The Florida sun beat down on Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, but the real heat was coming from the mound as the New York Mets took on the St. Louis Cardinals in a spring training matchup that felt significantly more important than a typical February exhibition. For Mets fans who have been cautiously optimistic about the 2026 season, the performance they witnessed today was nothing short of a statement. It was a day defined by perfection, power, and a glimpse into a future that looks increasingly bright for the orange and blue.

At the center of it all was Freddy Peralta. Since arriving in New York via a high-profile trade that sent shockwaves through the fan base, Peralta has carried the weight of massive expectations. If today was any indication, he is more than ready to carry that load. Making his Mets spring debut, Peralta was absolutely masterful. He didn’t just pitch well; he was perfect. Over three dominant innings, Peralta retired nine consecutive batters, allowing no hits, no walks, and no runs. He looked sharp, composed, and completely in control of his arsenal. His fastball sat comfortably between 94 and 95 miles per hour, but it was his ability to mix in a biting slider and a devastating curveball that left the Cardinals’ hitters looking lost.

The efficiency with which Peralta worked was perhaps the most encouraging sign. He wasn’t just racking up strikeouts—though he had three of them—he was forcing quick counts and weak contact. It was the kind of “ace” performance that validates the front office’s decision to move top prospects to acquire him. Following the game, the news only got better for the New York faithful. Manager Carlos Mendoza officially anointed Peralta as the team’s Opening Day starter. It’s a role Peralta is embracing with open arms, noting that the commitment feels like a major milestone for him and his family.

However, the conversation around Peralta isn’t just about his performance on the field; it’s about his future in Queens. With Peralta set to enter free agency after the 2026 season, extension talks have become the hottest topic in the Mets’ universe. When asked about a potential long-term deal after his outing, Peralta couldn’t hide a wide, telling grin. While he offered a standard “no comment” to the media, the buzz behind the scenes suggests that the wheels are very much in motion. Reports indicate that Peralta is happy in New York and that the team is working diligently to ensure he remains the cornerstone of the rotation for years to come. Whether a deal is finalized before Opening Day or during the season, the vibe is overwhelmingly positive.

While Peralta provided the stability on the mound, the Mets’ offense provided the fireworks. The team put on a clinical display of hitting, tallying 13 hits and driving in 12 runs in a relentless assault on St. Louis pitching. The outfield battle, in particular, has become a fascinating storyline to watch. Carson Benge, one of the organization’s most polished young prospects, continues to make a compelling case for an everyday role in right field. Benge, who famously stated recently that he hates striking out, showed off every tool in his bag today. He recorded an infield single, stole a base, and scored two runs. Perhaps most impressively, he made a sensational diving catch in right field that preserved Peralta’s perfect outing. The “keys” to right field are being dangled in front of him, and so far, Benge is reaching out and grabbing them.

But Benge isn’t the only one making noise. MJ Melendez had what was arguably his best game in a Mets uniform this spring. Melendez, who is currently on a split contract and fighting for a permanent spot, showcased his light-tower power with two massive opposite-field home runs. Driving in four runs on the day, Melendez looked like the player who once sat atop prospect rankings. His ability to drive the ball to the opposite field with such authority is a rare trait, and if he can maintain this level of consistency, the Mets will have a very difficult decision to make regarding their final roster spots.

The youth movement didn’t stop there. AJ Ewing, a name that is rapidly becoming a household staple for Mets fans, once again lived up to the hype. Ewing is the kind of explosive athlete that changes the dynamic of a game. Today, he smoked a 100-mile-per-hour single before launching an opposite-field home run that left the bat at a blistering 105 miles per hour. Ewing’s rise has been meteoric, and his performance this spring is making it clear that he belongs in the conversation for major league playing time sooner rather than later. Combined with the steady play of Nick Morbitito, who contributed a stolen base and looked defensively sound, the Mets’ minor league system is finally bearing fruit at the highest level.

Even the veteran additions are finding their rhythm. Christian Pache went a perfect 3-for-3 on the day, continuing a scorching spring that has seen him rack up hits at an incredible clip. While Pache is often known for his elite defense, his offensive resurgence is a welcome surprise that adds even more depth to an already crowded outfield competition. Meanwhile, behind the plate, the battle for the backup catcher position remains tight. Austin Barnes, a three-time World Series champion, showed his veteran value with an RBI double, while Hayden Senger narrowly missed a home run before driving in a run with a single of his own.

The game wasn’t without its minor hiccups, of course. Devin Williams made his much-anticipated debut, and in a moment that sent social media into a brief frenzy, he gave up a home run on his very first pitch. However, true to his reputation, Williams didn’t blink. He settled down immediately, retiring the next three batters to escape the inning. It was a reminder that even the best have “spring training moments,” but the underlying stuff remains elite. Justin Slaten and Huascar Brazoban also turned in solid relief appearances, with Brazoban looking particularly comfortable as he works to secure a middle-relief role.

As the team prepares to head back to Port St. Lucie, the takeaway from this trip to Jupiter is one of immense optimism. The Mets are playing a brand of baseball that is aggressive, athletic, and disciplined. They are taking advantage of runners in scoring position—going 5-for-14 in this contest—and their pitching staff is starting to look like a cohesive unit. Whether it’s the dominant ace at the top of the rotation or the 20-year-old prospect hitting rockets to the bleachers, there is a sense that the culture in the clubhouse is shifting.

For the fans who have traveled down to Florida to witness these games, the message is clear: the New York Mets are deep, they are talented, and they are hungry. The competition for roster spots is driving everyone to perform at their peak, and while spring training wins might not count in the standings, the momentum being built right now is very real. As the calendar turns toward March and the regular season draws near, the excitement in Queens is reaching a fever pitch. If Peralta stays perfect and the bats stay hot, 2026 could be a very special year at Citi Field.