Mets' spring opener starter revealed, but key players sidelined early due to workload management and injury concerns.
The first spring training game for the New York Mets will take place on Saturday against the Miami Marlins in Florida, and manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with the media on Tuesday to offer insight on how the team will look heading into that first game.
Mendoza named left-hander Brandon Waddell as the starter for the spring opener after pitching in 11 games last year with New York, where he posted a 3.45 ERA. It was his first big league action since the 2021 season.
Possibly the biggest news revealed by Mendoza was that center fielder Luis Robert Jr. will not be playing in games early on in spring. The decision comes as Mendoza and New York are trying to be proactive and avoid injuries for Robert Jr., who Mendoza noted as having a history of lower-half injuries.
The Mets acquired Robert Jr. back in January in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox. The 28-year-old has struggled at the plate in the last two seasons, but was an All-Star in 2023 with 38 home runs. Mendoza and the Mets are hoping that taking the proactive route with Robert Jr. will keep him on track for a healthy 2026 campaign so he can return to his All-Star levels once again.
Catcher Francisco Alvarez and first baseman Jorge Polanco will also have their workloads managed early in camp, according to Mendoza. Alvarez was riddled with injuries in 2025, playing in just 76 games for New York. Polanco, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Mets this offseason, was brought in to fill in Pete Alonso’s gap at first base with is 134 OPS+ in 2025.
Infielder Brett Baty is another name that won’t be available at the start of camp and in early spring training games, and Mendoza said the 26-year-old felt something in his hamstring a few weeks ago. In response, Baty and the Mets are being cautious and will play it slow.
Baty is one of Mendoza’s options to fill the hole in right field despite primarily playing at second an dthird base in his four-year career. He is reportedly taking ground balls and hitting, but will start running and doing outfield work in the future.