The Mets kicked off the 2026 season with a huge home win on Opening Day, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7. Carson Benge had a dream MLB debut and the entire offense was firing on all cylinders making for a fun home opener at Citi Field.

The Mets will have a customary day off on Friday before returning to Citi Field on Saturday for the second game of the series. It will be right-handed pitcher Mitch Keller on the mound for the Pirates against left-handed pitcher David Peterson for the Mets as he makes his first start of 2026.

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The Mets made history on Thursday. As noted by Sarah Langs of MLB.com, with the Mets starting Bo Bichette at third base for the first time in his career and Jorge Polanco at first base for just the second time in his career, the Mets became the second team in the last 100 years to start two non-rookie infielders on Opening Day with one or no prior MLB games at that position. They join the 1948 Brooklyn Dodgers, who started Jackie Robinson at second base and Billy Cox at third base.

Per Ryan Morik of Fox News, New York Mets legend Keith Hernandez says he still gets paid “close to $5,000” per year in “Seinfeld” residuals.

Mike Janela shared one of the newest Citi Field features: The Mets now display the title and artist for every Mets batter’s walk-up song.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Mike Tauchman had surgery on Thursday morning to repair his torn meniscus in his left knee. The surgery went as expected and he will be out another six weeks before being cleared to return to play.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Carson Benge became the 14th player with a home run and a stolen base in his MLB debut since the modern stole base rule was adopted back in 1898. He is the second Met: Lenny Dykstra on May 3, 1985 and the first MLB player to do so since Weston Wilson on August 9, 2023.

ESPN noted that along with Benge hitting a home run in his MLB debut, Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox and JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals both hit a home run in their first career MLB games as well. This marked the first season in MLB history that three players, each in his MLB debut, homered on Opening Day.

Mathew Brownstein of Metsmerized mentioned the three youngest players to record at least one walk, one home run and one stolen base on Opening Day. Those included Barry Bonds, who was 24 years, 254 days old (1989); Bryce Harper, who was 23 years, 171 days (2016); and now Carson Benge: 23 years, 65 days (2026).

Jorge Castillo of ESPN reported that the Mets and outfielder Tommy Pham are in agreement on a minor league deal.

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The Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday announced that they placed outfielder Jackson Chourio on the 10-day injured list with a left hand fracture, retroactive to Wednesday. In return they recalled outfielder Blake Perkins from Triple-A Nashville.

Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN, according to sources, the Chicago Cubs are in agreement with second baseman Nico Hoerner on a six-year deal, pending a physical.

Per MLB, 15-year MLB veteran Carl Crawford shared a moment with his son, Justin, after his Major League Debut.

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Christian De Block previewed the first series of the Mets/ 2026 season and their home opener against the new-look Pittsburgh Pirates.

Michelle Ioannou and the Metsmerized staff discussed their 2026 Mets hot takes in an MMO roundtable piece.

The Metsmerized podcast released its 2026 season preview.

Michael Simon recapped the New York Mets’ 2026 home opener, including Carson Benge’s home run and the Mets’ offense crushing Paul Skenes.

Alexis Farinacci recapped Carson Benge’s dream MLB debut.

On This Date in Mets History

1987: The Mets traded backup catcher Ed Hearn to the Kansas City Royals along with pitcher Rick Anderson in exchange for pitcher David Cone.

Born on This Date: Clay Holmes (1993), Brandon Nimmo (1993), Johnny Monell (1986), Michael Cuddyer (1979), Bill Sudakis (1946).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets’ Bats Get Off to Rip-Roaring Start appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Welcome to the second half of the Grapefruit League version of the New York Subway Series in Florida. The Mets defeated the Yankees on Feb. 22 in Tampa and will go for the sweep on Sunday with Freddy Peralta on the hill for New York.

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WBC RESULTS

• Korea 6 – Japan 8
• Colombia 2 – Canada 8
• Nicaragua 3 – Netherlands 4. Mark Vientos was 0-5 with two strikeouts.
• Brazil 0 – Italy 8
• Panama 3 – Puerto Rico 4. Jose Ramos was 0-4 with a run scored.
• Israel 3 – Venezuela 11.
• Great Britain 1 – USA 9. Clay Holmes (W, 1-0) threw three shutout innings. He gave up one hit and struck out six, throwing 38 pitches (28 for strikes) and was credited with the win.
• Chinese Taipei 5 – Korea 4 (10 innings)

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The captain will be in town on Monday! Fans can purchase a pregame meet-and-greet, along with a photo and autograph opportunity and a VIP cocktail hour with the captain before the Mets take on the Marlins at 6:10 p.m. at Clover Park. Tickets can be purchased through the St. Lucie Mets.

Per Mets Player Development, Elian Peña took MLB Pipeline No. 34 overall prospect Liam Doyle deep in his first game of spring training.

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Mojo Hill recapped Sean Manaea’s first spring outing, discussing his fastball velocity being down in this outing.

Michelle Ioannou and the MMO staff discuss who they think will win the World Baseball Classic and their favorite to win WBC MVP in an MMO roundtable.

Evan Mazza recapped the Mets’ 3-2 Saturday win over the Cardinals that included Kodai Senga giving up two home runs along the way.

On This Date in Mets History

1966: Casey Stengel found at an awards ceremony that he had been unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame.

Born on This Date: Tommy Pham (1988), Williard Hunter (1935).

The post Morning Briefing: Clay Holmes Earns Win For Team USA appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets got a two-for-one negative pitching update Friday night. As reported in an Athletic article by Tim Britton, both Tylor Megill and Reed Garrett have been recommended for Tommy John surgery.

Both pitchers are still receiving additional opinions and going through their options before their plans are finalized. Megill was great in March and April before struggling in May and June, and hasn’t pitched in the majors since then. Garrett has had his ups and downs, too, but was still a valuable part of the bullpen who the Mets may be without for the foreseeable future.

NL Wild Card Update

The Mets won 12-6 in their opener over the Nationals. The Reds won their third straight, 7-4, remaining 2.0 games behind the Mets for the third Wild Card spot.

The Diamondbacks lost 8-2 to the Phillies, and the Giants lost 6-3 to the Dodgers. They’re now three and four games back of the Mets, respectively.

Latest Mets News

Britton’s piece also noted that fireballer Dylan Ross likely would have been in the majors by now if not for a blister. There’s still a chance, per Britton, that Ross could be promoted this season and could even make the postseason roster.

Juan Soto achieved history in his first season as a Met when on Friday night he hit home run No. 42 on the season, a career high in home runs for Soto.

According to Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online, there have been two seasons in MLB history with at least 42 home runs, 30 stolen bases and 120 walks:

• Juan Soto, 2025
• Barry Bonds, 1996

Soto is making big history as a Met.

The Mets are expecting a larger-than usual crowd on Saturday and due to the expected attendance, they have adjusted gate-opening times to earlier:

• Parking lots/ Block party: 1:10 p.m.
• Early entry season ticket member gates: 1:40 p.m.
• All other gates: 2:10 p.m.
• First pitch: 4:10 p.m.

According to Major League Baseball, Francisco Lindor is the first shortstop in MLB history with four seasons of 25-plus home runs and 25-plus stolen bases. The 2025 campaign was the third season in a row he has done such.

Tyrone Taylor was 1-for-4 with an RBI and played six innings defensively in his first rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse.

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Baseball legend Clayton Kershaw made his final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium on Friday. The future Hall of Famer struck out the last batter he faced and exited to a raucous ovation.

According to Major League Baseball, Jazz Chisholm Jr. on Friday became the third player in New York Yankees history to post a 30-home run/30-stolen base season.

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John Stocum recapped the Mets’ minor league affiliate games from Thursday that included Jack Wenninger shining in the game that sent Binghamton on to the ELCS.

Kai Chang recapped Jonah Tong’s rebound performance from Thursday.

Andrew Steele-Davis breaks down the four-up, two-down of the Mets’ series against the Padres.

Check out the most recent episode of the MMO Podcast.

Jack Markowski previews Taylor’s first rehab assignment on his journey back from injury.

Christian De Block previewed the Mets’ series against the Nationals in their final home series of 2025.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Zach Pop (1996), AJ Ramos (1986), Jason Bay (1978), Dave Gallagher (1960), Dennis Ribant (1941).

The post Morning Briefing: Megill, Garrett Recommended For Tommy John appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

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It’s not the first time that Marte’s name has been discussed in trades, as David Stearns publicly stated that he was the subject of talks this past offseason.

Marte is in the final year of a four-year, $78 million contract that he signed in November 2021. Brought in to be a starting outfielder, he was pushed to the bench/part-time DH role once the team signed Juan Soto.

Marte was just activated after a short stint on the injured list for his knee. Not needing a rehab assignment, he started against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday and went 2-for-4 with a double.

Marte has done his job admirably this season. Slashing .275/.356/.395, he’s currently playing his best ball of the year, as he’s recorded multiple hits in his last four starts. The active career leader in stolen bases with 359, Marte has swiped just five bags so far in 2025 and is on track for the fewest he’s ever had in a full season.

Marte has mostly been confined to DH duties, but he has played a total of 31 innings in the field this year. If other teams are truly interested in taking on Marte in a potential deal, any added versatility would be a bonus.

The post Starling Marte Drawing Trade Interest appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Raley, who signed a one-year deal with the club in April, will now slot in as the Mets’ lone left-handed reliever after they designated Richard Lovelady for assignment to make room on the 26-man roster. 

Brooks Raley. Photo by Roberto Carlo

Across two separate stints with New York, Lovelady logged a 10.80 ERA across eight appearances and 8 1/3 innings.

Raley made eight appearances across three levels during his rehab assignment, which began in the middle of June. In nine innings, he gave up no runs, seven hits and one walk to go alongside 13 strikeouts. The timing of Raley’s return couldn’t be better, as the bullpen is still searching for a reliable lefty following season-ending injuries to both A.J. Minter and Danny Young. 

Additionally, the Mets provided updates on two more big league pitchers working their way back from injury. The first was right-hander Paul Blackburn officially being placed on a rehab assignment with the Florida Complex League squad in Port St. Lucie. The news was a bit tardy given Blackburn made his first appearance yesterday for the FCL Mets, giving up three hits, one earned run and two walks while recording eight strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings. 

Lastly, the Mets announced that right-hander José Buttó’s rehab assignment was transferred to Triple-A Syracuse. He made a lone appearance for the FCL Mets this past Tuesday, July 15, during which he pitched a scoreless first inning while striking out one batter and giving up a hit. 

Additionally, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that right-handed pitcher Max Kranick will officially undergo Tommy John surgery. He was placed on the 15-day IL with a right flexor strain on June 19.

The post Mets Activate Brooks Raley, DFA Richard Lovelady appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

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It will be Tidwell’s second appearance with the big league club, and both he and the Mets are hoping that this one will go better than the first.

The right-hander pitched in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Cardinals on May 4 and gave up six runs in 3 2/3 innings. For most of the season, Tidwell’s outing was the only one this year in which a Mets starter gave up more than four runs.

Since being sent back down to the minors, Tidwell has pitched to a 4.58 ERA in 35 1/3 innings.

Hagenman, on the other hand, heads back to Triple-A Syracuse after not allowing a run in 2 2/3 frames against the Braves on Thursday.

In other Mets injury news, left-hander Sean Manaea had his rehab assignment transferred to Syracuse. Manaea made three starts for High-A Brooklyn, getting his pitch count up to 56 in 2 1/3 innings in his most recent outing. Manaea has been spotty thus far, though, giving up eight runs in 6 2/3 innings.

The post Mets Recall Blade Tidwell, Sean Manaea’s Rehab Transferred to Syracuse appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The red-hot Philadelphia Phillies (45-30) are tied with the Mets for first place in the division as they get set to face each other. One team is surging. The other is going in the opposite direction. It should make for a very compelling series.

Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups.

Griffin Canning Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

PITCHING MATCHUPS

• Friday: Blade Tidwell (0-1, 14.73 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76 ERA): Justin Hagenman was expected to cover most of the innings in the series opener, but after pitching in relief Thursday, Tidwell will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start Friday. He made his big league debut on May 4 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Tidwell struggled mightily in that outing, throwing 3 2/3 innings while allowing six earned runs, nine hits and three walks. He’s looking for better results this time around. Wheeler, in his age 35 season, remains one of the best starters in baseball. He is full of confidence, allowing two earned runs or less in five of his last six starts. Wheeler has 16 starts against the Mets in his career. He is 5-5 with a 3.53 ERA across 102 innings.
• Saturday: Griffin Canning (6-3, 3.80 ERA) vs. Mick Abel (2-0, 2.21 ERA): Canning has been a great story for the Mets and their rotation. But in recent weeks, he has begun to hit a wall. Canning owned a 2.47 ERA through his first nine starts. Since, he has pitched to a 6.75 ERA over his last 21 1/3 innings. Walks have crushed Canning during that stretch, allowing at least four of them in three of his last five starts. The Mets will get their first look at Abel Saturday. So far, his results have been impressive. He has given up one run or less in three of his first four starts. Abel throws his four-seam fastball 42.7% of the time, averaging 96.1 MPH. He also has a curveball, sinker, slider and a changeup in his arsenal.
• Sunday: David Peterson (5-2, 2.60 ERA) vs. Jesús Luzardo (6-3, 4.41 ERA): With Kodai Senga out for the foreseeable future, Peterson needs to continue to pitch like the ace of the rotation. He has pitched like one all season long, owning the fourth-best ERA in the National League. Peterson’s ability to pitch deeper into games have showcased itself, specifically in June. He has thrown at least seven innings in four of his last five starts. Early on, Luzardo looked like a candidate to win the Cy Young Award. His first season with the Phillies got off to an unbelievable start, but the last couple weeks have not gone well for Luzardo. Over his last five starts, he is 1-3 with a 10.65 ERA. Luzardo has allowed seven home runs this season. Five have come since May 25.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

It has been well-documented that the last week has gone as poorly as possible for the Mets. That being said, the mood around this team could change with one good weekend against a rival in the Phillies. The reality is, every team goes through a losing streak. Even the teams with the talent to win a World Series do. Over a long, 162-game season, lineups and pitching staffs endure tough stretches. A series victory in Philadelphia could do a whole lot of good for the Mets. Playing better, cleaner baseball will be key.

PREDICTION

How the Mets pitch this weekend will play the biggest factor in how this series goes. The Phillies have a very good lineup, even with Bryce Harper on the injured list. I like the Mets to win a game. It will be hard to get two, especially against a team that is 24-13 at home this season. It will be a tight series, but I have the Phillies taking two of three.

The post Series Preview: Struggling Mets Look for Spark in Philadelphia appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Prior to Sunday, July 14 game, manager Carlos Mendoza offered an update on Starling Marte’s status. He described his recovery as, “slow.” He added that, “We’re not sure when he’ll be back.”

Updated Post – June 25, 4:12 PM

Marte will miss at least a month, according to Carlos Mendoza. Ben Gamel was called up in his place.

Updated Post – June 24, 8:30 PM

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Starling Marte is dealing with bone inflammation on his right knee. He’s been told to rest for 15 days. While there’s been no mention of an IL stint, a trip there for Marte is probable.

The Mets will be left with Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor to platoon in the outfield. Jeff McNeil, who’s been in a serious slump, can also play left field, opening up a spot in the lineup for Jose Iglesias as well.

Updated Post – June 22, 18:04 PM

Starling Marte will go for testing on Monday for his knee injury, Carlos Mendoza informed the media after Saturday’s 8-1 loss. Marte was pulled from the game in the second inning due to knee soreness, an ailment that had been troubling him throughout the season.

“Too early to tell,” Mendoza told the media. “Will see how he responds tomorrow, and then off-day Monday, and we’ll go from there.”

Original Post

The New York Mets announced Starling Marte was removed from today’s game in the second inning due to right knee soreness. Marte has been struggling with pain in his knee for some time now and has noticeably lost a step when tracking down balls in the outfield.

Jun 19, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Mets right fielder Starling Marte (6) reacts after hitting an rbi double during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The 35-year-old is in his third year of a four-year $78 million deal and has been a big addition to the Mets on both offense and defense. Since joining the team in 2022 Marte has batted .275 with 28 home runs, 121 RBIs, and 152 runs scored. He has been a part of a great month of June for the Mets batting .333 in his last 15 games with 11 RBIs and a home run. It is uncertain how much time Marte will miss, but for the foreseeable future, the Mets will see Tyrone Taylor and DJ Stewart rotating in the lineup.

The post Mendoza Unsure When Starling Marte Will Return; Describes Recovery as “Slow” appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Leading the way last night was Mark Vientos.

The 24-year-old continues to mash the baseball since he has taken over the third base position from Brett Baty. Since Vientos was called back up in the middle of May is slash .327./.407/.635/1.042 with four homers. The biggest obstacle Vientos has had in his time with the Mets was plate discipline, and he has a healthy 10.6% walk rate and 19.7% strikeout rate this year.

After the game Vientos was asked about the difference between his approach this year. “I think last year going into the off season, that was one of the main focuses: My plate discipline and swinging at pitches in the zone. I can still get better at that but taking it day by day.”

Vientos went 2-for-3 last night with a solo home run, two runs, and two walks.

Mark Vientos. Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Vientos was quick to give Jose Iglesias credit for the way he approaches the game, too.

“When I was in Syracuse, he was one of the mentors, the guys in my ear helping me through the way and telling me how to play the game the right way,” he said. “Guy’s done it at the best for 13 years in the league.” With Jeff McNeil going through it at the plate, the Mets decided to call up Iglesias as a backup middle infielder. Carlos Mendoza and company have shown with different players that if they are struggling they will find alternatives. We are seeing that with Brett Baty being sent down to Triple-A Syracuse and now Jeff McNeil being kept out of the lineup to work on his swing.

Iglesias ended up accounting for two of the Mets runs last night and recorded an RBI with three hits.

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Luis Torrens, the backup catcher who replaced Omar Narváez, even pitched in a hit and two RBIs during the win. Harrison Bader also knocked in two with sacrifice flies (on his birthday, no less).

“There is so many ways you can contribute to a team, not necessarily with the bat or the defense, but with the energy and keep pushing your teammates and supporting them,” Iglesias said. “It’s a long season. We are gonna fail, we will succeed, we got to stay positive and continue to work each and every day—that’s all we can control.” A new positive voice in the clubhouse could be just what the team needs to consistently produce the rest of the season.

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The New York Mets announced on Monday that they have signed first baseman Luke Voit to a minor league contract. He will head to New York and be active on the Triple-A roster for Syracuse on Tuesday. Syracuse opens a six-game series at the Buffalo Bisons in Buffalo, New York on Tuesday.

Voit was traded from the Yankees to the Padres in 2022 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Justin Lange. He was with the Padres until the end of that season before opting out of a minor league contract. He was then traded to the Washington Nationals in the deal that sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell to San Diego.

Voit headed to his third team in 2023 upon signing with the Milwaukee Brewers in free agency. He was signed to a minor league contract and invited to spring training. The Brewers released him earlier this month.

As mentioned above, Voit split the 2022 season between San Diego and Washington. He hit .226/.308/.402 (.710 OPS) overall for the year. He hit 22 doubles, 22 home runs, drove in 69 runs, and had 55 runs scored.

With Milwaukee this season, Voit batted .221/.284/.265 with a .549 OPS. He had three doubles, no home runs, four RBIs, and five runs scored.

Voit has also battled injuries since 2021, including inflammation to his left knee that landed him on the injured list long-term a few times. Most recently, a neck strain last month landed him on the 10-day injured list.

When healthy, Voit is a power hitter who can contribute to the offense. Until he’s needed on the big-league roster, he will head to Triple-A Syracuse.

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