#new_york_mets

MLB 2026: Early-Season Stats and Numbers to Watch Four weeks into the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the league’s landscape has already shifted significantly from preseason expectations. The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are locked in a tight race for the third-best record in baseball, while the New York Mets struggle with a 12-game losing streak, dragging them to the bottom of the NL East. The Philadelphia Phillies, meanwhile, hold the worst run differential in the majors, and the Houston Astros, despite their historical dominance, face mounting challenges in their rotation. The Athletics lead the AL West, and the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays continue to grapple with offensive struggles. Early-season stats are often unpredictable, but some metrics have already begun to signal potential trends. Jeff Passan highlights the league’s unprecedented walk rate, which sits at 9.9%, a 16% increase from 2025. This surge is attributed to the automated ball-strike system, which has standardized the strike zone and altered pitching and hitting strategies. Pitchers are throwing more changeups and splitters, while breaking balls are moving more sharply. These adjustments have led to longer games, with the average duration now at 2:42 in the first month of the season—up from 2:36 in 2024. Kiley McDaniel focuses on Cam Smith’s bat speed, which has spiked to 78 mph, placing him fourth in the league. Smith, a 2024 draft pick for the Chicago Cubs, has shown promise with a .313 batting average and seven home runs in his first 32 games. However, his early 2026 performance has been marked by a 21st-ranked expected batting average, suggesting his success may be due to luck. His improved bat speed, combined with a more aggressive attack angle, could position him for a breakout season.#new_york_mets #philadelphia_phillies #cincinnati_reds #pittsburgh_pirates #mlb_2026

Mets' Tobias Myers to Start Instead of David Peterson The New York Mets made a strategic decision late Saturday night to have right-hander Tobias Myers start Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, replacing left-handed pitcher David Peterson. The move was not related to injury but aimed at adjusting the lineup to limit Peterson’s exposure to right-handed batters at the top of the order. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the need to create a more balanced approach against teams that frequently stack right-handed hitters in their lineups, particularly given Peterson’s recent struggles. Peterson, who entered the season with an All-Star performance last year, has faced challenges this year. Through four starts, he carries a 0-3 record and a 6.41 ERA. His performance against right-handed batters has been particularly poor, as he has allowed a .339 batting average to those hitters. Mendoza noted that after Peterson’s last start, the team discussed the possibility of using an opener or a different setup to protect Peterson. However, the final decision was based on the bullpen’s readiness and the need to adjust the lineup for better balance. Despite the Mets’ 10-game losing streak—their longest since 2004—the decision was not tied to the team’s recent performance but rather to Peterson’s effectiveness. Mendoza stated that the focus was on positioning players for success, regardless of the outcome. “Whether we’re winning or losing, it just came down to putting players in position to have success,” he said. Myers, acquired in a trade from Milwaukee earlier this offseason alongside Freddy Peralta, has been used primarily as a reliever for the Mets this season. He has made six relief appearances, posting a 3.46 ERA with nine strikeouts in 13 innings.#chicago_cubs #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #tobias_myers #david_peterson

Mets seeking turnaround after slow start to season The New York Mets are grappling with a credibility crisis as they enter the second decade of the season with a 7-9 record, having lost five consecutive games. The team’s offensive struggles have been particularly glaring, with their lineup failing to generate consistent pressure at the plate. The situation has drawn sharp criticism, including a front-page headline in the New York Post that read, “GETTING LATE EARLY,” a reference to the Mets’ alarming pace of play. The frustration intensified after a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday, marking their fifth straight defeat at Citi Field. The loss came just days before a grueling cross-country trip to face the two-time defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, further complicating their path to a competitive season. Despite the early struggles, the Mets still have 146 games remaining in the season, and their roster remains one of the most talented in Major League Baseball. The team’s depth and star power—highlighted by players like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto—should theoretically provide a strong foundation for success. However, the lack of results has raised questions about the team’s ability to translate potential into performance. Last year, the Mets faced similar challenges, losing their NL East lead and squandering a Wild Card berth on the final day of the season. The parallels have led fans to question whether the current season will follow the same troubling trajectory. President of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza have consistently emphasized patience, insisting that the team’s struggles are part of a longer-term plan.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #carlos_mendoza #new_york_post #david_stearns

Mets Lose Series Finale to Athletics NEW YORK – The New York Mets suffered a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday at Citi Field, marking their first sweep of the season by the A’s and their third shutout of the year. The game, which concluded the three-game series between the teams, highlighted persistent offensive struggles for the Mets, who failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities and were ultimately outdueled by the Athletics’ pitching staff. The Mets’ inability to mount a rally began in the top of the third inning, when Nick Kurtz swung at an 0-2 curveball from right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta. The ball cleared the right-field wall, turning into a home run and giving the Athletics an early lead. The Mets never recovered from that deficit, as their offense continued to struggle throughout the contest. Despite having runners on first and second with one out in the sixth inning, the Mets failed to capitalize on the chance to tie the game. A’s right-hander Aaron Civale induced Jorge Polanco to hit into a forceout, ending the inning. Civale was later replaced by left-hander Hogan Harris, who retired pinch-hitter Mark Vientos on a flyout to right fielder Lawrence Butler. The Mets went 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left four men on base, further emphasizing their offensive woes. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the team’s struggles but pointed to defensive limitations as a factor in their inability to rally. He noted that Luis Robert Jr., a key pinch-hitter, was unavailable for the game due to playing five consecutive games and needing a day off. “We didn’t have him for defense because of those reasons,” Mendoza said, clarifying that Robert is not injured.#new_york_mets #freddy_peralta #citi_field #oakland_athletics #aaron_civale

Mets-Dodgers is matchup of MLB's biggest payrolls The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face off in what is shaping up to be the most expensive series in Major League Baseball history. The 2026 matchup features the two teams with the highest competitive balance tax (CBT) payrolls in the league, with the Mets carrying a $375 million-plus CBT payroll and the Dodgers holding the MLB-high $413.5 million CBT payroll. When combined with their respective tax bills, the total player expenditure for the 2026 season exceeds $1.07 billion, marking a historic financial showdown in baseball. The Dodgers’ 2026 CBT payroll alone surpasses the combined payrolls of the bottom four teams in MLB—the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, and Miami Marlins. Meanwhile, the Mets’ payroll eclipses the combined totals of the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, and Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers’ estimated tax bill for 2026 is $161.9 million, which is higher than the total tax payrolls of 12 other teams, while the Mets’ $120 million tax bill exceeds the combined tax payrolls of six teams. The combined salaries of the four highest-paid players on both teams—Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette—exceed the total payroll of 14 MLB teams. This figure is within $400,000 of the Seattle Mariners’ payroll, which ranks as the second-highest in the league. The New York Yankees are the only team besides the Mets with a payroll within $100 million of the Dodgers’ total. The Philadelphia Phillies rank fourth in the league at $312.7 million, which is $100.8 million less than the Dodgers’ payroll. The 2026 series is the most expensive in MLB history, surpassing the previous record set in 2025 when the Mets and Dodgers combined for a $764 million payroll.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #juan_soto #new_york_mets #kyle_tucker

Francisco Lindor's Defensive Lapses and Offensive Struggles Leave Mets in Peril NEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor, a five-time All-Star shortstop and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, has found himself in an unfamiliar position this season: struggling with uncharacteristic defensive errors that have compounded his offensive woes. The 32-year-old, entering his fifth year of a $341 million, 10-year contract extension, has become a focal point of concern for the New York Mets as his recent mistakes have disrupted the team’s momentum. With the Mets now 7-8 on the season, Lindor’s performance has raised questions about his ability to maintain the high standards expected of a player of his caliber. The latest episode unfolded during the Mets’ 11-6 loss to the Athletics on Saturday. In the second inning, Lindor’s defensive lapse allowed the A’s to score a run that proved pivotal in the game’s outcome. Lawrence Butler hit a ground ball to second baseman Marcus Semien, which should have initiated a 4-6-3 double play. Instead, Lindor, who has long been celebrated for his defensive prowess, made a play for the ball rather than retreating to second base to turn two. The decision forced Semien to sprint to second base for one out, while a run crossed the plate for the A’s. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described the error as “weird” and “not him,” emphasizing that Lindor’s recent mistakes defy his usual composure. “It’s hard to explain. And he’ll be the first one. He’ll tell you he’s got to be better,” Mendoza said after the team’s fourth straight loss. Lindor’s defensive struggles were not isolated to Saturday. Over the past two days, he had already committed three similar errors. On Friday, during a potential inning-ending double-play situation, Lindor was flat-footed while making a turn at second base.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #carlos_mendoza #marcus_semien #lawrence_butler

Mets Activate Craig Kimbrel as Season Enters Second Week The New York Mets made a significant roster move just days into the 2025 season by activating right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel from their minor league affiliate, marking a pivotal moment for the team’s bullpen. The decision came ahead of Saturday’s game, with the club also designating left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment. Kimbrel, a 37-year-old veteran with a storied career, signed a $2.5 million minor league contract that became guaranteed upon his activation. The move signals the Mets’ confidence in his ability to contribute as a high-leverage reliever, despite recent struggles in maintaining his velocity and control. Kimbrel’s callup was not entirely unexpected, as he had been a favorite to break camp with the Mets during spring training. However, his performance during the pre-season was marred by velocity issues and inconsistent command, which kept him sidelined. Despite these challenges, Kimbrel chose to remain in Port St. Lucie, Florida, rather than opt out of his contract. His decision to stay paid off with a strong debut for Single-A St. Lucie, where he reached a top speed of 94.2 mph—a slight improvement from his spring training outings. The Mets’ activation of Kimbrel came just days after his first appearance with the team, during a 11-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics. In his debut, Kimbrel pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing a single and a line drive to the warning track while striking out two batters. While his velocity dipped slightly from his spring training performance, the outing was seen as a positive step forward.#new_york_mets #oakland_athletics #craig_kimbrel #port_st_lucie #single_a_st_lucie

Mets Call Up Nine-Time All-Star Reliever Craig Kimbrel, DFA Lefty Lovelady The New York Mets made roster adjustments on Saturday by calling up nine-time All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel and designating left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment. The move clears space on the 26-man active roster, with Kimbrel joining the team after a long journey through multiple organizations. Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor league deal with the Mets in January that guaranteed him $2.5 million for the season once he was added to the active roster. He opted to remain with the organization after not making the Mets’ Opening Day roster, despite having a rolling opt-out clause that would have allowed him to sign with another team if presented with a major league opportunity. According to a source, Kimbrel chose to stay with the Mets, continuing to work on his physical conditioning and pitching mechanics during spring training. “I think towards the end of camp, I was feeling pretty good,” Kimbrel said. “It just might have been a little too late. In the last two weeks, I’ve just been focusing on maybe putting on a little bit more weight. I’ve been in the weight room quite a bit and just continue working on the pitches I’ve been working on, and I’ve been pretty happy with how they’ve progressed. The velocity has been pretty good and consistent. The body feels good.” Kimbrel made his major league debut on Saturday, throwing a scoreless seventh inning in the Mets’ 11-6 loss to the Athletics. The inning included two strikeouts, marking his fourth consecutive scoreless frame for the team. Kimbrel stayed in Port St. Lucie, Florida, after the Mets broke camp for the regular season, where he appeared in one game for Low-A St. Lucie. He tossed a perfect inning with one strikeout, throwing nine pitches and touching 94.2 mph.#atlanta_braves #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #craig_kimbrel #richard_lovelady

Mets Navigate Injuries and Rotation Challenges as Trade Rumors Linger New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco missed Thursday’s game due to a lingering Achilles injury, with manager Carlos Mendoza indicating the team has not ruled out a stint on the injured list. Polanco, acquired to serve as the club’s primary first baseman after Pete Alonso’s trade to the Orioles, has been limited to designated hitter appearances since starting the season at the position. Mendoza told reporters, including Will Sammon of The Athletic, that Polanco’s absence ended a streak of four consecutive starts. The veteran’s injury has prompted the Mets to rely on Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jared Young to fill in at first base. Vientos has taken over regular work at the cold corner following the Juan Soto injury, which opened up right field opportunities for Baty. The former prospect has thrived in his increased playing time, slashing .323/.353/.484 across 34 plate appearances. Baty, meanwhile, has struggled to capitalize on his chances, but the injuries have allowed the Mets to evaluate both players more extensively. Vientos’ performance has been a bright spot in a lineup that has faced challenges due to the absence of key contributors. Mendoza has expressed no immediate plans to adjust the pitching rotation, despite David Peterson’s recent struggles. The lefty allowed five earned runs in his last two starts, pushing his ERA over 6.00 through 14 2/3 innings. The Diamondbacks capitalized on Peterson’s woes on Wednesday, scoring five runs in the second inning after a quick lead in the first. Peterson’s performance has been a continuation of his second-half decline in 2025, following an All-Star season that saw him post a 7.74 ERA over 10 starts from August onward.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #mark_vientos #jorge_polanco #brett_baty

Jorge Polanco Avoids Injured List as Mets Reassess Achilles Injury Jorge Polanco, the New York Mets’ first baseman, expressed optimism on Friday that he would avoid the injured list despite missing the previous two games due to a left Achilles issue. The 32-year-old player reported improved comfort in his left Achilles, which had plagued him since the start of the season, and confirmed he would not require a stint on the disabled list. The Mets’ medical team conducted an MRI on Thursday, which revealed no structural damage to the tendon, leading to a revised diagnosis of bursitis—a condition involving inflammation around the ligament rather than direct tendon damage. Polanco participated in full batting practice the following day and could return to the starting lineup as early as Saturday. Manager Carlos Mendoza provided reassurance, stating, “The good news is the tendon’s healthy. There’s nothing wrong. … We’ve just got to kind of limit the defensive side, how much pressure he puts there.” The Mets had previously classified Polanco’s issue as Achilles tendinitis, but the updated diagnosis allows for a different treatment approach, including anti-inflammatory medication. Mendoza emphasized that the team now has a clearer understanding of the problem, noting, “We know what we’re dealing with. We know there’s nothing with the tendon in that area there.” Polanco’s injury has significantly impacted his performance this season. After a strong Opening Day, where he went 1-for-3 with two walks, he has struggled at the plate in nine games since, posting a .189/.250/.270 batting line. Mendoza acknowledged the inconsistency in Polanco’s condition, explaining, “There’s days where he comes in and he feels really good that he goes out there and does a little bit of defensive work.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #jorge_polanco #bursitis #mets_medical_team

Mets Struggling with Jorge Polanco's Injury History as Mariners Reflect on Past Decisions The New York Mets are facing challenges as they navigate the injury history of their new acquisition, Jorge Polanco, a former Seattle Mariners player. Polanco, who joined the Mets in 2025, has been dealing with recurring Achilles tendinitis, causing him to miss time in the early part of the season. This issue is not new for the 32-year-old infielder, who had similar problems during his first season with the Mariners in 2024. His injury struggles limited his playing time and affected his performance, despite his strong offensive contributions. Polanco’s 2024 season with the Mariners was marked by inconsistency due to his physical ailments. He posted a 92 OPS+ and a 1.3 rWAR, which were solid numbers for a player who spent much of the year on the injured reserve. However, his ability to play in the field was severely hampered by knee issues, which forced him to hit exclusively left-handed for periods of time. This situation was perplexing, as Polanco is a switch-hitter, and his limited fielding time created a unique challenge for the Mariners’ lineup. Despite these setbacks, Polanco managed to put up impressive numbers in March and April 2024. He hit .384/.418/.808 with nine home runs in just 22 games, showcasing his offensive potential when healthy. However, his performance dipped later in the season, as his injury issues persisted. The Mariners, aware of his fragility, faced a difficult decision when evaluating his free agency in 2025. While the team expressed interest in re-signing him, their concerns about his injury history ultimately influenced their decision. The Mariners’ reluctance to match the Mets’ two-year, $40 million offer for Polanco was a strategic move.#seattle_mariners #new_york_mets #mitch_garver #jorge_polanco #brendan_donovan

Jeff McNeil Returns to Citi Field for First Time as a Member of the Opposition Jeff McNeil returned to Citi Field on Friday for the first time as a member of the opposition, marking a significant moment in his career as he played for the Oakland A’s against his former team, the New York Mets. The occasion allowed him to address lingering questions about his relationship with former teammate Francisco Lindor, who now plays for the Mets. McNeil dismissed reports of a heated confrontation between the two players, clarifying that their June 20, 2025, incident in Philadelphia was a minor argument rather than a fight. “We just had a little argument. It was no big deal,” he said, emphasizing that the incident had no bearing on the Mets’ decision to trade him in December 2025 for Minor League pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. McNeil also acknowledged that the reported altercation was not the first time he and Lindor had clashed. The two had a separate disagreement early in their 2021 season together with the Mets. Despite these tensions, McNeil expressed admiration for Lindor, calling him “a great guy, a good person” and “one of the best shortstops to ever do it.” He wished Lindor “all the best” in his career, reflecting on the positive memories of their time as teammates. “I enjoyed my time playing with him,” McNeil said, adding that he hoped their paths would cross again in the future. The Mets’ decision to trade McNeil in December 2025 came after a period of significant roster changes. Over three months, the team parted ways with key players including Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and ultimately McNeil. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns had previously reached out to McNeil in November 2025, following the trade of Nimmo to the Rangers, to discuss his potential role as an outfielder in 2026.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #david_stearns #jeff_mcneil #oakland_ats

Jeff McNeil's Emotional Return to Citi Field Marks a Bittersweet Night for Former Met NEW YORK -- Jeff McNeil’s return to Citi Field on Wednesday carried a weight of nostalgia and emotional resonance, as the former New York Mets star stepped back into the stadium where he spent his entire professional career. The moment was underscored by a deep breath in the batter’s box, a ritual he had perfected over the years, but this time it felt different. “Spent, up to now, my entire career with that team, so it’s pretty special,” McNeil said, his voice tinged with emotion. The 34-year-old outfielder, who turned 34 on Wednesday, admitted to being “a little choked up” as he stood near the dugout, watching a nearly minute-long tribute to his legacy before the first pitch. McNeil’s journey to Citi Field began with his 2013 draft selection by the Mets, a moment that launched his MLB career. Over the years, he became a key player for the franchise, culminating in his 2022 National League batting title, which solidified his status as one of the league’s premier hitters. However, his tenure with the Mets came to an end in December 2023 as part of general manager David Stearns’ offseason overhaul. The trade that sent McNeil to the Oakland Athletics also saw the departure of fellow stars like Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz, marking a significant shift in the team’s roster. The transition was not without its challenges. McNeil reflected on the surreal nature of the offseason, recalling a conversation with a teammate who asked, “Who do you know?” He responded, “Well, I haven’t played with a lot of these guys.” The remark highlighted the unfamiliarity of the A’s roster, which had undergone its own transformation.#new_york_mets #citi_field #david_stearns #oakland_athletics #jeff_mcneil

Starting Pitcher Chart – April 9th, 2026 The Starting Pitcher Chart for April 9th, 2026, provides rankings and performance metrics for major league pitchers, tailored for fantasy baseball leagues. The chart includes historical performance data from 2025, opponent wOBA statistics, start/sit recommendations for 10-team, 12-team, and 15+ team formats, and commentary on each pitcher’s potential. The analysis considers factors like pitcher handedness, opponent tendencies, and league-specific needs, while acknowledging the limitations of using outdated data. The chart lists 12 starting pitchers, each with their team, opponent, projected performance metrics, and strategic advice. Nolan McLean of the New York Mets ranks first, facing the Arizona Diamondbacks. His 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, combined with a 22% strikeout-to-walk ratio, make him a top choice across all league sizes. Ryan Weathers of the New York Yankees follows, with a 3.99 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, though his 13% walk rate and .455 BABIP raise concerns. Randy Vásquez of the San Diego Padres is recommended for 15+ team leagues, despite a 3.84 ERA, due to his 5% strikeout-to-walk ratio and the Colorado Rockies’ recent struggles. Rhett Lowder of the Cincinnati Reds is marked as injured, limiting his viability, while Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals is highlighted for his 4.15 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, with potential to exploit the Chicago White Sox’s high strikeout rate. Mick Abel of the Minnesota Twins is flagged for inconsistency, with a 6.23 ERA and 1.51 WHIP, though his 13% walk rate suggests limited upside. Max Meyer of the Miami Marlins is deemed a risky option due to his 4.73 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, while Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks faces challenges against the Mets’ lineup. Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers is noted for his 4.#new_york_yankees #new_york_mets #arizona_diamondbacks #ryan_weathers #nolan_mclean

Former Mets All-Star closer predicted to lead NL in saves with Dodgers During the 2026 MLB offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets were closely tied to several top free agents, with their competition for Kyle Tucker culminating in a $240 million, four-year deal for the Dodgers. Another significant move involved the departure of an All-Star closer from the Mets to the Dodgers, where he signed a three-year contract worth over $60 million. MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa noted that 57 of his staff members predicted the new Dodgers closer, Edwin Diaz, would finish the season with the most saves in the National League. This outcome would be a setback for the Mets, who lost a key reliever, but a major advantage for the Dodgers, who have struggled with bullpen depth in recent years. Diaz, a 32-year-old reliever, has been among the league’s best closers over the past few seasons. In 2025, he posted a 1.63 ERA with a 38% strikeout rate while saving 28 games for the Mets. His performance last year solidified his reputation as a reliable late-inning option, though his save total was lower than in previous seasons. In 2024, Diaz recorded 20 saves in 54 games with a 3.52 ERA, a decline from his 2022 season, when he had a 1.31 ERA and 32 saves in 61 appearances. His best season came in 2018 with the Seattle Mariners, where he saved 57 games with a 1.96 ERA in 73 games. Now with the Dodgers, Diaz is expected to serve as the full-time closer, a role that aligns with his strengths. The team’s recent struggles in the bullpen have created a need for a dependable closer, and Diaz’s track record suggests he could thrive in that position. If he consistently performs as a shutdown reliever for the Dodgers in 2026, leading the National League in saves would be a logical outcome.#los_angeles_dodgers #new_york_mets #mlb_com #edwin_diaz #kyle_tucker

Highest-Paid Reliever in 2026 MLB Season Sean Manaea of the New York Mets has been named the highest-paid reliever for the 2026 Major League Baseball season. The right-handed pitcher is set to earn an average salary of $25 million this year under a three-year contract worth $75 million. This will be the second-to-last year of his deal, after which he will become a free agent in 2028. Manaea, who joined the Mets in 2024, has transitioned from a starting role to a full-time reliever for 2026. Last season, he was limited to just 15 games as a starter, prompting the team to shift his role. Speaking about the change, Manaea expressed his preference for starting but acknowledged the team’s decision. “I consider myself a starter. To not be that is frustrating. But at the end of the day, I’m going to let my pitching do the work in whatever capacity that is and go from there,” he said during an interview at Clover Park. Manaea’s move to the bullpen is part of a broader trend of high-profile relievers securing lucrative contracts. Alongside him, Edwin Díaz, a former Mets teammate now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is also among the top earners. Díaz is on a three-year deal that will pay him over $20 million in 2026. Other notable relievers include Tanner Scott, who will earn $18 million, and Devin Williams, who will make $17 million. Raisel Iglesias is set for $16 million. Josh Hader of the Houston Astros holds the most valuable contract among relievers, with a five-year, $95 million deal that runs through 2028. Hader’s agreement is the longest among top-paid relievers and ranks as the second-largest contract in the league. Tanner Scott’s $72 million deal with the Dodgers and Edwin Díaz’s $69 million contract follow closely behind.#los_angeles_dodgers #new_york_mets #clover_park #sean_manea #edwin_diaz

Mets’ Sean Manaea Emerges As Highest Paid Reliever With $25 Million Deal Amid Role Shift The New York Mets have embraced a modern pitching strategy, and Sean Manaea is now at the heart of that approach. His $25 million contract has positioned him as the highest-paid reliever in Major League Baseball, a testament to his late-career transformation and the league’s increasing focus on high-leverage bullpen arms. Manaea’s new role reflects both his personal development and the evolving demands of the game. Entering the 2026 season, Manaea is coming off one of his most effective stretches, a result of adjustments made during his time with the Mets. Originally signed as rotational depth, the left-handed pitcher found new success when deployed in shorter, more aggressive outings. The Mets capitalized on his flexibility, using him in hybrid roles that blurred the lines between starter and reliever. This adaptability has become a key factor in his value. In 2025, Manaea pitched over 140 innings while maintaining a sub-3.50 ERA. His strikeout rate exceeded 9.5 per nine innings, driven by improved command of his sweeper and elevated fastball. His ability to miss bats grew, while his walk rate remained steady. Opposing hitters struggled to square up his pitches, as evidenced by a WHIP around 1.20 and strong hard-hit suppression metrics. These numbers highlight his effectiveness in critical situations. His role has also shifted significantly. No longer confined to the rotation, Manaea was frequently used in high-leverage scenarios, including middle-inning appearances against the top of opposing lineups. This increased usage elevated his overall value, particularly for a Mets team that faced bullpen inconsistency throughout the season.#new_york_mets #san_diego_padres #major_league_baseball #san_francisco_giants #sean_manea

MLB Top-10 Relief Pitchers Right Now for 2026 New Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz has been ranked as the third-best relief pitcher for the 2026 season by MLB Network’s The Shredder. This marks his first appearance on the list since 2024, when he placed sixth. The Shredder’s rankings include Díaz alongside other top relievers, with Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman ranked first. Other notable names include San Diego Padres’ Mason Miller in second, Cleveland Guardians’ Cade Smith in fourth, and Seattle Mariners’ Andrés Muñoz in fifth. The Dodgers’ Díaz is set to become the team’s first dedicated closer since Kenley Jansen in 2021. Díaz’s inclusion on the list follows a dominant 2025 season with the New York Mets, where he recorded 28 saves, a 1.63 ERA, and 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings. His performance earned him a third All-Star Game selection and a second Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award. The Dodgers signed Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, which includes a $9 million signing bonus and more than $13 million in deferrals. His average annual value of $23 million is the highest ever for a relief pitcher in MLB history. The Shredder’s rankings for 2026 are based on a combination of past performance, advanced statistics, traditional metrics, and analysis from the MLB Network research team. The rankings also reflect personal evaluations from analysts like Brian Kenny and Mike Petriello. Kenny placed Díaz fifth, while Petriello ranked him fourth. The Dodgers last had a reliever in The Shredder’s top-10 in 2024, when Evan Phillips placed fourth. Former Dodgers relievers like Tanner Scott (No. 7) and Kirby Yates (No. 8) were included in 2023’s rankings before joining the team.#los_angeles_dodgers #new_york_mets #mlb_network #the_shredder #aroldis_chapman

New York Mets Star Makes Injury Admission Ahead of Opening Day The New York Mets are preparing for the 2026 season with high hopes after a disappointing finish to the previous campaign. The team made significant roster changes, spending nearly $250 million in the offseason and acquiring pitcher Freddy Peralta in a blockbuster trade to strengthen the rotation. With these upgrades, the Mets are expected to compete strongly in the National League East division. However, concerns about the health of shortstop Francisco Lindor persist. Lindor, a five-time All-Star, underwent hand surgery in mid-February to address a broken hamate bone. While he has participated in multiple spring training games, he has not yet reached full recovery. In an interview with Bleacher Report, Lindor acknowledged he is not 100% ready for the season. “Opening Day is still the plan,” he said, adding that he will not be at his peak but remains committed to playing. “Nobody is 100 percent when they depend on their body day in and day out.” Lindor’s spring training performance reflected his cautious approach. He recorded 19 at-bats, with three hits (.158 batting average), and demonstrated confidence in the field, posting a perfect 10 fielding chances, seven assists, and three putouts across five appearances. Despite these efforts, his limited playing time has raised questions about his readiness for the season. Lindor’s health is critical to the Mets’ success in 2026. ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted his importance, stating that the team’s playoff chances largely depend on his performance. Lindor’s 6.3 WAR in 2025 ranked among the top three shortstops in the National League, and he led the league in plate appearances and at-bats.#bleacher_report #new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #pittsburgh_pirates #freddy_peralta

Mets' Francisco Lindor: Ready to Roll for Opener Francisco Lindor is set to start at shortstop and bat leadoff in the New York Mets’ Opening Day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. The shortstop, who underwent hamate bone surgery in late January, has been cleared to play after participating in five Grapefruit League games. Despite the potential for delayed power output following such a procedure, fantasy baseball managers are advised to include Lindor in their lineups for the opener. Lindor’s return to action comes just six weeks after his surgery, a timeline that has raised questions about his readiness. However, the Mets have confirmed his participation in the game, indicating that he has progressed sufficiently through recovery protocols. While his power numbers may take time to fully rebound, his defensive skills and overall impact at the plate make him a valuable asset for fantasy teams. The Mets’ decision to activate Lindor for the opener reflects confidence in his ability to contribute immediately. His presence at shortstop will bolster the team’s infield defense, and his leadoff batting role positions him to set the tone for the offense. Lindor’s return also provides a psychological boost to the team, as his leadership and experience can elevate the performance of his teammates. Fantasy analysts have noted that Lindor’s recovery trajectory is a key factor in his readiness. While some players may experience a temporary dip in power after hand surgery, Lindor’s ability to adapt and perform in the field remains intact. His participation in Grapefruit League games has allowed him to regain his rhythm, and the Mets’ medical staff has deemed him fit to compete at the major league level.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #pittsburgh_pirates #grapefruit_league #opening_day_game