🚨NEW YORK METS SPRING TRAINING WRAP-UP: Rotation Decisions Loom as Opening Day Approaches! 👀👇

Mets Finalizing Rotation: Smart Moves and Potential Concerns

With just one weekend left of spring training games, the New York Mets are transitioning from the “who makes it?” phase to focusing on specific roles for the upcoming season. One of the most critical decisions revolves around the starting rotation, a part of the roster that could either make or break the Mets’ 2026 campaign. As the final days of spring training wind down, the Mets have shown both cleverness in some of their decisions and some questionable calls that could raise concerns heading into the regular season.

The Wise Choice: Give the Cardinals Nothing

One move that’s raised eyebrows in a positive way is the Mets’ decision to protect their pitching from the St. Louis Cardinals. Rather than allowing Freddy Peralta to pitch in front of a Cardinals lineup during the spring training matchup on March 20, the Mets opted to send him to the back fields. Tobias Myers got the start instead, ensuring the Cardinals wouldn’t get a chance to see Peralta in a Mets uniform before their second series of the regular season.

Peralta, who has faced the Cardinals plenty during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, is now with the Mets, and keeping him away from their lineup gives the Mets an edge. Even if there’s no new pitch to unveil, allowing the Cardinals to get a look at Peralta could have been an unnecessary risk. Carlos Mendoza, the Mets’ manager, made a smart call to keep the Cardinals in the dark on what Peralta may be bringing this season.

The Questionable Choice: Sean Manaea as the Number Two Starter?

Now, onto a more questionable decision regarding the Mets’ rotation: Sean Manaea as the number two starter. While the starting rotation alignment isn’t as critical as the starting lineup in sports like hockey, it still holds some weight. After an underwhelming spring performance from Manaea—highlighted by a velocity drop—many are concerned about his placement as the second starter.

According to Mets’ Carlos Mendoza, the team plans for minor-league arms to pitch in the last spring training games on Saturday and Sunday, with Nolan McLean and Manaea set to start in a scrimmage on Monday. McLean is being lined up to possibly start Game 3 of the regular season, which could mean Manaea is at risk of being skipped in favor of a fresher arm. With an off-day after Opening Day, the Mets may opt to save Manaea for a more flexible role or use him as protection behind Kodai Senga.

Manaea has shown signs of struggling this spring, and with pitchers like Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, and Nolan McLean looking more solid, Manaea might be the first pitcher to be bumped from the rotation if things don’t improve. There’s a growing feeling that Bryan Hudson, who’s had a strong spring, could be a candidate for a role in the bullpen or even Manaea’s spot as the second lefty in the rotation.

Mets’ Rotation Outlook: Will Manaea Be Skipped?

Given the Mets’ off-day after Opening Day, the team has the opportunity to skip Manaea’s start in favor of McLean, who would have enough rest after his Monday scrimmage. If Manaea isn’t part of the starting rotation, he could be used as a long reliever or as protection in case Senga’s or another starter’s performance takes a hit.

Key Takeaways:

• Freddy Peralta was kept away from the Cardinals in spring training, a smart move to avoid giving their lineup a preview of him in a Mets uniform.
• Sean Manaea’s underwhelming spring performance has raised concerns about his role as the number two starter. His velocity drop and lackluster results have many wondering if he’ll be bumped from the rotation.
• Nolan McLean is likely to start Game 3 of the regular season, possibly replacing Manaea if the Mets decide to skip his start after Opening Day.
• Bryan Hudson could also see a role in the bullpen or take over as the second lefty in the rotation.

As the Mets approach Opening Day, their starting rotation remains a focal point, with decisions regarding Manaea’s role still up in the air. Whether or not Manaea stays in the rotation will be a major storyline for the Mets, and it could determine how their pitching staff shapes up for the long season ahead.

Will Manaea hold onto his spot, or will the Mets make a change before the season starts? Stay tuned as the final decisions are made. 🔥⚾👀

Can the Mets’ rotation handle the pressure of a strong start to the season?