The New York Mets have had a busy first week of Spring Training, so Roundable's Lucas Stackpole, Peter Pappalardo and Bob Houk discuss the week as a whole.
As spring training is underway, the New York Mets are off to a great start.
As Lucas opens the show, noting that there's much to be excited about, newly acquired infielder Bo Bichette is one of the most intriguing parts of spring training. After signing a three-year deal with opt-outs, the Mets made it known that Bichette will be taking over third base for the first time in his career.
Among other names to look out for, right-hander Nolan McClean made a strong spring training debut Thursday. The 24-year-old threw 56 pitches over four innings of work, which included 36 strikes and topped out at 97.9 MPH. McClean didn't allow a run and only let up one hit and one walk in the impressive debut. The righty is suiting up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, so Mets fans will have some special ties to this year's team. ting up for Team USA the impressive debut. The righty is
Looking at another hurler, right-hander Kodai Senga, Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza provided a highly-encouraging update on his velocity. The 33-year-old reportedly hit 97 MPH on the radar gun, and Lucas notes that Senga only hit that velocity four times before the 2025 season's All-Star Game.
One last update on the pitching staff came Friday morning, when the team announced its Opening Day starter: righty Freddy Peralta. New York acquired the two-time All-Star in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers on Jan 21. for righty Brandon Sproat and shortstop prospect Jett Williams.
The team's owner, Steve Cohen, also recently spoke out about naming a team captain, and his decision ultimately ended in not naming an individual captain. This might've surprised fans, who, for the most part, expected shortstop Francisco Lindor to receive the honor. Lindor then responded to the decision and our trio gives their thoughts on his response as well as the no-captain method. Be sure to listen to the full podcast to hear what Lucas, Bob and Peter had to say.
As mentioned above, spring training is well underway and the crew is excited to finally have baseball back in action. While we're still a ways away from Opening Day, there's plenty to be excited about. The World Baseball Classic is right around the corner, and numerous Mets players have made their country's rosters. Be sure to follow along in the tournament and cheer on our stars, who will be representing their country, and a full list of our participants is linked here.
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