On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo head into New Year’s looking at a very new Mets team for 2026.
The guys break down the bullpen after the addition of Luke Weaver, react to the trade of Jeff McNeil to the A’s for a young pitching prospect, discuss the many former Yankees who have become current Mets, and wonder whether or not Cody Bellinger could join that group.
Connor and Joe also go Down on the Farm to talk about international prospect Wandy Asigen, and answer Mailbag questions about David Stearns possibly hiring a GM, the appeal of Luis Robert Jr, and an interesting hypothetical trade scenario for Tarik Skubal.
Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Burch is coming off elbow surgery, but will be ready to pitch during the 2026 season.
The 28-year-old reliever is yet to make his big-league debut.
Burch began his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the Phillies in 2019, but was traded to the Orioles for INF Freddy Galvis a few years later.
He remained in Baltimore's system until he was scooped up by the Rockies in the Rule 5 Draft last offseason.
After missing the entire campaign to injury, though, the righty elected to hit free agency and now he lands with the Mets.
Burch has a 3.71 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 12 saves, and 186 strikeouts in his minor league career.
It’s always good to have another adult in the room with a bunch of kids.
The Athletics acquired veteran Jeff McNeil in a trade with the New York Mets on Monday. The 33-year-old utility player is expected to fill into the hole at second base, a big need for the A’s heading into the offseason.
McNeil, who has played all eight of his MLB seasons with the Mets, is excited to join a promising young core.
“It’s a super fun team to watch,” McNeil said Tuesday to reporters over a Zoom call (h/t Martín Gallegos). “I watched quite a bit of their games [from] New York. … Just a super fun, young team. They have a great young core. I just want to do my part to help them out. I’m super excited to be a part of it. I think we’re going to have a good squad.”
The eight-year MLB veteran joins an infield that already boasts AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz at first base and runner-up Jacob Wilson at shortstop.
The A’s had six different players make starts at second base in 2025. Having an established veteran to slot in at the position without much thought will make life easier for manager Mark Kotsay.
“I feel like our middle infield this year is probably going to strike out the least amount in the league with Wilson,” McNeil noted. “He’s a free swinger. I love watching that guy hit. He’s so much fun. We’re both free swingers and like to put the ball in play quick and make things happen… I can’t wait to play with him.”
McNeil, as of now, has the most MLB service among A’s position players, and the second-most on the overall roster behind starting pitcher Luis Severino’s 10 years.
That helps the A’s front office meet an intangible need on top of their positional gaps.
“I thought he was a really good fit in a lot of ways,” A’s general manager David Forst told MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos. “His overall experience — let’s be honest, we still have a generally young roster without a ton of experience, particularly on the position-player side. I think he brings a lot to the table in terms of having played in that market, played in the postseason, and bringing a lot of experience to our clubhouse.”
The addition of the two-time MLB All-Star also will help boost an already potent lineup that came into form particularly in the latter half of the season. The A’s offense hit for a .260 batting average in their 64 games after the break, the fifth-best in MLB during that span.
McNeil, a Central Coast native, returns to his home state. He also has family ties near his new home ballpark, according to Gallegos.
Jeff McNeil on getting traded to A's: "It seems like [the Mets] are going in a different direction, so I knew it was a possibility. I'm super excited to be an A now. Definitely a crazy day yesterday, but I couldn't be happier."
With the second base position seemingly locked down in Sacramento, Forst told Gallegos that the team likely will look at internal candidates at third base. Young prospects Max Muncy and Darell Hernáiz started 30 and 17 games, respectively, at the position and figure to be the leading candidates along with Brett Harris.
Forst and the A’s now probably will their offseason focus on acquiring another piece for the starting pitching rotation.
It’s always good to have another adult in the room with a bunch of kids.
The Athletics acquired veteran Jeff McNeil in a trade with the New York Mets on Monday. The 33-year-old utility player is expected to fill into the hole at second base, a big need for the A’s heading into the offseason.
McNeil, who has played all eight of his MLB seasons with the Mets, is excited to join a promising young core.
“It’s a super fun team to watch,” McNeil said Tuesday to reporters over a Zoom call (h/t Martín Gallegos). “I watched quite a bit of their games [from] New York. … Just a super fun, young team. They have a great young core. I just want to do my part to help them out. I’m super excited to be a part of it. I think we’re going to have a good squad.”
The eight-year MLB veteran joins an infield that already boasts AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz at first base and runner-up Jacob Wilson at shortstop.
The A’s had six different players make starts at second base in 2025. Having an established veteran to slot in at the position without much thought will make life easier for manager Mark Kotsay.
“I feel like our middle infield this year is probably going to strike out the least amount in the league with Wilson,” McNeil noted. “He’s a free swinger. I love watching that guy hit. He’s so much fun. We’re both free swingers and like to put the ball in play quick and make things happen… I can’t wait to play with him.”
McNeil, as of now, has the most MLB service among A’s position players, and the second-most on the overall roster behind starting pitcher Luis Severino’s 10 years.
That helps the A’s front office meet an intangible need on top of their positional gaps.
“I thought he was a really good fit in a lot of ways,” A’s general manager David Forst told MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos. “His overall experience — let’s be honest, we still have a generally young roster without a ton of experience, particularly on the position-player side. I think he brings a lot to the table in terms of having played in that market, played in the postseason, and bringing a lot of experience to our clubhouse.”
The addition of the two-time MLB All-Star also will help boost an already potent lineup that came into form particularly in the latter half of the season. The A’s offense hit for a .260 batting average in their 64 games after the break, the fifth-best in MLB during that span.
McNeil, a Central Coast native, returns to his home state. He also has family ties near his new home ballpark, according to Gallegos.
Jeff McNeil on getting traded to A's: "It seems like [the Mets] are going in a different direction, so I knew it was a possibility. I'm super excited to be an A now. Definitely a crazy day yesterday, but I couldn't be happier."
With the second base position seemingly locked down in Sacramento, Forst told Gallegos that the team likely will look at internal candidates at third base. Young prospects Max Muncy and Darell Hernáiz started 30 and 17 games, respectively, at the position and figure to be the leading candidates along with Brett Harris.
Forst and the A’s now probably will their offseason focus on acquiring another piece for the starting pitching rotation.
Pool play will run from March 4-March 11 followed by the quarterfinals from March 13-14, the semifinals from March 15-16 and the championship game on March 17.
Where is the 2026 World Baseball Classic being played?
Group stage games will be played across four cities and three countries:
Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan
Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Daikin Park in Houston
loanDepot park in Miami
The quarterfinals will be held in Houston and Miami, while the semifinals and finals will be played in Miami.
Which teams are in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The WBC features 20 teams which are split into four different pools for the opening round. Each pool is assigned to one host city for the first round.
Here’s a breakdown of the pools and host cities:
Pool A (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Canada
Colombia
Cuba
Panama
Puerto Rico
Pool B (Houston)
Brazil
Great Britain
Italy
Mexico
United States
Pool C (Tokyo, Japan)
Australia
Chinese Taipei
Czechia
Japan
Korea
Pool D (Miami)
Dominican Republic
Israel
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Venezuela
How does the World Baseball Classic work?
The WBC opens with a round robin where teams play one game against each of the other clubs in their pool. The top two teams from each pool then advance to the knockout rounds, which are single-elimination.
Teams from Pools A and B will play quarterfinal games in Houston, while clubs from Pools C and D will play in Miami.
Pool play will run from March 4-March 11 followed by the quarterfinals from March 13-14, the semifinals from March 15-16 and the championship game on March 17.
Where is the 2026 World Baseball Classic being played?
Group stage games will be played across four cities and three countries:
Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan
Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Daikin Park in Houston
loanDepot park in Miami
The quarterfinals will be held in Houston and Miami, while the semifinals and finals will be played in Miami.
Which teams are in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The WBC features 20 teams which are split into four different pools for the opening round. Each pool is assigned to one host city for the first round.
Here’s a breakdown of the pools and host cities:
Pool A (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Canada
Colombia
Cuba
Panama
Puerto Rico
Pool B (Houston)
Brazil
Great Britain
Italy
Mexico
United States
Pool C (Tokyo, Japan)
Australia
Chinese Taipei
Czechia
Japan
Korea
Pool D (Miami)
Dominican Republic
Israel
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Venezuela
How does the World Baseball Classic work?
The WBC opens with a round robin where teams play one game against each of the other clubs in their pool. The top two teams from each pool then advance to the knockout rounds, which are single-elimination.
Teams from Pools A and B will play quarterfinal games in Houston, while clubs from Pools C and D will play in Miami.
Jeff McNeil’s time in the Big Apple has come to an end.
The Mets have long been floating the former batting champ in trade talks, and on Monday they finally reached an agreement to ship him off to the A’s along with cash.
New York receives 17-year-old pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez in return.
While he seemingly didn’t have a home in the Big Apple anymore, the A’s feel the veteran McNeil will slot in perfectly with their young up-and-coming roster.
“He's a really good fit in a lot of ways,” GM David Forst told Martín Gallegos of MLB.com. “His experience -- let’s be honest, we still have a generally young roster without a ton of experience, particularly on the position-player side.
“I think he brings a lot to the table in terms of having played in that big market, played in the postseason, and just bringing a lot of experience to our clubhouse.”
That developing core is headlined by AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, the slap-hitting Jacob Wilson, slugger Brent Rooker, catcher Shea Langeliers, power-hitting lefty Tyler Soderstrom, and dynamic outfielder Lawrence Butler.
The 33-year-old should bring a nice boost to their offense taking his newly-developed approach at the plate to the hitter-friendly confines of Sutter Health Park.
McNeil is currently penciled in as their everyday second base, but things could always change over the next few months, as the organization also values his versatility.
Frost views his skillset similar to another veteran he’d signed in the past.
“That he has that much versatility,” the GM said. “I see it a lot like when we acquired Ben Zobrist a long time ago -- just knowing you have some options and you can do some other things on the roster is great.”
McNeil, of course, has logged an appearance at every position except pitcher and catcher over the years.
He finishes his time with the Mets as a .284 hitter with 80 HR, 367 RBI, and a .779 OPS.
There's a good chance the Islanders will have their leading scorer back after the Holiday break.
Bo Horvat officially rejoined the team for practice on Monday afternoon, donning a red non-contact jersey.
Horvat still has some hurdles to clear, and is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Devils.
The team is, however, targeting Saturday's meeting with the Rangers for his potential return to the lineup.
"It was nice, he was wearing a non-contact jersey today and it seems like things are going the right way," Patrick Roy said. "I'm doubtful for tomorrow but obviously it was good to see him back out there."
It certainly is a welcome sight, as the star winger has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury.
Horvat went down in significant pain and was unable to put any weight on his left foot after getting tangled up and twisting it during a Dec. 11 meeting with the Anaheim Ducks.
The team didn't have much of an update afterwards, but ruled him day-to-day at the time.
Now, just under two weeks later, Horvat has been able to take some encouraging steps towards getting back out there.
New York has gone 1-2-1 in the four games he's missed.
The Mets’ offseason surely is far from over but we’re at a point now where it’s fair to conclude that David Stearns’ priority this winter was to break up the underachieving core of the ballclub... while presumably reassembling a championship-caliber roster.
You have to say presumably because so far the breaking up has been much more notable than the reassembling.
At the very least, Stearns, with Steve Cohen’s blessing, is carefully plotting his course, filling needs without making a big-splash move to either upgrade the starting rotation or replace the production of Pete Alonso -- and to some degree, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, as well.
Perhaps most significantly, there are indications that Stearns’ commitment to his value-driven philosophy will mean adding more players like Jorge Polanco while waiting for the prices to come down on free agents such as Cody Bellinger and Ranger Suarez or trade targets like Freddy Peralta and Joe Ryan.
Stearns’ patience paid off last year in getting Alonso on his terms. Maybe this winter it will pay off for other big names, but there is also a case to be made -- considering the Mets have Cohen’s money and a plethora of a quality trade chips -- for identifying the players necessary to win with in 2026 and aggressively pursuing them.
In any case, to this point Stearns has a long way to go in trying to re-assemble that championship roster - and saving himself from a failing offseason grade as well.
In the meantime, here are my individual grades on Stearns’ moves so far.
I give Stearns credit for being willing to break up the core that failed to deliver when it counted most for the last several years, the only exception being 2024. This trade with the Texas Rangers was the first move in that direction. In addition Stearns got out from under an expensive contract that likely wasn’t going to age well, with five years and $102.5 million remaining.
That said, taking on Semien’s three years and $72 million remaining is a major gamble as well. His defense at second base is an upgrade over McNeil but Stearns’ run-prevention philosophy may not be such an easy sell at Citi Field if Semien’s offensive decline of the last two years continues at age 34.
When this trade was made on November 23, I felt like it would ultimately be judged on how Stearns replaced Nimmo’s offense. So far there is no such replacement.
GRADE: C
Second baseman Marcus Semien (2), then playing for the Texas Rangers, throws to first base during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Field. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Much like the Nimmo trade, I felt this signing had to be evaluated by what came next. It had home run potential if paired with the re-signing of Edwin Diaz, but after the Mets either botched the Diaz negotiations or were ok with letting him leave - it’s still hard to be sure about which - it now feels like much more of a gamble.
Williams’ struggles in the Bronx in 2024 seemed very much related to the pressure of being the closer on such a big stage. That he eventually righted himself would seem to be a good sign, but it was also only long after he’d been removed as the Yankees’ closer.
So it’s fair to wonder how he’ll fare with the expectations of filling Diaz’s shoes as the Mets’ closer. The numbers say his stuff is still elite but scouts who watched him regularly say pressure affected the command of both his fastball and signature change-up.
Bottom line, I can’t put a grade on this signing without factoring in the loss of Diaz.
From the Mets’ point of view, Polanco wasn’t signed to replace Alonso, as they apparently will try to win with more of a sum-of-the-parts roster. But let’s be real: if Polanco is the primary first baseman next season, as seems to be the plan, there will no avoiding at least some comparison to his predecessor.
All the more so if Juan Soto is being pitched around regularly and the Mets are struggling to score runs.
In a vacuum Polanco is a solid signing, coming off a strong age-32 season for the Seattle Mariners in which he slugged .495 and hit 26 home runs, plus two more off Tarik Skubal in the postseason. But he has had a history of inconsistency from year to year, perhaps due somewhat to injuries, and he has no real in-game experience playing first base, even if the Mariners gave him a crash-course at the position last season in case he was needed.
But like most of these moves, I can’t grade this one in a vacuum. Until the Mets add at least one more accomplished hitter after losing Alonso and Nimmo, it’s hard to call this a win.
GRADE: C
Oct 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco (7) throws to first base for the first out in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game two of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
This is the one acquisition so far that doesn’t feel connected to anything else the Mets may or may not do. Instead it feels like a good gamble, signing Weaver to be one of the primary set-up men for Williams, knowing it wasn’t so long ago he excelled in the role of closer for the Yankees in 2023.
The righthander lost his way last season, but many baseball people believe Weaver’s struggles were related to tipping his pitches, which he eventually admitted messed with him mentally. Presumably he’s had time to make corrections, in which case his fastball-change-up combination, similar to Williams’ arsenal, will again be effective.
GRADE: B
JEFF MCNEIL TRADED IN SALARY DUMP
There wasn’t much doubt McNeil would be moved after the departures of Nimmo and Alonso. Whether a break-up of the core proves meaningful remains to be seen but clearly Stearns believed major change was needed, and McNeil’s reported dust-ups with Francisco Lindor may have added to that belief.
In any case, going into his age-34 season in 2026, McNeil is a long way from the batting champ who hit .326 in 2022, hitting .238 and .243 the last two seasons, so he wasn’t expected to bring back much of a return. In trading him to the Athletics, the Mets got back a lottery ticket of sorts, a 17-year old right-hander, Yordan Rodriguez.
More to the point, the A’s are taking on $10 million of McNeil’s $15.75 salary next season, the last on his four-year contract. The Mets are eating $5.75 million and potentially $2 million more if the A’s don’t’ pick up McNeil’s 2027 club option for another $15.75 million.
McNeil could have had value as a versatile utilityman playing behind Semien next season, so it’s up to Stearns to make better use of the $10 million saved.
Adbert Alzolay had a bit of a rough return to the mound a few weeks ago.
The right-hander was thrown right into the fire in his first game action in nearly two years, and he ended up blowing the save for Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Since then, though, he’s been able to settle in nicely.
Alzolay seems to have shaken off whatever rust was on that right arm, posting three consecutive scoreless outings.
The latest was on Sunday, when he secured the final three outs of a 7-3 victory.
While it’s only Winter Ball, it’s certainly encouraging to see the reliever back on the mound and enjoying success.
The Mets brought Alzolay in last offseason on a two-year minor league pact knowing that he would miss the entire year recovering from Tommy John.
After completing his rehab, he now appears ready to compete for a spot.
The last time he was healthy, Alzolay pitched to a 4.67 ERA in 18 outings with the Cubs.
The year before that, though, he was one of the steadier late-inning arms in baseball having recorded 22 saves and a 2.67 ERA over 58 appearances.
If he can regain that form in spring training, he just might be able to crack a spot on the Mets' Opening Day roster.
Luke Weaver finalized his deal with the Mets on Monday, officially marking the end of his time with the Yankees.
The right-hander enjoyed a strong two-plus seasons in pinstripes.
Weaver came in as a journeyman starter looking for a new home off waivers, and the organization helped turn him into one of the more reliable setup men in baseball.
He quickly became a fan favorite for his electric personality both on and off the field.
He finished with a 3.22 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 12 saves, and 191 strikeouts over 129 appearances as a Yankee.
Weaver tipped his cap to the Bronx faithful one last time before starting his new journey on the other side of town.
"My career coming to what felt like an end. Overwhelmed with injuries and failure... it seemed destined that the new chapter of my life was within reach. But did the Lord have other plans for me," he wrote on Instagram. "Yankees fans and those that showed me your love/support... thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"What a ride it was and a rejuvenation I longed for. Another chapter begins for me but the memories are forever. Grateful and humbled. To God be the Glory."
Pool play will run from March 4-March 11 followed by the quarterfinals from March 13-14, the semifinals from March 15-16 and the championship game on March 17.
Where is the 2026 World Baseball Classic being played?
Group stage games will be played across four cities and three countries:
Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan
Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Daikin Park in Houston
loanDepot park in Miami
The quarterfinals will be held in Houston and Miami, while the semifinals and finals will be played in Miami.
Which teams are in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The WBC features 20 teams which are split into four different pools for the opening round. Each pool is assigned to one host city for the first round.
Here’s a breakdown of the pools and host cities:
Pool A (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Canada
Colombia
Cuba
Panama
Puerto Rico
Pool B (Houston)
Brazil
Great Britain
Italy
Mexico
United States
Pool C (Tokyo, Japan)
Australia
Chinese Taipei
Czechia
Japan
Korea
Pool D (Miami)
Dominican Republic
Israel
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Venezuela
How does the World Baseball Classic work?
The WBC opens with a round robin where teams play one game against each of the other clubs in their pool. The top two teams from each pool then advance to the knockout rounds, which are single-elimination.
Teams from Pools A and B will play quarterfinal games in Houston, while clubs from Pools C and D will play in Miami.
After Monday's Jeff McNeiltrade with the Athletics, the Mets are interested "in adding a right-handed batter to balance out their lineup," according to a report by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic.
New York officials view the move "as more about roster reconstruction than payroll restructuring" since McNeil "no longer held a spot in the infield and was locked into left field," Rosenthal and Sammon reported.
The Mets recently signed the switch-hitting Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract with versatility -- first base included -- as a plus.
New York's interest in a right-handed batter, however, "could end up being someone who can also play first base," Rosenthal and Sammon reported.
At first base, the Mets did not re-sign the right-handedPete Alonso, who inked with the Baltimore Orioles for five years and $155 million earlier this month.
Fellow right-handed batter Mark Vientos, who primarily plays third base, joins Polanco on New York's depth chart at first base after slashing .233/.289/.413 with 17 home runs and 61 RBI in 121 games last season.
Elsewhere in the infield, the Mets landed right-handed batter and three-time All-Star second baseman Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers through a deal for outfielder Brandon Nimmo late last month.
Third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Bo Bichette are among the top right-handed bats on the free-agent market but "likely will command more years than the Mets want to tolerate," Rosenthal and Sammon reported.
The Mets announced Luke Weaver's signing Monday. Reports surfaced last Wednesday that New York and the right-handed reliever were finalizing a two-year contract worth $22 million.
"Over the past few seasons Luke has emerged as one of the most reliable leverage relievers in baseball and we're excited to add him to our pen," said Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. "Luke's stuff, combined with his experience in high pressure situations in New York, sets him up well for success going forward."
Weaver, 32, spent the past two-plus seasons with the Yankees, who claimed him off waivers in September 2023.
In 148.2 IP over 126 regular-season games from 2024-25, Weaver went 11-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 0.969 WHIP.
"He got a really good deal that he earned," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone this past Friday. "When we got him, it seemed like not a big move at the time, late in the '23 season -- to turn into the reliever and the role he ended up having for us.
"He threw a lot of really big games and productive games over the last couple of years -- credit to him for going out there and making a little alter to his career and it truly paying dividends for him."
Weaver's MLB career has included stints with the St. Louis Cardinals (2016-18), Arizona Diamondbacks (2019-22), Kansas City Royals (2022), Cincinnati Reds (2023) and Seattle Mariners (2023).
The Cardinals selected Weaver from Florida State University with the No. 27 overall pick in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft.
WASHINGTON — Left-hander Foster Griffin and the Washington Nationals finalized a $5.5 million contract.
Griffin, who pitched in Japan for the Central League’s Yomiuri Giants the past three years, is the first free agent signing for new Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, hired by the team in late September.
The 30-year-old Griffin was a first-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball’s 2014 amateur draft and made his big league debut with that franchise in 2020.
Griffin also appeared with the Royals and Toronto Blue Jays in 2022, and his full experience in the majors consists of seven games, all in relief, with a 1-0 record and a 6.75 ERA.
Toboni is beginning the job of reconstructing the Nationals, who fired president and general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez in July. They have endured six consecutive losing seasons since winning the World Series in 2019, including a 66-96 record this year that placed Washington 14th out of 15 clubs in the National League.
