Via Mets on Twitter.

The AL took the early lead with a three-run first inning. It was all Yankees as, with bases loaded, Cody Bellinger hit a two-run single. (This hit earned him the MVP.) Ben Rice followed with a single to center, giving the AL a 3-0 lead early.

Juan Soto had two at-bats in the game. He struck out in the bottom of the first as AL starter Dylan Cease of the Blue Jays struck out three in the inning.

Soto came back to the plate in the fourth. He struck a leadoff single to center, but the NL squad was unable to capitalize and left Soto stranded. It was the only hit the NL had until the eighth inning.

Miguel Vargas extended the American League’s lead in the top of the eighth with a solo home run to left field to make it a 4-0 game.

Along with Soto’s single in the fourth, a single by former Met prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong and a single from Otto Lopez of the Marlins were the only other hits for the NL squad, who struck out 14 times at the hands of AL pitching.

Tuesday night marked the first All-Star Game shutout since 2013 and the 11^th win in the last 13 years for the American League.

Players of the Game

The players of the game, as Tuesday night’s broadcast team alluded to, were all the pitchers. Between the AL and the NL, there were 27 strikeouts on the night.

On Deck

Clubs will have a day off on Wednesday before the second half of the season kicks off on Thursday. The Mets will begin the second half of the year in Philadelphia for a three-game series against the Phillies. It will be right-handed pitcher Christian Scott (2-1, 3.17 ERA, 65 SO) taking the hill for the Mets.

The post Soto Singles, NL Shut Out 4-0 by AL in 2026 All-Star Game appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza on Friday, ending his tenure at the helm of the club at two-and-a-half years. He finished 206-199. Former Padres manager Andy Green took over as interim manager for the remainder of the season, and a full search for a new manager will occur in the offseason.

Photo by Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Mendoza released a statement following his firing, thanking the Cohens, David Stearns, and the fans for his experience.

The first game in the post-Mendoza era ended in a 2-1 Mets (34-48) loss to the Phillies (46-36). It was the seventh-straight loss for the Mets despite a fantastic start from Zach Thornton (6 IP, ER).

MLB legend Albert Pujols confirmed that he has interest in the now-open Mets managerial position during an appearance on MLB Network. He praised the Mets as a team that has an owner who wants to spend money and win.

Latest MLB News

The Angels fired general manager Perry Minasian and brought in former Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak as a consultant.

The Blue Jays designated pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment.

Latest on MMO

We react to the firing of Carlos Mendoza in the latest MMO Roundtable.

Patrick Glynn recaps David Stearns’ comments regarding Carlos Mendoza’s firing, the state of the team, and his own job security.

On This Date in Mets History

2012: The Mets defeated the Cubs 17-1, completing a home run cycle as a team. The Mets hit one solo homer, one two-run homer, one three-run homer, and one grand slam.

Born On This Date: Abraham Almonte (1989), Chris Woodward (1976), Ricardo Jordan (1970), Jeff Conine (1966)

The post Morning Briefing: Andy Green to Manage Mets for Remainder of Season appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Salary Cap and Floor

Major League Baseball would like a floor at $171.2 million and a cap at $245.3 million. This would require twelve clubs to add $671 million to their payrolls, while eight clubs would have to cut their payrolls by $587 million. MLB frames this as a necessity for competitive balance despite baseball showing some of the best parity of any sport year after year.

MLB also claims this is overwhelmingly supported by fans, but does not provide evidence to support that. A recent survey by the Athletic found that only slightly over half of fans support a salary cap. That same survey overwhelmingly found the main issue is owners who spend too little.

Their proposal would also split revenue 50-50, but does not define what is considered “revenue”. Local media revenue would be centralized and shared equally league-wide.

Contract Structure Changes

MLB’s proposal looks to set limits on contract lengths capping them at five years. If a player signs with the team they were just on, that contract maximum increases to six years. Players joining a new team could max their earnings out at 15% of the team’s payroll, and each year that could increase by 5%. This would mean that the highest salary a player joining a new team could sign for under this proposal would be 5 years and $202 million (roughly $40 million average annual value). A player not leaving their team could sign for 6 years and $265 million.

This is unlikely to be supported by the players’ union. This, alongside the salary cap, would drastically cut down players’ career earnings. As players age, they would likely get paid significantly less than they would across those veteran years compared to if they signed a long-term contract earlier in their careers. In their prime, their earnings would also be limited by the salary cap.

The league also proposed eliminating deferrals in contracts. Currently, contracts with deferrals set the CBT hit at the present-day net value. Most teams use deferred payments in their contract structures. Even the Cleveland Guardians recently deferred 40% of Jose Ramirez’s extension, while the Royals deferred 48% of Salvador Perez’s contract.

Finally, the arbitration pool would increase by 30% to $65 million, with growth to $75 million by the end of the next CBA. The Prospect Incentive Program would be expanded to reward two draft picks, one in the major league draft and one in the new international draft.

MLB’s Concessions

MLB is willing to get rid of the qualifying offer in this proposal, a goal of the players’ union. MLB previously offered that in return for an international draft.

MLB is also offering a raise in the minimum salary to $1 million for players with two years of service time, and $900,000 for players with 0-1 years of service time. They also propose a $100,000 bonus for players when they accrue a full year of service time. This effectively matches the league minimum that the players’ union proposed.

Any player who is 30 years old and reaches five years of service time would be eligible for free agency. This was part of the player’s most recent proposal. Currently, they would need six years of service time.

These concessions are clearly tied to changes that the union will never accept, but could give a glimpse into some of the changes we could see make it into the next CBA.

The post MLB Proposes Changes To Free Agency appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Apr 7, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) warms up before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Francisco Lindor made his first rehab appearance Friday night for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, going 1-for-4 with a strikeout and a run scored. Tyrone Taylor also made his first rehab appearance Friday for Binghamton, going 2-for-3 with a home run. Lindor has not played for the Mets since April 22, while Taylor has been out since late May.

Both players, especially Lindor, will look to have an immediate impact on the Mets lineup upon their return.

Latest MLB News

Justin Verlander was scratched from Sunday’s start against the White Sox with a left hamstring strain. Verlander, who has already missed time this year for the Tigers, is expected to be out for weeks.

Former Met Drew Smith opted out of his minor league deal with the Twins. He had appeared in 24 games with their Triple-A team.

The Rangers selected the contract of former Mets prospect Jarred Kelenic to the major league roster while optioning Josh Smith to Triple-A.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang writes about Sean Manaea‘s recent success on the mound.

Robert Colonna discusses which Mets relievers could potentially join the rotation.

On This Date in Mets History

1986: On June 20 of 1986, 40 years ago, the Mets defeated the Cubs 10-3 to improve to 45-18 on the year. Sid Fernandez tossed seven innings and earned the win while Gary Carter drove in four runs.

Born On This Date: None

The post Morning Briefing: Lindor, Taylor Appear in Rehab Game appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jesse Rogers from ESPN reports that Major League Baseball (MLB) has proposed a hard salary cap to officials from the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) as part of the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Starting in 2027, the salary floor for teams would be set at $171.2 million, which includes player benefits, with a ceiling of $245.3 million.

Now here is the morning briefing!

Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

After losing two out of three to the Reds at home, the Mets look to potentially save their season as they welcome the Miami Marlins to Citi Field for a three-game weekend series set. This weekend will feature the Mets Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the Class of 2026, which includes former manager Bobby Valentine and 1986 World Series Champion Lee Mazzilli. Freddy Peralta hopes to snap the Mets’ woes by adding another win to their tally, while Max Meyer opposes them for Miami on Friday.

Latest on MMO

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki looks back at the “Ass In The Jackpot” moment featuring Noah Syndergaard, manager Terry Collins, and umpire Tom Hallion.

Andrew Steele-Davis highlights the Mets salvaging the series against the Reds in the latest edition of 3 Up, 3 Down.

David Melendi writes about Eric Wagaman and Jared Young providing a punch for the Mets at DH in the series finale against the Reds.

Jordan Baron focuses on Jonah Tong and his solid outing against the Reds, providing stability in an area where the team needs it the most.

On This Date in Mets History

Born On This Date: Zack Short (1995), Steven Matz (1991), Tyler Pill (1991), Toby Borland (1969), Dyar Miller (1946)

The post Morning Briefing: MLB Proposes Hard Salary Cap appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

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).

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