MMO from Port St. Lucie: The Spring Edition Subway Series

Like a wide number of people in the Northeast, the Subway Series came south for the winter.

On Sunday, the New York Mets and New York Yankees faced off in Port St. Lucie. The two teams, while not having their full rosters, still had a few key contributors in the lineup on hand for the game. And for the Mets, Freddy Peralta was set to take the mound, providing fans another good look at one of the best pitchers on the roster.

How did things transpire? And what were some of the main talking points of the day? Follow along as we dive into all of it!

Carlos Mendoza Speaks to the Media

Ahead of the game against the Yankees, manager Carlos Mendoza said that the plan is for Freddy Peralta to go “55 pitches” or three innings on the mound. He also stated that the team is looking to “ramp up” the rest of the pitchers in the coming days.

Asked about Carson Benge playing center field, Mendoza said that he wants to put him in positions that could happen if he is with the team. He added that they are getting him reps there, along with Mike Tauchman, so that they can be comfortable. And when asked about Benge’s chances of making the Opening Day roster, Mendoza said that it is a nice competition, but also said “we’ll see” with a smile.

Additionally, Mendoza said that right-handed pitcher Robert Stock will undergo surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and called the injury “very unfortunate.” He also added that left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell experienced shoulder discomfort and will not start tomorrow against the Marlins.

On a more positive note, Mendoza said that they are aiming for center fielder Luis Robert to get into MLB spring training action by Thursday and said that presumptive closer Devin Williams is, “in a really good spot.” He also praised the pitching of prospects Ryan Lambert and Jack Wenninger, along with starter Kodai Senga.

-On Robert Stock’s injury, Mendoza called it a very “unfortunate development.” -Mendoza said the younger arms, such Ryan Lambert and Jack Wenninger, have looked really good. Also said Kodai Senga has stood out. -Said Devin Williams is “in a really good spot” at this point.

— Brandyn Pokrass (@brandyn-pokrass.bsky.social) 2026-03-08T14:17:50.395Z

Freddy Peralta and Lineup Find Success Against Yankees

Things did not start in the smoothest fashion for Freddy Peralta against the Yankees, but they ended on a major high note.

After a first inning in which he allowed two runs (one due to some bad luck), the Mets’ new ace locked in and shutdown the Mets’ cross-town rival for two consecutive innings. Using his fastball, change-up, and curveball trio, Peralta struck out the last two batters of the second inning and the first two batters of the third inning on six pitches. He eliminated any hard contact and kept the Yankee hitters guessing, allowing him to cruise through them.

Peralta, speaking after his outing on television, said that he felt “really good” during his outing and that everything was working the right way. In his press conference, Peralta said that after his first inning of work, he made an adjustment with catcher Francisco Alvarez. Working wth Alvarez, the standout pitcher shifted to using more change-ups and curveballs, causing him to “feel good” about the results. Additionally, Peralta spoke about what it has been like working with Alvarez.

“I had conversations with him before we got to spring training. Even back then, I knew he would be really good, because he makes you do well. Whether it is for yourself, for the team, or for everything. He showed me that he wants to win and that he cares about it. He cares about performance. That’s number No. 1 for a catcher. That’s very important, whether it is for us, for him, or for the whole team.”

Freddy Peralta cruised through the 3rd inning with ease. He struck out Escarra and Lombard Jr. on six total pitches, using his curveball as the knockout blow each time. He then forced Spencer Jones to ground out. Really good finish to the outing for Peralta. #Mets

— Brandyn Pokrass (@brandyn-pokrass.bsky.social) 2026-03-08T18:04:01.316Z

On the hitting side of things, Brett Baty, Francisco Alvarez, and Carson Benge each had really good days at the plate.

The catcher, in two separate at-bats, laced singles to right field, with the second one being at 104.3 mph. Baty, who had a nice day against the Cardinals in Jupiter on Friday, continued rolling against the Yankees. The versatile infielder/outfielder notched a walk and had an RBI double in the third inning. Facing Ryan Weathers, a lefty, Baty smoked the ball at 103.8 mph the other way.

Baty ????
Bichette ????‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/TsaUO3JfRY

— New York Mets (@Mets) March 8, 2026

As for Carson Benge, the prized outfield prospect continues to improve every game, and today was no different.

In his first at-bat, Benge found a wicked hop in the grass, driving in a run with what ended up being an infield single. In his second at-bat, Benge smoked a ball to left field at 98 mph off left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers. And while it was an out, Benge’s third at-bat ended in a line drive to the left fielder.

Whether it has been his eye, contact ability, fielding, or base running, Benge has been providing value game in and game out for the Mets. In his postgame press conference, Mendoza highlighted this and called Benge, along with A.J. Ewing, “very exciting” players. If the right fielder keeps playing at this type of level, it is going to be very hard to keep him out of Queens for an extended period.

-Asked about Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, Mendoza called them “very exciting.” Lauded their ability to impact the game in so many ways. Highlighted their two-strike approach, how they’re running the bases, and how they’re playing the field.

— Brandyn Pokrass (@brandyn-pokrass.bsky.social) 2026-03-08T20:32:12.014Z

Other Notes

• A.J. Ewing is a really strong prospect. He had yet another hit today, scorching the ball the other way to give the Mets what ended up being a decisive lead.
• Jacob Reimer smoked a double at 106.5 mph today. His transcendence up prospect rankings should continue this year.
• Jorge Polanco was smoking the ball today, even if it did not find grass. He had a home run robbed on a 101.4 mph ball to deep right field.

The post MMO from Port St. Lucie: The Spring Edition Subway Series appeared first on Metsmerized Online.