reliever Shelby Miller to a multi-year deal. Miller was solid in 2025 between the Diamondbacks and Brewers, recording a 2.74 ERA in 48 appearances. He looked especially strong in Arizona, where he had a 1.98 ERA in 37 appearances.

Per ESPN‘s Jeff Passan, the Astros traded outfielder Jesús Sánchez to the Blue Jays for outfielder Joey Loperfido. Sánchez spent 2025 between Miami and Houston, where he recorded 14 home runs and a .699 OPS. Loperfido returns to the Astros, who originally traded him for Yusei Kikuchi in 2024, after recording an .879 OPS in 104 major league plate appearances last year.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Brewers signed infielder Luis Rengifo to a major league contract. Rengifo, a career Angel, had just a .622 OPS a season ago after three consecutive solid years at the plate.

Feinsand also reported that the Reds signed first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a non-roster deal. Lowe spent 2025 between the Nationals and Red Sox, struggling in Washington before finding late-season success in Boston.

Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com wrote an article on everything fans should know about the new ABS Challenge System.

Latest on MMO

Elliot Teichman provides insight on Mets non-roster invitee Christian Arroyo.

David Melendi analyzes a recent survey from The Athletic which pins the Mets as the most improved team in the National League.

Michael Mayer breaks down MMO’s 41st through 45th ranked Mets prospects.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Tyler Clippard (1985), Kelly Stinnett (1970).

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Wednesday saw some of the final big names on the market find their homes for the 2025 season. While Alex Bregman caught most of the headlines, starting pitcher Nick Pivetta landed in San Diego after his five-year stint in Boston.

The right-handed starting pitcher, who the Mets showed interest in throughout the offseason, signed a four-year, $55 million deal with the San Diego Padres, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal includes a pair of opt-outs and comes in the midst of trade rumors that continue to swirl around Padres starting pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease. 

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Latest Mets News

The Mets officially announced the Pete Alonso signing!

It seems as though the Mets are moving on without Jose Iglesias, as David Stearns stated, “Having some flexibility there in that role is frankly probably needed for us right now”, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

The Mets agreed to a one-year deal with reliever Drew Smith, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The deal includes a club option for the 2026 season.

Latest MLB News

All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has agreed to a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. There are opt-outs after each season for Bregman.

Former Met Daniel Vogelbach has been hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates to be a special assistant to the hitting department, per Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

Anthony Rendon‘s injury-ridden run continues. He will be missing a “long amount of time” as he is undergoing hip surgery, per Sam Blum of The Athletic.

Dodgers high-end relievers Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips are behind schedule and likely to start the season on the IL, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. 

The Miami Marlins signed right-handed starting pitcher Cal Quantrill to a one-year major league deal, per Alden González of ESPN.

The Milwaukee Brewers signed LHP Tyler Alexander to a one-year deal.

Latest on MMO

Alex Bregman found his new home, the Boston Red Sox.

The Mets seem to be closing the book on the “OMG” era.

Drew Smith is coming back to Queens.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Mike Nickeas (1983), Brian Rose (1976), Howie Rose (1954).

The post Morning Briefing: Nick Pivetta Signs With San Diego appeared first on Metsmerized.