Mets sign long-time veteran to deal on Opening Day The Major League Baseball season is finally here, and the New York Mets begin their quest for a World Series title in 2026 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The matchup kicks off with Freddy Peralta and the Mets facing Paul Skenes and the Pirates. With the new-look Mets roster, there is plenty of optimism for this season, even against a pitcher as dominant as Skenes. Before their season opener, the Mets are set to sign former Pirates outfielder and longtime MLB veteran Tommy Pham to a free agent contract, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. The deal, a minor-league agreement, marks Pham’s return to the Mets after a brief stint with the team in 2023. Pham, 38, has spent the last 12 years in the majors since his 2014 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. Last season, he played 120 games for the Pirates, posting a 1.0 bWAR, .245 batting average, and .700 OPS. His previous time with the Mets in 2023 saw him record an .820 OPS in 79 games. Now back with the Mets, Pham will work out in the minor leagues as he awaits a chance to return to the majors. With Luis Robert Jr., Carson Benge, and Juan Soto forming the outfield, securing a roster spot would require an injury or a significant slump from Benge or Robert. However, Pham remains a valuable bench option or potential spot starter if needed. The Mets’ decision to sign Pham adds depth to their roster as they aim to build on their recent improvements. His experience and track record could provide a reliable presence in the lineup, especially during high-stakes games. Meanwhile, other developments across MLB include Hunter Greene’s injury setback with the Reds, Roki Sasaki’s return to the Dodgers’ rotation, and updates on several other teams’ rosters.#new_york_mets #pittsburgh_pirates #mlb_season_2026 #tommy_pham #jorge_castillo
Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Draft Your Catchers for 2026 Yahoo Fantasy Baseball is set for the 2026 MLB season, with analysts providing draft rankings to help users prepare for the upcoming campaign. These rankings serve as a strategic guide for building a competitive team, whether you secure the first pick or the final selection in your league. The insights aim to assist in assembling a roster with the potential to win championships. The rankings focus on key positions, including catchers, which play a vital role in fantasy success. Users are advised to bookmark the page, as updates to the draft rankings will be released progressively until the start of the season. Positional rankings for other roles are also available, offering a comprehensive resource for team-building. To participate in the 2026 season, users can join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league. Staying informed about the latest rankings and updates will enhance your ability to make informed decisions during the draft and throughout the season.#yahoo_fantasy_baseball #mlb_season_2026 #draft_rankings #fantasy_baseball_league #yahoo_fantasy
