Mets wisely being proactive with Luis Robert Jr., who provides star power when healthy

PORT ST. LUCIE - So the Mets are being proactive with Luis Robert Jr., drilling down on the causes for his chronic leg injuries, and intending to keep him out of games while their medical and sports performance people work to “straighten out” some of the reasons that have kept him from achieving his potential. 

It speaks to the gamble they’re taking on Robert Jr. in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for his $20 million salary, as well as the frustration of trying to keep such a high-ceiling athlete off the injured list. 

But it’s also a good thing, especially in this day and age when there is so much science and technology applied to the cause and prevention of injuries. 

All the more so in the case of the Mets.  

It wasn’t too many years ago, remember, when the Mets were heavily criticized for their handling of injuries, either for being too slow to react or for somehow making injuries worse with treatment. 

With that in mind, after listening to Carlos Mendoza announce the “progression” plan for Robert, as well as three other players, I put in a call to Jim Duquette, the SNY analyst and former Mets GM. 

He’d seen the Robert Jr. news as well, and so when he saw I was calling, he answered his phone by saying with a laugh: 

“I know why you’re calling. Jose Reyes?”

“Sorry, Jim,” I said, laughing a bit myself. “It’s the first thing I thought of.”

Duquette, after all, was the assistant GM to Steve Phillips in 2003 when the Mets became so perplexed by Reyes’ recurring hamstring injuries and an examination revealing that one leg was shorter than the other, that they deferred to track and field experts who tried to change Reyes’ running style. 

“We were going with the experts in the field of sprinting,” Duquette recalled. “But it didn’t work. Jose wasn’t comfortable with it and eventually went back to his old style. These days, they probably would have realized it was a hip issue that was causing the difference in leg length and treated it from there. 

“I mean, as an industry, baseball is light years ahead of where we were then in terms of sports medicine and science. Actually, I like what the Mets are doing. The White Sox have not been a forward-thinking organization. They’ve been old-school, where the Mets have become very forward-thinking with this stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised if they get a good result from what they’re doing. It’s smart because Robert has incredible skill when he’s right. He just hasn’t been able to stay healthy.”

Duquette, by the way, reminded me that he was gone from the Mets by the time they put Ryan Church on a cross-country flight with a concussion, another rather infamous injury of the many that seemed to become full-blown controversies over a period of several years. 

Jose Reyes
Jose Reyes / Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

But as Duquette pointed out, this is a much different organization these days.

For that matter, as one Mets person told me, “Steve (Cohen) doesn’t just spend on players. When he took over, he invested in making every facet of the organization top-notch, and sports science and performance was a big part of that.”

That said, you can make the case that injuries are more of an issue in all sports than ever these days, though a lot of baseball people believe that’s mostly a byproduct of the modern athlete building their body to the limit and stressing it to the extreme.

And there’s probably a lot of truth to that as well. Duquette, for example, noted that what helped Reyes eventually avoid chronic hamstring injuries, and thus rack up 517 stolen bases over a 16-year career, was that “he learned how to run, and run fast, without going max effort all the time.”

More recently, the Mets’ new emphasis on injury prevention has paid off in helping keep the once-chronically injured Brandon Nimmo relatively healthy, in part by bringing him along slowly in spring training as they will now with Robert Jr.

They’re taking similar caution with Jorge Polanco, wanting him to strengthen a knee that had surgery in 2024, as well as Brett Baty, who tweaked a hamstring while working out before camp opened, and Francisco Alvarez, in hoping to avoid the various hand and wrist injuries that have plagued him the last couple of years.

But the headliner is Robert Jr., mostly because the Mets are hoping he’ll stay healthy enough to reach the potential that made him an All-Star in 2023.

“The tools are there,” Mendoza said. “He’s got a chance to do something special if he can stay healthy. When we traded for him, our trainers put their hands on him and identified some of the things, especially in the lower half, that needed to be straightened out.

“He’s going through full workouts, he’s going to be getting live at-bats, but as far as putting him in game settings when he has to full-go, whether it’s beating out a ground ball…we’re not going to put him in there out of the gate.”

Robert Jr. is on board, and why not? He believes, as he said in a media interview, that injuries are the primary reason his numbers have fallen off dramatically since his 38-home runs season in 2023, when he made the AL All-Star team.

“Health, that’s the No. 1 thing,” he said. “If I stay on the field as consistently as I can, I know things will go the way I want.”

He offered evidence of that last summer, when the Mets were interested in trading for him, only to be put off by the asking price.

Over 31 games in July and August, Robert slashed .298/.352/.456 with five home runs, 18 RBI, 24 runs scored and 11 stolen bases, resembling his 2023 form.

Then he suffered another hamstring injury, severe enough that it ended his season. The Mets are hoping they can change all of that, and their own injury history as well.

No offense, Jim.

For Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim, opportunity knocks at second base. 'Just trying to get better'

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 13: Hyeseong Kim #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers participates in a fielding drill during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on February 13, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
The Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim participates in a fielding drill during spring training workouts at Camelback Ranch on Friday. (Brandon Sloter / Getty Images)

With Tommy Edman opening the season on the injured list, Hyeseong Kim is a prime candidate to see an uptick in playing time at second base for the Dodgers in the coming season. On Tuesday, he further solidified his case.

With teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto throwing a live batting practice session on the backfields at Camelback Ranch, Kim took the World Series MVP on an unexpected ride. On the 16th pitch of Yamamoto’s live batting practice, Kim crushed an opposite-field home run, dazzling the hundreds of Dodgers fans gathered to watch the team ready itself for its first slate of exhibition games that begin Saturday.

Kim’s home run came after watching Yamamoto walk Teoscar Hernández, induce a groundball from Andy Pages, and strike out newcomer Kyle Tucker looking. However, Kim wasn’t finished quite yet.

Yamamoto took a short break, as Shohei Ohtani threw a round of batting practice himself. After Ohtani got his work in, Yamamoto returned to the mound, with Kim waiting for him in the batter’s box.

On the fifth pitch of his second at-bat versus Yamamoto, Kim ripped a base hit to right field. Yamamoto would see eight at bats on the day, logging 30 pitches. He gave up three hits, two of which came from Kim.

Kim said he tweaked his swing last year after coming over from the KBO on a three-year, $12.5-million contract, and is continuing to progress and feel more comfortable with the adjustments he’s made.

“The swing changes we made last year, I would say I felt about 70% comfortable with,” Kim said through an interpreter on Monday. “And then, this offseason and spring training, we were able to recognize some of the other stuff that we needed to work on, so I’m working very hard to make those changes again this year.”

As a rookie, he batted .280 with a .314 on base percentage, .699 OPS, three home runs and 17 RBI across 71 games. He began the season in triple A, before earning a promotion in May. A left shoulder injury would land him on the injured list, limiting his time in his first big league season — though he was healthy enough to be on the team's postseason roster primarily as a late-inning defensive replacement, playing second base when the Dodgers closed out their Game 7 World Series victory.

Read more:'Game 7 of the World Series was unbelievable': Miguel Rojas on his unexpected stardom

Kim also mixed in 17 games in the outfield to provide depth behind Pages last season, and he knew his outfield defense would be an offseason priority.

“I was aware that I needed to work on my center field and outfield defense,” Kim said. “Even without the front office telling me, I knew that it was something I needed to work on, so I was going to work on it regardless.”

As he prepped for the coming season, Kim focused on his nutrition, upping his protein intake and adding some weight.

“I noticed that I lost a little bit of weight throughout the season and I wanted to make sure that I was gaining my weight back before the season started,” Kim said. “So, I made sure to intake my proteins and my meals so that I was able to gain two-three kilograms this offseason.”

With the news that Edman is still on the mend from offseason ankle surgery, Kim stands to benefit in terms of playing time but he says he's not getting ahead of himself.

“I’m using this time — the offseason and spring training — to just get better,” Kim said. “Whether I play more or not, it doesn’t really affect me much. I’m just trying to get better every day.”

Roberts manages expectations as he addresses team

On the Dodgers’ first day of full-squad workouts, manager Dave Roberts addressed his entire team for the first time Tuesday. Roberts opened with a speech, before players took turns talking.

“I was just kind of talking a little bit about last year and what we accomplished and how we got there, and talking about this year and expectations,” Roberts said. “And a lot of it is the same, continuing to focus on the right things, the little things, and how we go about practicing and playing. Keeping that enthusiasm and buckling up for the long season ahead and we expect to play through October. So, a lot of the same values that we believe in just reiterated.”

Once Roberts finished, his players shared some thoughts of their own. Veterans Miguel Rojas, Will Smith and Mookie Betts were among those to give a speech. Recently acquired stars Tucker and Edwin Díaz also chimed in, discussing why they each made Los Angeles their new home.

Read more:Photos: Shohei Ohtani and World Series champion Dodgers work out at spring training

“It was more just about what made the Dodgers attractive to them,” Roberts said. “I think it’s powerful for our guys to hear it from the other side, from somebody who hasn’t been here. It was a great message from each of those guys. It’s important. It’s powerful for our players to hear from each other.”

And thus, the quest for a three-peat has begun.

“I feel good,” Roberts said. “I’m excited. Our players are excited, coaches are excited. It’s good to get everyone together and start our journey for 2026. I think there’s always optimism early, like every camp. So now, it’s just trying to sustain that energy, that focus every day. Just put those blinders on and stay focused."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Spring Training Trade Targets and the Guardians

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Yandy Díaz #2 of the Tampa Bay Rays runs the bases after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field on September 19, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Guardians have spent the offseason not doing much; will they pull off a late-Spring Training trade as they did last year for Nolan Jones?

I would say the general – and sensible – conclusion among Guardians fans is that the team will enter the season with their roster as is, with an eye to improve as needed at the August trade deadline. However, the Guardians did surprise us by acquiring Nolan Jones for Tyler Freeman as Spring Training closed last season. Perhaps they will have an eye to something similar if the right name comes available in the next six weeks.

Conveniently, Jayson Stark of the Athletic interviewed MLB executives to ask for their guesses of which players will be traded this spring. Let’s take a look at the answers execs gave and see which players may or may not interest the Guardians:

High Interest:

Nico Hoerner, 2B/SS, Cubs – Because Hoerner can play an excellent shortstop (and the Cubs have Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw on hand), trading for Hoerner and his career 120 wRC+ vs. LHP and then immediately attempting to extend him as your shortstop would be a fun, aggressive move that I have no hope of the Guardians making.

Alec Bohm, 1B/3B, Phillies – Bohm would just be a much surer option for 1B/DH partner with Manzardo than David Fry and can play third on Jose’s DH days. But, the Guardians seem set on going with Fry for now.

Yandy Diaz, DH, Rays – I really don’t care about Diaz being DH-only. He remains an elite bat and crushes lefties. He transforms the order immediately and there are few guys out there like that.

James Wood, OF, Nationals – Make no mistake… Wood would cost A LOT for a 23 year-old under control through 2030. But that’s a middle of the order hitter who probably DH’s and replaces Kwan in left when Kwan is traded this offseason and immediately shows us how much we will miss Kwan’s gold glove. A 112/131 wRC+ vs LHP/RHP works for me, though.

Moderate Interest:

Lars Nootbaar, OF, Cardinals – Nolan Jones x2.0 but it works this time? I don’t know…

CJ Abrams, SS, Nationals – I wouls be interested in Abrams in theory, but given his public issue with staying out all night at a casino… it seems a bit untenable given other PR issues the Guardians face.

Nick Pivetta, RHP, Padres – I would love this. Pivetta is under team control through 2028 (unless he opts out) and it’s not an expensive deal. Plus, there seems to be a need for a veteran presence like this on a young staff. But I have trouble seeing the Guardians go outside their top 6 starters.

Jaren Duran, CF, Red Sox or Wilyer Abreu, OF, Red Sox – Duran and Abreu would cost a lot and can’t hit lefties. Would I take either in centerfield here? Absolutely. Will the Guardians acquire either? No.

Jake Cronenworth, Utility, Padres – He upgrades Daniel Schneemann at the plate but may not be able to play SS. Meh.

Matt Shaw, 2B/3B, Cubs – Not sure he is better than any of our up and coming second base options. Maybe?

Low Interest:

Isaac Parades, 1B/3B, Astros – His bat becomes so much less valuable at Progressive Field. Not worth the price.

Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Marlins – I’d like to see the Guardians work with Alcantara but there are questions here and they aren’t going to take on his contract.

Mark Vientos, 1B/3B, Mets – I don’t see a great roster fit here and I am not at all sure he is better than Fry.

N/A – Division targets who aren’t being traded to Cleveland.

Tarik Skubal, LHP, Tigers

Joe Ryan, RHP, Twins

Kris Bubic, LHP, Royals

Byron Buxton, OF, Twins

Bottom line, I do not expect the Guardians to be involved in trading for any of these players. But, should they be discontent with what they see from Fry, from Brito and from Arias/Rocchio this spring – there are some options!

Dodgers ring ceremony is March 27, Dontrelle Willis returns to SportsNet LA booth

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 13: Former major league ballplayer Dontrelle Willis looks on before a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In addition to announcing its spring training broadcast schedule, SportsNet LA on Tuesday announced the bulk of its broadcast plans for the regular season in 2026.

With the Dodgers’ opening day battle against the Arizona Diamondbacks exclusively televised by NBC and streamed on Peacock, the first regular season game for SportsNet LA will be Friday, March 27, the second game of the season. That’s also the night of the championship ring ceremony before the game, which will be part of the SportsNet LA broadcast. For that March 27 broadcast, the pre-game Access SportsNet: Dodgers will be expanded to run for 90 minutes, beginning at 5:30 p.m. PT.

The full exclusive national broadcast schedule for the season hasn’t yet been revealed. Apple TV+ hasn’t yet announced its first half schedule, and usually unveiled each successive month during the season. There are also a few other weeknight ESPN games that haven’t yet been finalized. Last year there were 17 Dodgers games exclusively on national television, leaving 145 for SportsNet LA. In 2024, the split was 16 national games and 146 SportsNet LA contests. Expect a similar number for this season.

Joe Davis and Stephen Nelson will handle the regular season play-by-play duties on SportsNet LA. The split of games hasn’t been revealed, but Davis — who is also the lead national MLB announcer for Fox Sports — has called 87 games for SportsNet LA in each of the last three years.

Orel Hershiser is back as the lead television analyst, in his 11th season calling Dodgers games. Eric Karros and Jessica Mendoza will also continue to call games on SportsNet LA.

Of news this year is the return of Dontrelle Willis to the booth as a game analyst for SportsNet LA, which he did from 2022-23 as well. Willis, who also works nationally as a Fox Sports studio analyst and Apple TV+ game analyst, was hired by the Dodgers to broadcast in 2022 and has been a studio analyst in each of his first four seasons, and will do the same in addition to calling some games as well in 2026. Three years ago, Willis called 12 games for SportsNet LA.

Other studio analysts for SportsNet LA this season are all returning faces — Nomar Garciaparra, Adrián González, Jerry Hairston Jr., Orel Hershiser, and James Loney — along with host John Hartung.

Game reporter Kirsten Watson is back for her sixth season on SportsNet LA, which also includes studio programming. David Vassegh will occasionally fill in as field reporter for some television broadcasts, as he has in years past, cast or not.

Hey Astros, Don’t Trade Parades!

ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 20: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Opinion: Stop Trying to Trade Isaac Paredes. The Astros Need Him.

There, I said it.

I don’t want the Houston Astros to trade Isaac Paredes.

And every time I hear another expert, another national analyst, or even another Astros fan casually toss his name into trade proposals like he’s some expendable spare part, it makes less and less sense to me.

If this franchise is serious about extending its Golden Era and not just surviving it, then Paredes should be part of the foundation, not trade bait.


Isaac Paredes Is Not the Problem

Let’s start with the obvious.

Paredes was one of this team’s best offensive players a year ago. That’s not narrative, that’s production.

Yes, he missed time down the stretch with a hamstring injury. And yes, recency bias is real. But when you zoom out and actually look at what he did in just 102 games, the numbers tell a very different story.

He hit .254 with 20 home runs, 53 RBIs, and an .810 OPS.

Now compare that to the farewell tour numbers from Alex Bregman in his final season in Houston:

.260 average.
18 home runs.
62 RBIs.
.821 OPS.
145 games played.

Paredes produced nearly identical power numbers in 43 fewer games.

Who’s to say that over a full 145-game season he doesn’t surpass that line?

A year ago, fans were outraged over losing Bregman. How could you replace a cornerstone third baseman who had been part of the entire championship core?

Well, the Astros replaced him. And they did it without missing much offensively.

But now we’re acting like that replacement is disposable?


The Strike Zone Matters

One thing that gets overlooked in the trade chatter: Paredes has one of the best eyes for the strike zone on this roster.

On a team that has occasionally chased too much and gone cold in October because of it, that matters.

Plate discipline translates. It travels. It holds up under pressure.

That’s not something you just “throw into a Pirates deal” because you’re chasing roster balance.

And speaking of those trade proposals involving Pittsburgh — unless the Astros are getting a return that clearly makes them better both now and in the future, why are we even entertaining the idea?

You don’t move one of your best assets just because you can.


Team Control and Long-Term Value

There’s another key factor: control.

Paredes isn’t a one-year rental. He’s under team control for the next two seasons. In an era where payroll flexibility matters and extensions for stars aren’t automatic, that’s a competitive advantage.

You build around cost-controlled production. You don’t shop it out of convenience or an assumed necessity.


Fix the Logjam Without Breaking the Offense

Yes, the Astros have an infield surplus. Yes, roster construction is tricky.

Yordan Alvarez wants to play more outfield. And the numbers do suggest he’s more engaged offensively when he’s not locked into the DH role. That’s fair.

But instead of bending over backward trying to reposition everyone else, here’s a thought:

Play Paredes at second base.
Let Jose Altuve transition into more of a designated hitter role.

Load the lineup. Prioritize offense. Adjust defensively as needed.

If the Astros are still chasing another left-handed outfield bat and a left-handed starter and they probably should be, there are ways to address those needs without subtracting one of your most consistent right-handed power bats.

This offense has carried this organization for nearly a decade. Weakening it to patch another area or two feels like robbing Peter to pay Paul.


Don’t Trade Good Just to Chase “Better”

General manager Dana Brown has work to do. No one disputes that. The roster isn’t perfect. It needs pitching depth and bats in the outfield. It could use balance.

But urgency should not create recklessness.

The only scenario where trading Paredes makes sense is if the offer coming back is overwhelming, the kind that clearly improves the team today and fortifies it tomorrow.

Short of that? Hold him.

Sometimes the smartest move isn’t the splashy one. It’s recognizing the value already in your clubhouse.

Spring training is here. Opening Day is coming. There’s still time to shape this roster.

But if the Astros are serious about contending, not just competing, they should stop dangling Isaac Paredes and start building with him.

Maybe I’m in the minority.

But that’s my column. What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.

Better Know Your Blue Jays 40-man: Spencer Miles

Missouri pitcher Spencer Miles (8) throws against Vanderbilt during the first inning at Hawkins Field in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 18, 2022. Vandy Missouri Base 031822 An 005

Spencer Miles is a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher. The Blue Jays picked him up in the Rule 5 draft on December 10th, 2025 from the Giants.

Miles was a fourth-round draft pick in 2022. He missed the 2023 season after back surgery and made just four appearances in 2024 because of a flexor strain, which ended up with him getting Tommy John surgery. So he’s pitched just 14.2 innings in the minors, with a 4.30 ERA, 5 walks and 22 strikeouts.

You can see why the Giants figured he would make it through the Rule 5 draft.

What the Jays saw was a pitcher who throws 95 mph and has touch 99. Scouts say it sinks and they he gets a lot of ground balls. He also throws a curve, slider and changeup. Spencer pitched in the Arizona Fall League last year, with 12 strikeouts in 8.2 innings.

If the Jays feel they want to keep Miles, they would have to keep him on the active roster all season. Angel Bastardo, a Rule 5 pick in 2024, who missed all of last season, would also have to stay on the roster all season. There is no chance that the team would keep both of them. So, they will have a head-to-head competition and also try to prove they are valuable enough to make the team.

The cost of a Rule 5 pick is just $100,000, which is pretty cheap to get a chance at looking at a guy who throws as hard as Miles. I’m looking forward to getting to see him pitch this spring. I’d imagine we’ll see a fair bit of him in the first couple of weeks of spring games.

There is some video of him from the AFL.

Steamer doesn’t have a projection for him.

Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton eager for spring at full health: 'I'm moving around well'

When the Yankees gathered for spring training last season, they weren't sure what Giancarlo Stanton could phsically offer them. The veteran slugger immediately revealed he had bilateral tennis elbow, which forced him to miss weeks of camp and kept him on the injured list until mid-June.

It's been exactly one year since Stanton shared that news, and while careful treatment on his chronic elbows remains essential, he's entering his age-36 season with a clean bill of health and no restrictions to his activity levels.

"Ready to go. Ready for good work this spring and good build-up," Stanton said on Tuesday. "[The elbow pain isn't] going anywhere, there's always maintenance. But it didn't hinder me from any work, and that's what's most important. I feel good, I'm moving around well."

Just like last season, the Yankees aren't counting on Stanton to be an everyday player. He's their part-time designated hitter, and any level of production from him at the plate will be a welcomed sight -- this was even the case before 2025 started.

But the Yankees can still picture a world in which Stanton delivers quality at-bats and clutch power. After all, he slashed .273/.350/.594 with 24 home runs and 66 RBI in just 77 games last season. He also started 18 games in the outfield.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he isn't planning to play Stanton in early Grapefruit League games, but he's excited to see the former ALCS MVP return to action soon and make an impact when called upon.

"Good winter. He's always in good shape, but looks really good to me," Boone said. "Real lean, jumping in all the drills, ready to go right now. Feel like we're in a good spot with him... He's full-go and looks good to me."

Last September, Stanton became the 41st player in MLB history to register 450 career homers, and the fifth-fastest player to achieve the feat (1,719 games). He's also just the sixth player to hit No. 450 in pinstripes, and his current mark ranks highest among active hitters.

Stanton needs 47 more long balls to join the 500 homers club and make a compelling Hall of Fame case. But the milestone isn't a priority for him at the moment -- he's focused on hitting No. 454 first, and hopefully several more after that.

"Numbers like the next one and the next one are good for now," Stanton said. "Those numbers, like 500, it's the same as, we're going to win the World Series right now. You've got each day to do work and improve and do something positive. That's the way I'm looking at it."

Scouts weigh in on Mets' Carson Benge: 'He’s a natural as a hitter'

PORT ST. LUCIE - Carson Benge knows all eyes are on him, in a sense, here in spring training. He’s not pretending that he’s unaware of the expectations, after David Stearns publicly left the door open for him to fill out the Mets’ starting outfield

But as a hitter who says he is best when he “keeps things simple,” Benge insists he’s not feeling the weight of those expectations as he tries to make the ballclub this spring in his second full professional season. 

“I need to be as free as possible, that’s when I’m at my best,” Benge told me me at his locker on Tuesday. “That’s how I’m going to approach it. If I don’t make it, I won’t be disappointed because it will mean I didn’t earn it. And that would light more of a fire for me to get to the big leagues.”

That’s probably exactly what the Mets’ brass, and fans as well, want to hear. Benge projects a casual confidence that is probably ideal in this situation, and though he doesn’t say it, you get the feeling speaking to him that he believes he’s ready for the big leagues. 

In that case, there’s a chance he’ll be the Nolan McLean of position-player prospects, adapt quickly at the big league level, and blossom into the impact hitter that could be something of a missing piece to the 2026 Mets’ offense. 

Which would be quite remarkable, if it happens, considering that like McLean, Benge was a two-way player at Oklahoma State, but unlike his teammate, chose hitting over pitching after being drafted by the Mets. 

McLean, for one, wouldn’t be surprised. 

“He’s a super-gifted player,” McLean said Tuesday. “I’ve pitched against him a bunch of times in workouts, in the pros and in college, and he’s a really tough out. He’s going to make you throw it in the zone. If you get him to chase you’ve really accomplished something.

“I always thought he’d eventually choose hitting over pitching just because he was so good. From the day he rolled in (at Oklahoma State) he had a knack for getting the barrel to the ball, which isn’t easy coming into a program at that level. He was a better hitter than I was.”

Benge, meanwhile, says much the same about McLean. 

“He could hit but I always felt he’d end up pitching,’’ he said. “You could see his stuff could play at the highest level.”

In fact, Benge says he’s never seen a pitcher spin the ball the way McLean can. 

“It’s gross,” he said with a laugh. 

Feb 12, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge (93) warms-up during spring training
Feb 12, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge (93) warms-up during spring training / Jim Rassol - Imagn Images

As for himself, Benge says he was still largely undecided between pitching and hitting when he was drafted by the Mets as their first-round pick in 2024.

“I talked to the people in the Mets’ front office and they felt like I’d have a chance to get to the big leagues quicker as a position player than a pitcher. And I said, ‘I’m all for it.’“

Scouts say there never should have been much doubt.

"He’s a natural as a hitter,” said one scout who saw him at all three levels at which he played last season, from Class-A Brooklyn to Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. “He’s got a very advanced approach, as far as hitting the ball where it’s pitched and staying disciplined in the strike zone. That’s what allowed him to rise so quickly.”

Benge, meanwhile, smiled when asked about that advanced approach and said, “Honestly, I keep it simple. See the ball, hit the ball. And hit it hard.”

If that’s the case, it’s fair to wonder if he needs to make adjustments, considering he struggled at Triple-A after tearing it up in Single- and Double-A, hitting .178 in 24 games there.

Benge, however, makes the case that the numbers are deceiving.

“I felt like I was in a good spot there, seeing the ball well,” he said. “I felt I was putting some good swings on balls, but not as many dropped for me. That’s baseball.

“It was good to go through it, though. Everybody has to at some point. The only difference I noticed in the pitching there was that guys were better at hitting their spots. But I didn’t feel a stuff difference.”

One scout who saw Benge in Triple-A offered a reasonably similar assessment.

“He didn’t look overmatched when I saw him,” the scout said. “I saw him get pitched tough, maybe because he already had some hype around him. He probably got himself out a little more at that level because he was seeing guys command their off-speed stuff better. I saw some hard contact but I’d also say he could use a little more time there before he’s ready for the big leagues.’’

That’s a determination the Mets will make this spring training, depending on what Benge does in Grapefruit League games.

In the meantime, they’re taking out some insurance, signing veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman in a deal the club has yet to announce. It’s a smart move – they need a Plan B, since they can’t be sure about how Brett Baty will look in the outfield.

Still, you hear much the same evaluation of Benge from inside and outside the Mets’ organization.

As that same scout put it:

“If he’s not there in April, I’d make a big bet he’ll be there by June or July. He can really hit.”

Twins right-hander Pablo López has major elbow injury that likely will need season-ending surgery

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Minnesota Twins suffered a major setback during their first full-squad workout, an elbow injury that likely will sideline ace Pablo López for the entire season.

General manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters at the club’s spring training facility on Tuesday that López has a “significant tear” in his right ulnar collateral ligament. He was seeking a second medical opinion but expected to need Tommy John surgery, Zoll said. López ended his bullpen session early on Monday after experiencing soreness in his throwing elbow.

The team’s opening day starter in each of the last three years, López was grappling with a double disappointment with the probable loss of not only the upcoming major league season but the World Baseball Classic next month, when he was scheduled to pitch for his native Venezuela.

“I already feel I’m letting a lot of people down,” said López, who was limited to 75 2/3 innings last year because of injuries. “I’m letting myself down. I’m letting the Twins down. I’m letting my family down.”

López, who turns 30 on March 7, is making $21.75 million this season. He is signed through next year.

“We know injuries are part of the game. You’re always trying to get through spring training as healthy as possible,” Zoll said. “It’s definitely a blow, but we’re going to just do the best we can to push forward.”

López made his major league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2018 and spent five seasons with them before being traded to the Twins. López made the All-Star team in his first year with the Twins and helped the franchise end an all-time record 18-game postseason losing streak for North American professional sports, going 2-0 with an 0.71 ERA in two starts in the 2023 playoffs.

When López was in the Seattle Mariners organization, he had Tommy John surgery that kept him out of the 2014 minor league season.

“We’re not designed to throw things that hard for an extended time,” López told reporters at the Lee Health Sports Complex. “Having done it once, I can do it again. Doesn’t mean I want to, but I’m going to have to and I know I can.”

López missed about three months last season with a shoulder injury. As the Twins were slashing payroll, he was mentioned often as a prime trade candidate, but the front office opted to keep him and right-hander Joe Ryan at the front of what was expected to be a strong rotation.

Now the Twins are missing their most important piece, with Ryan, an All-Star in 2025, now the ace and right-hander Bailey Ober under pressure to bounce back and be a reliable No. 2 starter.

Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews and David Festa are all 25-year-old right-handers who have combined to make 98 starts over the past two seasons, with at least one or two of them likely to make the opening rotation. Taj Bradley and Mick Abel were acquired in the flurry of trades during the week leading up to the deadline last summer and also are firmly in the mix.

“In a lot of ways, we view this as a real opportunity for someone to step up and take advantage of that,” Zoll said. “We’ll pick up the pieces once we have a better handle on things.”

No. 3 Texas hosts Lamar in season’s first midweek matchup

AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 7: Jason Flores #4 of the Texas Longhorns poses for a portrait on Texas baseball media day on January 7, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by The University of Texas Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)

After a weekend sweep of the UC-Davis Aggies, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns are back at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Tuesday to host the Lamar Cardinals looking to extend their series winning streak to six games.

Led by longtime head coach Will Davis, now in his ninth season with the Cardinals, Lamar enters Tuesday’s game at 2-1 on the season following a home series win over Oakland on opening weekend, missing a chance at a sweep because a 3-2 loss in 10 innings on Sunday.

Shortstop AJ Taylor is off to a hot start for the Cardinals at the plate, hitting .444 with two doubles against Oakland while second baseman Beau Durbin and center fielder Tab Tracy came up clutch with five RBI apiece.

The Lamar pitching staff held Oakland to a .204 batting average, but behind the plate Texas State transfer catch Theo Kummer had some issues controlling the base paths, allowing the Golden Grizzlies to steal five bases without throwing a runner out. And despite the poor batting average, Oakland recorded the only two home runs of the series.

Senior right-hander Blayne Fritcher, a reliever at McNeese last year, will receive the start for Lamar.

For Texas, sophomore right-hander Jason Flores is set to make the sixth start of his career after going 4-2 with a 2.78 ERA while holding opponents to a .205 batting average last season. Schlossnagle praised Flores’ maturation during the offseason, which helped him win a stiff competition to open the season as the midweek starter.

Schlossnagle and pitching coach Max Weiner also want to get a look at a number of young arms out of the bullpen on Tuesday with freshmen right-handers Brett Crossland, Sam Cozart, and Brody Walls all expected to make their collegiate debuts after strong starting pitching to only use five relievers in the weekend sweep of UC-Davis.

The Longhorns want to get some players going at the plate, too, like junior catcher Carson Tinney, who was able to draw seven walks, but only had one hit in six at bats. While Schlossnagle appreciates Tinney’s ability to work deep in counts, he also wants the powerful Notre Dame transfer to be more aggressive attacking early strikes.

“He’s a good baseball player, and the hitting stuff is going to come around,” Schlossnagle said on Monday. “He’s going to constantly be earmarked as the guy that has to be pitched to in a certain way and pitched to carefully, which is why we need somebody around him to maybe even get some pitches to hit.”

In the weekend batting order, that player was junior first baseman Casey Borba, who has started the season 2-for-11 (.182) because he’s narrowly missed multiple home runs that were pulled foul and had another big swing that resulted in a ball hit well to center field that he just got under.

First pitch is at 5 p.m. Central on SEC Network+.

Zack Gelof: Outfielder?

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: Zack Gelof #20 of the Athletics catches the ball during the game between the Athletics and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Looking to give him more chances to play, the A’s are reportedly set to get second baseman Zack Gelof some time on the grass this spring in an effort to boost his versatility.

Which makes sense! Offseason acquisition Jeff McNeil looks like he’ll be getting the majority of the reps at second base (with an occasional appearance at third in the cards as well). That means unless Gelof is hoping for an injury, he’s not going to be lining up at his primary position anytime soon.

In the majors second base is the only position Gelof has played. He did begin his professional career as a third baseman so he has some experience there in the minor leagues. While the A’s are still unsettled at the hot corner he hasn’t gotten meaningful playing time at the position since ‘22.

Getting him some reps at the hot corner this spring seemed like a no-brainer entering camp but the A’s are apparently thinking bigger than that. With the recent departure of Max Schuemann the A’s don’t have a super-utility player on their roster. If the A’s can add some outfield (namely center field) to Gelof’s bag of tools that makes the Athletics’ roster all the more flexible. It’d also add another layer of security in case a younger guy like Colby Thomas, Carlos Cortes or Junior Perez isn’t ready for a part-time role.

Several players have made a successful conversion from the dirt to the grass in recent years, most recently the Padres’ Jackson Merrill (formerly a shortstop, now an elite center fielder) and our very own Tyler Soderstrom (once a catcher, then a first baseman, now a Gold Glove finalist in left field). The Diamondbacks are attempting a position switch with their own prized infield prospect as well, getting shortstop Jordan Lawler reps in center field this spring. Lawler and Merrill are fast guys but Gelof’s no slouch himself, swiping 25 bags just two years ago.

The transition that Gelof is going to attempt to make has been done in the past, and Gelof is enough of an athlete that he should be able to handle himself decently well as he gets used to an unfamiliar position. How well he hits will be the ultimate factor in how long he holds a roster spot but adding more positions other than second base can only help boost his value to the club this coming season.

So how do you guys think the Gelof-to-the-outfield experiment will work? Discuss and debate below in the comments!

Question Time: Blue Jays Spring Training Advice

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies covers as Addison Barger #47 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to first base on a pick off attempt during the second inning of a spring training game at BayCare Ballpark on March 17, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

Something vaguely resembling a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game will occur on Saturday. Until then, we’re in grainy cell phone video of batting practice land. I’ve actually never been to the Jays’ spring training home in in Dunedin (the Cactus League in and around Phoenix is much more accessible from here in Calgary), but I know a lot of our commenters have and I’m sure a few are planning to check it out this year.

Given that, I thought today I’d open things up for a bit of an advice thread. For those of you who’ve gone down to Florida, do you have any advice about where to stay, what to eat, where to sit in the stadium? And anybody considering going down this spring, what would help you to plan your trip? Let’s try to share some info and make sure anyone flying down this year has as much fun as possible.

Dodgers 2026 spring training broadcast schedule

Tim Neverett and Rick Monday call a Dodgers spring training game for SportsNet LA on February 20, 2025.
Tim Neverett and Rick Monday call a Dodgers spring training game for SportsNet LA on February 20, 2025.

The Dodgers on Tuesday announced the broadcast schedule for spring training, with 29 of 31 exhibition games televised by SportsNet LA, plus an extra game that serves as a tuneup for the World Baseball Classic.

The Dodgers begin their spring training schedule this Saturday against the Angels in Tempe.

The only two Cactus League games not televised by SportsNet LA are on split-squad days. On Saturday, February 28, the Dodgers will televise their game against the Cubs at Camelback Ranch, while their game in Surprise against the Rangers won’t be televised. Same for Sunday, March 15, with the home game against the Rangers on TV locally, but their road game in Mesa against the Cubs not on SportsNet LA. That March 15 Dodgers-Cubs game will be televised by the Marquee Sports Network, which means that Cubs broadcast will be available to watch on MLBtv.

SportsNet LA will also televise the Dodgers’ exhibition game on Wednesday, March 4 against Team Mexico in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

Tim Neverett and Rick Monday are back for the television call for the Dodgers games in Arizona. For the exhibition Freeway Series against the Angels from March 22-24 in Southern California, Stephen Nelson will call play-by-play for SportsNet LA.

Radio broadcast details have not yet been announced.

DateOpponentTime (PT)TV
Sat, Feb 21at Angels12:10 p.m.SNLA
Sun, Feb 22at Padres12:10 p.m.SNLA
Mon, Feb 23Mariners12:05 p.m.SNLA
Tue, Feb 24Guardians12:05 p.m.SNLA
Wed, Feb 25at D-backs12:10 p.m.SNLA
Thu, Feb 26White Sox12:05 p.m.SNLA
Fri, Feb 27at Giants12:05 p.m.SNLA
Sat, Feb 28Cubs (ss)12:05 p.m.SNLA
Sat, Feb 28at Rangers (ss)12:05 p.m.none
Sun, Mar 1Angels12:05 p.m.SNLA
Mon, Mar 2at Rockies12:10 p.m.SNLA
Tue, Mar 3at Guardians12:05 p.m.SNLA
Wed, Mar 4Mexico (WBC prep)12:05 p.m.SNLA
Thu, Mar 5at Reds12:05 p.m.SNLA
Fri, Mar 6Royals5:05 p.m.SNLA
Sat, Mar 7Rockies5:05 p.m.SNLA
Sun, Mar 8at A’s1:05 p.m.SNLA
Mon, Mar 9at Brewers1:10 p.m.SNLA
Tue, Mar 10D-backs1:05 p.m.SNLA
Thu, Mar 12Reds6:05 p.m.SNLA
Fri, Mar 13at Mariners6:10 p.m.SNLA
Sat, Mar 14at White Sox1:05 p.m.SNLA
Sun, Mar 15Rangers (ss)1:05 p.m.SNLA
Sun, Mar 15at Cubs (ss)1:05 p.m.Marquee (Cubs)
Mon, Mar 16Brewers1:05 p.m.SNLA
Tue, Mar 17at Royals6:05 p.m.SNLA
Wed, Mar 18Giants1:05 p.m.SNLA
Fri, Mar 20 Padres6:05 p.m.SNLA
Sat, Mar 21A’s12:05 p.m.SNLA
Sun, Mar 22at Angels (Anaheim)6:07 p.m.SNLA
Mon, Mar 23Angels (LA)6:10 p.m.SNLA
Tue, Mar 24Angels (LA)5:10 p.m.SNLA

Padres just desperate enough to sign Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after he closes out the 9th inning. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees 7-6 to win the World Series.

From one side of the rivalry to the other.

Maybe.

Walker Buehler agreed to a minor league deal with the Padres, hoping to make their Opening Day roster the rotation as a starter.

“It’s a really good opportunity to be a part of a talented ball club and looking forward to seeing what we can make of it,” he told reporters in Arizona on Tuesday morning while donning the brown and yellow Padres colors for the first time. “I think it’s the way I’ve viewed every spring, come in and try and make the team, contribute anyway I can. Obviously I’m a starter and want to start so here to try and make the rotation.”

It’s been a far fall from grace for the 31-year-old Buehler.

He was widely regarded as one of the better pitchers in baseball during his early years in Los Angeles, winning the 2020 World Series with the Dodgers while being named a two-time All-Star and having two top-10 finishes in Cy Young voting.

But injuries have greatly derailed his career.

He had Tommy John surgery in 2022, resulting in him missing the entire 2023 season. He returned in 2024 with the Dodgers but looked far from who he was pre-surgery. He posted a 5.38 ERA in 16 appearances, though he did close out the 2024 World Series against the Yankees.

He spent the majority of 2025 with the Red Sox, posting a 7-7 record and 5.45 ERA before he was designated for assignment.

Boston Red Sox Walker Buehler throws a pitch during the first inning when the New York Yankees played the Cleveland Guardians Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The Phillies took a chance on Buehler late last season and he rewarded them with his best stretch of games since his early career years with the Dodgers. He went 3-0 in three appearances with a 0.66 ERA.

“I liked a lot of the stuff I was working on in Philadelphia, just kept throwing and working through some stuff,” he said. “I feel like the delivery is a lot closer to what it was kind of pre-’22. I threw the ball well over there, and getting the velocity back as well as the delivery has kind of been the big thing. The second half of last year was relatively successful compared to the first half.”


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Finally gaining some momentum going into this season after the way last year ended, Buehler tried to capitalize on that momentum by making small changes to his offseason program.

“My elbow and my body have kind of been through some stuff,” he said. “I kind of took a different approach and moved out here for the offseason, then got my body in a little better spot.”

Obviously there’s some stuff we want to build on there and get some of the velocity, the explosiveness, whatever you want to call it, back. But I took this offseason just a little bit different and I feel like it’s worked out well.”

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler throws in the second inning of game three of the NLCS against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Buehler’s signing comes at an ideal time for the Padres as they’re dealing with rotation issues heading into spring training in Arizona.

The Padres have a top three of Nick Pivetta, last year’s breakout star, Michael King, who signed a three-year, $25 million deal to return to the Padres after injuries limited him to 15 starts last season, and Joe Musgrove, who’s coming off Tommy John surgery. But the cupboard is pretty bare after that.

Randy Vásquez has the inside track on one of the final two spots in the rotation.

Yu Darvish, a staple of the San Diego rotation over the past five seasons, had elbow surgery in October and is out for the season. Other options include Kyle Hart and JP Sears.

Enter Buehler.

He’ll be awarded every opportunity to earn a spot in the Padres rotation. And if so, maybe he’ll open up about being on the other side of one of baseball’s best rivalries.

“Yeah it feels a little weird … obviously some familiarity with the division,” he said with a laugh. “I imagine five years ago it would’ve been a lot more weird but, this is a crazy game and this is a great opportunity for me to again be a part of a really talented baseball club. It’s what I’m here to do.”

Yankees Notes: Cam Schlittler returns to mound work, Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s mindset entering contract year

Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke to the media following Tuesday's workouts in Tampa…

Cam Schlitter back on the mound

The lack of concern the Yankees expressed over Schlittler's mid-back inflammation was validated on Tuesday, as the right-hander returned to the bullpen mound in Tampa for the first time since being slowed down late last week.

Schlittler, whose minor back-lat issue emerged a few weeks ago, was limited to flat ground throwing over the weekend. But the 25-year-old's precautionary break from mound work has ended, and the Yanks don't believe the interruption to his program put him behind schedule for Opening Day.

"Went good. Something we weren't overly concerned about, just being where we are in the calendar," manager Aaron Boone said. "Just wanted to make sure it didn't turn into something bigger. Everything went well, accordingly. Keep moving forward."

The Yankees are relying on Schlitter to be a rotation mainstay, considering their regular season will start with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt on the injured list.

Schlittler, who made his big league debut last summer, registered a laudable 2.96 ERA with 84 strikeouts across 14 starts (73.0 innings). He delivered his most impressive performance in the AL Wild Card Series, when he punched out 12 in an eight-inning shutout over the Red Sox.

All Jazz'd Up

While the offseason trade rumors involving Jazz Chisholm Jr. never intensified, his long-term value to New York became a hot topic of conversation.

The veteran infielder, who avoided arbitration with a $10.2 million deal for 2026, is currently slated to test free agency next winter. Chisholm hopes his career continues in pinstripes, even though the status of extension talks is unclear.

When asked about Chisholm's mindset entering a contract year, Boone sounded extremely confident in the reigning Silver Slugger embracing team and personal expectations without any hitches.

"I feel like he's in a really good frame of mind. He's incredibly confident, for good reason, in his ability to go out there," Boone said. "If he goes out there, goes to the post and does his thing, and hopefully keeps improving his game, he's going to put himself in a real good position."

Chisholm is coming off a highlight 2025 season, in which he slashed .242/.332/.481 with a career-high 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 130 games. He finished as one of just seven players to produce a 30-30 campaign.

Boone chuckled when he heard Chisholm's latest goal is to achieve a 50-50 season, but he tried his best not to rule out the two-time All-Star's lofty plan.

"We'll be in a good spot if he does," Boone said with a smile. "It's hard to put a ceiling on him. He went 30-30 last year and missed a month and didn't run for two months. He's capable of some special things between the lines."

Grapefruit League opener revealed

While there was some speculation on rising prospect Carlos Lagrange starting the Grapefruit League opener, Boone announced Elmer Rodríguez-Cruz will get the ball on Friday against the Orioles in Sarasota.

Rodríguez-Cruz, named the Yankees' Minor League Player of the Year in 2025 by Baseball America, registered a 2.58 ERA with 176 strikeouts across three levels, finishing the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.