Your Friday morning dose of Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets and Yankees are both focused on free agent Cody Bellinger, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
MLB.com’s Sam Dykstra offered 26 prospect storylines to keep an eye on in 2026, and listed the Mets’ Nolan McLean as the favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year.
MLB.com’s Jared Greenspan and Theo DeRosa highlighted ten teams who have more work left to do ahead of the 2026 season, including the Mets.
Around Major League Baseball
The Astros signed Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million deal. The contract will include an opt-out after each season, and marks the second-highest AAV for a Japanese pitcher coming to MLB.
MLB.com’s David Adler provided five MLB comparisons for the newly-signed Imai, likening his pitch sequencing to that of former Met Max Scherzer.
The Athletic’s Chandler Rome provided seven thoughts on Imai’s deal.
Kona Takahashi, another Japanese right-handed pitcher who was posted for MLB free agency this offseason, may return to NPB despite receiving at least one offer, per MLB.com’s Brian Murphy and Mark Feinsand.
MLB.com’s beat reporters selected one prediction for each team during 2026.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Vasilis Drimalitis said farewell to the Mets’ former core, and turned the page towards a new era in 2026.
Steve Sypa kicked off Amazin’ Avenue’s Top 25 Mets Prospects list for 2026 with 21-year-old infielder Boston Baro.
This Date in Mets History
David Cone, one of only six Mets pitchers to put together a 20-win season, was born on this date in 1963.
Category: General Sports
