The Mets provided clarity on their upcoming rotation in the coming days. Kodai Senga will pitch Saturday, with Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes to follow. Senga slots into David Peterson‘s original spot in the rotation. Peterson is expected to pitch in some capacity the next turn through the rotation, whether it’s a start or a bulk appearance out of the bullpen.

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

The Mets (9-17) fell to the Rockies (11-16) 4-3 in their series opener Friday night. Freddy Peralta took the loss and fell to 1-3 on the year while Michael Lorenzen dominated for seven innings.

The Mets’ next game against the Rockies is Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET. Kodai Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) will take the mound against former Met José Quintana (0-2, 6.23 ERA).

David Stearns provided updates for injured players such as Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco and A.J. Minter. Lindor will wear a boot for a week and will be re-evaluated in three weeks. Polanco began baseball activities Friday and will undergo more testing this weekend. Minter is doing well in his rehab assignment and isn’t too far off from joining the major league team.

Prior to Friday’s game, the Mets called up pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. from Triple-A. The veteran has recorded a 5.29 ERA in 17 innings with Syracuse this year. The Mets’ corresponding move was optioning Christian Scott.

Keith Hernandez is expected to return to the SNY booth on May 4 in Colorado. Hernandez has been recovering from back surgery.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt commented on Instagram that she is throwing out the first pitch at Citi Field on April 29.

Latest MLB News

The Athletics announced their next Hall of Fame class, which will be inducted September 12. The class includes Dave Henderson, Mark Ellis, Blue Moon Odom and Sandy Alderson.

On This Date in Mets History

2012: David Wright became the all-time leader in RBIs for the Mets on this day 14 years ago. He did so with a two-run homer in a 5-1 win over the Marlins. Wright remains the team’s all-time RBI leader to this day.

Born on This Date: Trevor Williams (1992), Brad Clontz (1971), Blaine Beatty (1964), Tony Phillips (1959), Bob Johnson (1943).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Provide Clarity on Rotation appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

When looking back in team history, the Mets still have a decent ways to go to match the franchise’s longest stretch of losing. In their inaugural season the Metropolitans lost 17 in a row culminating in a 40-120-1 record. To this day that 1962 season is one of the worst regular seasons in baseball history while also, unsurprisingly, features the longest stretch of losing in Mets history.

New York also has a pair of 15-game losing streaks (1963, 1982), a pair of 13-game losing streaks (1962, 1980), a 12-game losing streak (2002), and five 11-game losing streaks (1962, 1963, 1965, 1991, 2004). Specifically, on Saturday, it marked the third time the organization has suffered a 10-game losing streak (1965 twice).

Among the 13 losing streaks above which occurred over eight different seasons the Mets did not make the postseason in any of them. Actually, in each of those seasons they finished in either last or second-to-last in their division.

To further put their current 10-game losing skid in context, noted by Jeff Passan of ESPN, four teams in MLB history have lost 10 or more games in a row and made the playoffs. The last was the Guardians in 2025. Only one of those teams had a skid in April and still made the postseason: the 1951 Giants, who lost 11 consecutive.

The 10-game skid the Mets currently find themselves enduring would make a lot more sense if the team didn’t have sky-high expectations entering the season. New York was favored to win the National League East, trailed only the Dodgers in odds to win the National League pennant, and had one of the best odds to win the World Series. Now, history points to the team not even making the playoffs. It also extends a longer stretch of losing as the Mets are now 45-69 since beginning 45-24 in 2025. That 45-69 record is one of the worst in the big leagues over that time which is extremely disappointing given how high of expectations the organization has had over the last year-plus.

If there is any saving grace to the extremely grim picture manager Carlos Mendoza and his team finds themselves in, there are still 141 games to play. If you are going to have a lengthy losing streak, it is better to do it now than later in the season. However, it is also not encouraging in the slightest to have dug yourself a hole this large not even a month into the season. Hopefully, Sunday marks a type of turnaround for one of the most expensive teams in baseball.

The post How The Mets’ Current 10 Game Losing Streak Stacks Up In Team History appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Latest Mets News

Rock bottom keeps getting deeper and deeper for the Mets (7-13) as they lost their ninth straight game Friday to the Cubs (10-9), 12-4. The game was noncompetitive from the beginning, as Kodai Senga allowed four first-inning runs. Absolutely nothing is going right for the Mets right now, and they are on the verge of a 10-game losing streak just 20 games into the season.

The Mets take on the Cubs again Saturday at 2:20 p.m. ET. Freddy Peralta (1-1, 3.86 ERA) will take the mound against Jameson Taillon (0-1, 4.86 ERA).

Prior to Friday’s game, David Stearns told the media that manager Carlos Mendoza is “doing a very good job,” and he is not to blame for the team’s current skid.

D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Latest MLB News

Angels legend Garret Anderson passed away after dealing with a medical emergency. He was just 53. Anderson holds several Angels records including games played, hits and RBIs. The Angels will wear a patch on their jersey for the remainder of the season to honor Anderson.

Private-equity billionaire José E. Feliciano and his wife are nearing a deal to acquire the San Diego Padres, for an MLB-record $3.9 billion.

The Cubs placed closer Daniel Palencia on the injured list with a left oblique strain. Palencia has pitched in five games this year and has not allowed a run.

Former Mets minor leaguer Luke Ritter signed a minor league deal with the Tigers. Ritter was one of the top power bats in the Mets’ system from 2019-2025.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Brady Clark (1973), Rico Brogna (1970), Doug Flynn (1951), Chuck Taylor (1942), Larry Foss (1936).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets on Brink of Double-Digit Losing Streak appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Baseball began Wednesday night with the Yankees defeating the Giants 7-0, kicking off an exciting 2026 season. The Dodgers still have a target on their heads coming off back-to-back World Series rings, and will look to be the first team to three-peat since the Yankees from 1998-2000.

Meanwhile, the other 29 teams will look to dethrone the champs, especially in the National League, which features a loaded resume of teams. The Mets, Phillies, and injury riddled Braves will compete for an NL East title, the Reds bolstered their roster by re-signing Eugenio Suarez to battle the Cubs and Brewers for the NL Central, and the Giants will have a full season of Rafael Devers to try and keep up with the Padres and Dodgers, who have mainly fought for the NL West the past two seasons.

Will anyone knock the Dodgers off? Probably not. They spent another offseason reloading their roster with All-Stars, signing Edwin Díaz away from the Mets and winning the arms race for Kyle Tucker. But if anyone in the NL can’t end their season prematurely, maybe the Yankees and Aaron Judge can in the American League.

Still, it’s too early to be talking about October. It’s March. And I know you all missed these absolutely, positively correct power rankings every week. This season, every article will include a link to the old power rankings at the bottom of the article. Let’s kick off 2026 with a fresh top-10.

Juan Soto
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

1. Dodgers

Until they’re dethroned, the champs are No. 1.

The Dodgers loaded up again to go for a third consecutive World Series. They signed the best closer in Díaz after their bullpen was suspect in the playoffs, and poached Tucker away from the Cubs, Yankees, and Mets in free agency to shore up their offensive hole in the outfield.

They’re incredibly talented, but also banged up. This, funnily enough, might be the only time they sit in first on the power rankings. Their strategy of coasting to a playoff spot, then attacking with a healthy roster in October has worked the last two seasons.

That being said, there are some questions surrounding the Dodgers. Is Mookie Betts going to bounce back from a .732 OPS in 2025? What does Freddie Freeman offer in his age-36 season? And can the rotation provide enough to survive a strong division that holds the Giants and Padres?

2. Blue Jays

I won’t lie. I incorrectly slept on the Blue Jays the entire 2025 season. I won’t make the same mistake twice.

This roster is loaded, and the front office bolstered it in the offseason. The Jays inked Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract in the offseason, shoring up third base with a righty that OPS’d 1.014 with the Yomiuri Giants last season in Japan. They also signed power-throwing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal to lead a strong rotation already headlined by Kevin Gausman and rookie Trey Yesavage.

The Jays are ready to make a push at another pennant. And with power in their lineup and rotation, they’re positioned to win a tough division that features the Yankees, Orioles, and Red Sox.

3. Mariners

Seattle quietly had an impressive offseason. They traded for Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals, a gap-to-gap lefty bat who will fit nicely in T-Mobile Park.

They also signed Josh Naylor, who they acquired at last year’s deadline, to play first again, spacing out their big right-handed bats in Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena. The lineup is intimidating, even after losing Suarez and Jorge Polanco in free agency.

Of course, the talk of the roster is their loaded pitching. The lineup features four arms that could win the Cy Young. Take your pick against Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller, or Luis Castillo, it most likely won’t end well. Then there’s the bullpen, which is anchored by the most underrated closer in the game: Andrés Muñoz. The flamethrower put up a 1.73 ERA and 38 saves in 62 1/3 innings, and has a cohort of strong options behind him in Matt Brash, Jose A. Ferrer, and Gabe Speier.

4. Phillies

Philadelphia is running it back with the same core for 2026. Which isn’t necessarily bad.

The club won 96 games last year and took home the NL East. They also re-signed Kyle Schwarber, who clubbed 56 homers last season and drove in 132 runs. So what is there to complain about?

The fan base will say this core hasn’t done anything since 2022. And that’s fair. But they did add Adolis García, who could return to his 2023 form, and will insert Justin Crawford into their lineup at center, the son of former major leaguer Carl Crawford who batted .334 with 49 stolen bases in Triple-A last season.

Additions were also made in the bullpen. Philadelphia signed Brad Keller, acquired Jonathan Bowlan from the Phillies, and will get a full season from Jhoan Duran and José Alvarado, the later who was suspended in 2025 for steroids. It has the potential to be the best ‘pen in the sport.

Pair that with a starting rotation that’s led by Cristopher Sanchez and Jesús Luzardo, and you’re in business. This team is good. World Series level good. Oh, and did I mention they’ll be adding Zack Wheeler and Andrew Painter at some point this season?

5. Yankees

The Bombers are poised to make a run at their 28th World Series title.

They’re the favorites again to win the AL, and it’s for a good reason. Judge is the best right-handed hitter of all-time (argue with a wall), and he’s backed up by household names in Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Giancarlo Stanton.

The narrative is the same as always with the Yanks. Health. Will Stanton play this season? Can Chisholm stay on the field? Can Bellinger and Trent Grisham play, and repeat their phenomenal 2025 seasons? If they can, they’ll push for the AL East title.

Pitching health will also be a storyline this season. Gerrit Cole is returning from Tommy John at 35, yet was sitting at 96 miles per hour Tuesday. If he can return, Cole has the juice to compete for a Cy Young. Luis Gil‘s return will also be massive for the Yankees, and give them much-needed depth. It’s reported the Yankees will begin the season with a four-man rotation, but a rotation that sends Max Fried and Cam Schlittler out will be fine to begin the first two weeks of the season.

6. Mets

The narrative of the Mets’ offseason was that they got worse. I disagree.

The lineup lost Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, yes. But they added Polanco, Bo Bichette, and Luis Robert Jr. It’s deeper, and contact-oriented. Emphasis on contact-oriented. Too often last season, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto would get on base, then jog back to the dugout after consecutive strikeouts to end the inning. It’s completely rethought. And they removed two players in their top four who swung and missed a lot.

Also, remember the rotation is set to be healthy in 2026, and features a true ace in Freddy Peralta. That takes pressure off rookie Nolan McLean to pitch like a No. 1, allows David Peterson to slot into the third spot and hopefully return to his 3.06 first-half ERA, and Kodai Senga to be a No. 4 starter with No. 1 stuff. It’s all in front of them.

Plus if it doesn’t work out, the rotation has depth. Sean Manaea is waiting in the wings, Tobias Myers has the potential to be a back-end guy, and Jonah Tong and Jack Wenninger are close to being major league starters. Last season, the rotation faltered. 2026 won’t see the same issue.

The fate of the season truly hangs on the bullpen. Is Devin Williams still among the best closers in baseball? Or did New York break him? And what are they going to get out of Luke Weaver? If one of those two arms don’t produce, this team’s in trouble.

7. Cubs

Give Chicago credit. The ownership has been blasted due to missing the playoffs since 2018 (COVID doesn’t count), and they added this offseason after an NLDS appearance in 2025.

The big signing was Alex Bregman. He’ll man third base and is coming off his third All-Star appearance in 2025, where he clubbed 18 homers and OPS’d .821 in 111 games with the Red Sox. Combine that with a loaded offense featuring Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch, and the Cubs are positioned to score more runs than in 2025 (793).

Don’t sleep on the rotation either. They traded for Edward Cabrera from the Marlins, who has always had the stuff to develop into a top-of-the-rotation arm. And even if he doesn’t, the rotation is top-heavy with Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, and Matthew Boyd.

8. Red Sox

Boston has made moves the last couple of offseasons to build a championship team. Now, they’re ready to push for a pennant.

The young core of Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela will be the cog that turns the wheel for the Red Sox, and veteran bats of Trevor Story, Jarren Duran, and Willson Contreras will carry the weight.

The rotation will also limit runs, headlined by Cy Young candidate Garrett Crochet and young-budding star Brayan Bello, and finished by veteran additions in Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez. They’re talented, but find themselves in the toughest division in baseball.

9. Giants

San Francisco had a weird 2025. They went 81-81 despite a threatening roster, and missed the playoffs with an experienced manager in Bob Melvin.

I’m willing to bet on the 2026 Giants being a playoff-caliber team. The lineup is dangerous with Devers, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Heliot Ramos, plus the additions of Harrison Bader and Luis Arraez should help lengthen it.

The rotation also is playoff caliber. Logan Webb is never talked about despite consistently pitching like an ace, and Robbie Ray made 32 starts last season and pitched to a 3.65 ERA. Round that out with Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, and this team has the arms to compete with the top teams in the West.

The bullpen is a little suspect compared to the All-Star names on the Padres and Dodgers 40-man rosters. Ryan Walker registered a 4.11 ERA last season and will be the closer heading into 2026. Plus, the Giants should do themselves a favor and call up Bryce Eldridge.

10. Royals

Kansas City finalizes the first top-10 of 2026. And it’s not hard to love them.

They’re led by the best shortstop in baseball in Bobby Witt Jr., and rounded out by other impressive infielders in Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino.

It’s a scary top-three in the lineup. But the 4-6 are just as strong. Salvador Perez is coming off another 30-homer season, Jac Caglianone slashed .304/.448/.522 in spring, and Jonathan India provides a solid floor. Add in Carter Jensen as well, the Royals’ exciting top prospect.

The rotation also has a great floor. Seth Lugo looks to bounce back after an average 4.15 ERA and Cole Ragans is only one year removed from looking like an ace. The bullpen will also hold leads, primarily due to Carlos Estévez and Nick Mears, who was acquired from Milwaukee.

Rest of the Field

11. Padres
12. Orioles
13. Guardians
14. Braves
15. Tigers
16. Brewers
17. Astros
18. Rangers
19. Reds
20. Diamondbacks
21. Rays
22. Athletics
23. Pirates
24. Marlins
25. Nationals
26. Twins
27. Cardinals
28. Angels
29. White Sox
30. Rockies

The post 2026 MLB Power Rankings: Opening Weekend appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jonah Tong made his 2026 season debut Friday in the Syracuse Mets’ Opening Day game. He threw four innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out four. He threw 73 pitches (42 strikes). The Mets won 3-1 over Worcester to kick off the minor league season.

Jonah Tong via Syracuse Mets

Latest Mets News

The Mets (1-0) play their second game of the season against the Pirates (0-1) at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday. David Peterson will face Mitch Keller as both make their 2026 debuts.

Ben Rortvedt and Vidal Bruján, both DFA’d by the Mets prior to Opening Day, passed through waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. Lefty reliever Bryan Hudson, who was also recently DFA’d by the Mets and nearly claimed the final bullpen spot, was claimed off waivers by the White Sox and is no longer part of the Mets organization.

Latest MLB News

The Orioles signed pitcher Shane Baz to a five-year, $68 million contract. Baltimore sent a haul to the Rays for the 26-year-old this offseason and now lock him up for the foreseeable future. Baz went 10-12 with a 4.87 ERA in 2025.

Outfielder Jason Heyward announced his retirement on Friday. Heyward spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball with six teams. He was a one-time All-Star, a five-time Gold Glover, and a World Series champion on the iconic 2016 Cubs team.

The Dodgers hired legendary pitcher Clayton Kershaw as a special assistant. His exact role isn’t too clear yet, but he will remain with the Dodgers after a Hall of Fame playing career with the organization.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang analyzes starter Freddy Peralta‘s Mets debut.

Jack Markowski highlights the Mets’ offense from the first game of the season.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Brad Emaus (1986), Paul Wilson (1973), Craig Paquette (1969).

The post Morning Briefing: Jonah Tong Throws Four Scoreless in Season Debut appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

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.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

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.

Latest MLB News

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.

Latest on MMO

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.

Benge picked up right where he left off this spring. He reached base three times on Thursday, going 1-for-3 with a home run for his first big league hit, an RBI, two runs scored, walked twice, and stole a base.

He said his MLB debut was everything he thought it was going to be. “Definitely anxious to get out there and start playing,” he said.

Hitting a home run as your first major league hit is a thing kids dream of, and Benge made that a reality. His home run came in the sixth inning, a solo shot to right field that extended the Mets’ lead. His smile said it all as he jogged around the bases, jumped up with a fist bump at third base on his way around the bases, watched the apple rise in the outfield, and was greeted with applause, high-fives and hugs from his teammates. He received a much-deserved curtain call from the Citi Field fans, his first curtain call as a Met.

His stolen base followed in the eighth when he stole second with Francisco Alvarez at bat. The smile once again said how much fun the rookie was having.

Adding to the list, Benge received his first post-game shower when he was doused with the Gatorade shower during his post-game interview with NBC. Benge stayed in his uniform during his postgame availability, relishing the moment of what he had just experienced.

When talking about his first big league home run, Benge said he kind of “blacked out running around the bases.” “I don’t really remember too much,” he joked about. “I know I got it good off the bat, but running hard out of the box definitely,” he laughed.

Benge said it meant the world to him to hit his first MLB home run on Thursday. “It means the world, having all the people who’ve sacrificed so much for me come up and watch that happen is definitely big,” he said.

Carlos Mendoza complimented Benge’s character and the way he kept himself composed after striking out twice.

“The personality. Who he is super consistent. He’s 0-for-2 with a couple of strikeouts and still feels pretty good about his chances. He controls the strike zone, he walks, there’s a couple of walks there, and then he gets a pitch that he can do damage and goes to the pull side like that,” said Mendoza. “I’m not surprised by it because of the personality there.”

Benge also spoke on the strikeouts, saying he told himself to calm down and breathe. He said his adrenaline was running, he had a lot of excitement stepping into the plate for the first time, and that he just needed to calm down.

“Great atmosphere, great fans, just trying to bring myself back down so I could compete,” he said. “The first one is always going to be something to remember,” he said with a smile on his face. He described the crowd at Citi Field as “loudest he’s ever heard x 5” and how much he enjoyed hearing it. He said after his first home run, he had chills and said it confirmed that that is where he is supposed to be: At Citi Field as a Met, having fun, playing baseball.

Benge said his first big league home run ball will be going to his parents. Why? “So I don’t lose it,” said Benge.

Benge said that leading up to his big league debut, he slept great and didn’t have nerves. He said as he walked into the stadium for the first time Thursday, he got a little anxious, but he said he did sleep well on Wednesday night ahead of his debut.

Adding to the entertainment of the day, during the game, a dead bird “fell out of the sky” next to Benge. Fans were heard heckling him, telling him to pick it up. “I heard a thud, I looked over, and it was just down, down for the count,” he said.

“Unbelievable, really, really cool,” said Brett Baty, who recounted the moment when Alvarez and he hit home runs in their first games. “It was really, really special and I’m really happy for him.”

Thursday will be a day Benge remembers forever: first MLB opening day, first big league hit, first big league home run, first big league stolen base, and a dead bird falling from the sky.

Benge welcomed his family onto the field at the end of the game, including his dog. There were a lot of hugs between him and his family, including his parents, brothers and dog.

From here, Benge said he’s going to “play my game.” This is just the start to what is slated to be a phenomenal career for the kid from Oklahoma.

The post Carson Benge Has Dream MLB Debut appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets are likely to start David Peterson in the second game of the season against the Pirates despite the lack of a formal announcement. Freddy Peralta has already been named the Opening Day starter, and Nolan McLean is expected to start the third game of the season.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

The Mets lost to the Cardinals 4-3 in Grapefruit League action Friday afternoon. Carson Benge continued his strong spring by going 1-for-2 with a walk.

Laura Albanese of Newsday spoke to Mets ace Freddy Peralta on Friday, and Peralta reiterated his desire to stay with the Mets beyond this season. Peralta spoke about how he has family in New York and grew up a Mets and Red Sox fan: “I used to listen to them talk about the Mets, Mets, Mets. No one (rooted for) the Yankees.”

The Mets are the National League recipients of the Bobby Murcer Award, given out by B.A.T (Baseball Assistance Team) each year to the team whose players raise the most money to aid those in the baseball family in need. The Angels are the American League recipient.

Latest MLB News

The Yankees optioned outfielder Jasson Dominguez to Triple-A. Dominguez had a .719 OPS in 123 major league games last year.

The Nationals optioned outfielder Dylan Crews to Triple-A. Crews has a career .634 OPS in 116 major league games.

The Braves signed first baseman and DH Rowdy Tellez to a minor league deal.

Utilityman Chris Taylor will not make the Angels’ major league roster and has opted out of his contract. He had a near-.800 OPS this spring with Los Angeles.

Latest on MMO

Our countdown of the Mets’ top 50 prospects continues with the no. 20 through no. 16.

In the latest MMO Roundtable, we share our thoughts on Howie Rose’s retirement after the 2026 season.

Kai Chang highlights the latest impressive outing from Kodai Senga in what has been a spectacular spring.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Anthony Kay (1995), Frankie Montas (1993), Jimmy Yacabonis (1992), Bobby Wahl (1992), Carlos Carrasco (1987), Shawon Dunston (1963), Tommy Davis (1939).

The post Morning Briefing: David Peterson Likely to Start Second Game of Season appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

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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Kodai Senga
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Senga struck out four and walked one on 63 pitches, navigating a veteran Houston lineup with a fastball that touched 97.3 mph and a forkball that generated five swings and misses.

“Just to see him this early, pretty much it seems like everything is working for him,” manager Carlos Mendoza told SNY. “He’s close to peak form.”

Senga was tested in the middle innings. After Shay Whitcomb opened the third with a single, Senga retired Jose Altuve on a lineout, struck out Isaac Paredes swinging, and induced a groundout from Yordan Alvarez. In the fourth, Cam Smith doubled on a middle-middle fastball, but Senga stranded the runner by getting a pop-out from Zach Cole and striking out Christian Walker looking on a 1–2 fastball.

“That’s our ace,” superstar Juan Soto said after the game.

The outing capped a spring focused more on repeating mechanics than chasing results. Across 10 innings in three Grapefruit League starts, Senga has allowed two runs and struck out 11. His command has improved since his March debut; after missing high more than usual in his first outing, his release point on Thursday looked good, and it helped him keep his ghost fork on the same plane as his four-seam fastball.

Despite the scoreless outing, Senga indicated he is still refining his approach.

“I’m still adjusting, so I take it with a grain of salt,” Senga said through his interpreter. “As long as I’m healthy and I’m able to pitch my pitches and pitch to my ability, I think the results come along with that. I’m striving for that and that’s what I’m here to do. I came from Japan to the States to do that.”

Senga limiting damage against the Astros’ top bats points to his secondary pitches returning to their proper form. He held Yordan Alvarez hitless in two at-bats, including a groundout back to the mound in the third. With his pitch count under 70 through four innings, Senga looks to be on track to be on a normal starter’s workload by the first week of the regular season.

The Mets’ 5-0 win was backed by multi-hit performances from Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr., with both of Robert’s hits going for extra bases.

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