Mets Morning News: Exhibition win

Meet the Mets

The Mets beat Team Nicaragua 6-3 in an exhibition game before the World Baseball Classic begins. Jonah Tong made the start for the Mets, going 2.2 innings and giving up a run while striking out three. Brooks Raley and Craig Kimbrel also each gave up a run, while the other five pitchers on the Mets side escaped their appearances unscathed. It was an group effort on the offensive side as well, with Bo Bichette, Francisco Alvarez, Vidal Bruján, and Chris Cuero each driving in runs, with Bruján driving in two including the game-winning run.

After playing catch on Monday, Francisco Lindor will hopefully be able to take batting practice today, a good sign for his hope to return by Opening Day.

Nolan McLean is on the mend and with Team USA after suffering with some vertigo-like symptoms last week.

Not only is McLean likely to start for Team USA in the March 10 game against Team Italy, but he’s expected to start the final on March 17 (provided Team USA makes it).

Tom Seaver’s 1969 World Series ring sold for a tidy sum at an auction.

St. John’s University honored Shannon Forde, former Mets senior director of media relation until her untimely passing a decade ago, by presenting a jersey to her family.

Edwin Díaz went into more detail about his departure from the Mets, among other things.

Jon Heyman listed eight Mets who could make or break the Mets season.

Around the National League East

Jurickson Profar has tested positive for banned PEDs for the second year in a row and is facing a full 162-game suspension, which would encompass the entire 2026 season.

The MLB Players Association plans to challenge the suspension of Profar by the league.

Baseball Prospectus has published their season preview for the Miami Marlins.

Around Major League Baseball

MLB has compiled a guide to all the teams in each pool at the World Baseball Classic.

Behind every breakout at spring training is some eye-popping numbers.

Ken Rosenthal put out another notes article, including a dive into the special bond between two Team USA superstars.

David Schoenfield at ESPN ranked the most dominant positions in baseball.

There’s a very logical reason that would preclude Paul Skenes from pitching in a potential Word Baseball Classic Final game for Team USA.

Team USA is taking some inspiration from a all-time great American Olympian.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Lukas Vlahos wrote about the sneaky good gamble the Mets have taken on reliever Bryan Hudson.

Steve Sypa previewed the ever-present Ronny Mauricio’s 2026 season.

Lukas Vlahos also graded the Mets’ minor league roster moves.

This Date in Mets History

Six different former Mets are celebrating birthdays today.