First Week in Port St. Lucie
Pitchers and catchers do not report until February 11, 2026, but multiple Mets players have arrived in Port St. Lucie early.
Photo: USA Today
Francisco Alvarez
Francisco Alvarez arrived in camp early to work with both the young pitchers and newly acquired Freddy Peralta. Alvarez has shown up to camp early in past years as well, demonstrating his determination to connect with his pitchers.
Carson Benge
Carson Benge was one of the first Mets prospects to arrive to St. Lucie as he tried to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. President of baseball operations David Stearns has repeatedly stated that Benge will have that opportunity.
- Carson Benge swinging out of the cage
Clay Holmes
Clay Holmes successfully transitioned to a starter in 2025, putting up a 3.53 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 165.2 innings pitched. He looks to build on that and has shown up to spring training early to do just that. Holmes will also pitch in the World Baseball Classic. Some of his highlights from this week:
- Clay working on the mound in Florida
- Clay with new pitching coach Justin Willard
Nate Lavender
Lefty Nate Lavender looked poised to make his mark in the majors in 2024 before an early season elbow injury required the internal brace procedure. He was claimed by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft, but was returned to the Mets in November 2025. If A.J. Minter misses time at the start of the 2026 season, Lavender could get some innings early in the season.
Francisco Lindor
Francisco Lindor was slated to play for Team Puerto Rico before an issue with his insurance prevented that. That did not stop him from showing up early to camp to run drills and work with the younger players.
- Francisco Lindor running drills
Nolan McLean
Nolan McLean is one of the pitchers who showed up early for spring training and described the Mets rotation as having a “very high” ceiling with the addition of Freddy Peralta. He is excited to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Some top moments from his first week at the Mets camp in Florida include:
- Facing top prospect Carson Benge in a live BP
- Dealing strikeouts off the mound
- Nolan McLean BP full video
Tobias Myers
Newly acquired Tobias Myers arrived early to camp to work with the Mets pitching staff and catchers. He is excited to continue to pitch with Freddy Peralta and says he really took him under his wing as a rookie. He also said Freddy is a great cook.
- Tobias Myers first bullpen as a Met
Christian Scott
Christian Scott was one of the best prospects in baseball in 2024 before he needed Tommy John surgery. After rehabbing throughout the 2025 season, Scott is poised to return to the majors in 2026. Here are some highlights from the last week:
- Scott throwing a bullpen session off the mound
- Scott working on his pitch grips
Kodai Senga
Kodai Senga decided not to pitch in the WBC and arrived early to camp to prepare for the season. President of baseball operations David Stearns stated Senga will be part of the rotation.
- Kodai Senga taking part in throwing drills
Jonah Tong
Jonah Tong is not stressing about whether or not he will make the Opening Day roster, instead looking forward to “having fun along the way.” He stated he is looking forward to learning from new Met Freddy Peralta, and wished former Met Brandon Sproat nothing but success. He also blamed Nolan McLean for bringing the cold weather to Florida. Some of his highlights include:
- Working on consistency in his delivery with what looks like could be a simplified stride
- Describing his first brief encounter with Freddy Peralta
- Jonah Tong BP full video
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