Morning Briefing: Pitchers & Catchers Report Today
Good morning, Mets fans!
Pitchers and catchers are officially due to report to spring training today. It’s the start of the 2026 season.
Freddy Peralta Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Latest Mets News
The Mets announced on Tuesday that they’ve acquired left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson from the White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The 28-year-old is two years removed from a terrific 2024, when he posted a 1.73 ERA across 43 appearances with the Brewers. Hudson averaged 90-91 mph with his fastball last season and pairs it with a sweeper.
As it stands, Hudson is one of only three left-handers in the Mets’ bullpen, slotting behind the potentially injured A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley on the depth chart.
David Stearns announced that Juan Soto is moving to left field to improve the team’s overall defense and accommodate a variety of right field candidates, including Carson Benge. Stearns also reported that Francisco Lindor is being evaluated for a hamate bone injury that may require surgery. Despite the injury, Stearns is optimistic that Lindor will be back in time for Opening Day. Read more on Stearns’ Tuesday presser, via MMO‘s Robert Colonna.
According to the New York Post‘s Mike Puma, Ronny Mauricio will wear No. 0 in 2026 after giving up No. 10 to Marcus Semien. Tylor Megill switches to No. 58, as Devin Williams takes Megill’s No. 38. Dylan Ross will wear No. 66.
Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News tweets that Hayden Senger left his old offseason job at Whole Foods to play winter ball in the Dominican League. The Mets’ current No. 3 catcher hit .241/.281/.448 with Tigres del Licey.
Latest MLB News
MLB.com projected every team’s lineups and rotations come Opening Day.
Per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach is dealing with right elbow inflammation. The Braves are hoping it could be bone spurs, but he’s nontheless headed to the 60-day injured list.
Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports that the Rockies have agreed to a one-year deal with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano. Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the 36-year-old will be guaranteed $5.1 million. As a corresponding move, the team placed Kris Bryant on the 60-day injured list.
One last dance. Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the Tigers have inked Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million deal. Verlander turns 43 next week and is coming off a 3.85 ERA over 152 innings.
In-market streaming subscriptions for 20 clubs will be available starting Tuesday. Click this link for everything you need to know. This will not affect streaming for the Mets.
Alex Cora officially announced that Garrett Crochet will be the Red Sox’s Opening Day starter.
The Athletics have signed right-hander Aaron Civale to a one-year, $6 million deal, according to ESPN‘s Jeff Passan. The veteran Civale can earn an additional $1.5 million through incentives.
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, slugging outfielder Anthony Santander will miss five to six months of 2026 after undergoing left labrum surgery. It’s been a frustrating stretch for both Santander and the Blue Jays, who signed him to a five-year, $92.5 million deal after his 44-homer 2024. He slashed just .175/.271/.294 in 54 games last season.
Additionally, manager John Schneider told Matheson that Shane Bieber will open the season on the 15-day injured list, and fellow right-hander Bowden Francis will undergo Tommy John surgery.
MLB Network released its Top 10 Right Now list for relievers. The Red Sox’s Aroldis Chapman ranked first, followed by Mason Miller and former Met Edwin Díaz.
The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen reported the financial details of Framber Valdez’s deal with the Tigers. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus deferred until 2030, plus a $40 million mutual option for 2029.
Latest on MMO
Christian De Block ranks the NL East’s center fielders.
Elliot Teichman previews Daniel Duarte as a non-roster invitee.
On This Date in Mets History
Born on This Date: Tom Veryzer (1953), Steve Springer (1961), Brian Daubach (1972), Gregory Soto (1995).
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