Hot Stove #51: Welcome MJ Melendez & Bryan Hudson, Lindor's Surgery & Timeline, Soto Reports & Shifts to LF, Top 10 Entering 2026 (LF, CF, RF, DH)

Episode 2 of Season 5 is here, and we’re joined by special guest Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated! We get into his early impressions of the New York Mets and what’s stood out—both encouraging trends and potential red flags—as the season gets underway.The guys also tackle the Mets’ frustrating struggles with runners in scoring position. Is it just early-season variance, or a sign of something more concerning with this lineup?Plus, is this a vintage version of Kodai Senga we’re seeing? We break down his electric start, what’s working, and whether he can sustain it as the staff ace.To wrap things up, we preview a key upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants, highlighting matchups to watch and what the Mets need to do to come out on top.All that and more in another loaded episode!Follow on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE & X: @cupofmetsSubscribe on SPOTIFY, APPLE or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Download The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at checkout to get $20.00 off!

Happy Opening Day and welcome to Season 5 of The Cup of Mets Podcast! The 2026 season is officially here, and we’re kicking things off with a full-scale preview of what to expect from the New York Mets this year. From roster expectations to organizational direction, this episode sets the stage for everything ahead in what could be a defining season in Queens.We break down the biggest keys to a successful campaign—what needs to go right, who needs to step up, and where the margins for error lie. Plus, we dive into the exciting news of Carson Benge heading north with the team, what it means for the roster, and how he could factor in early.Also in this episode:- Full 2026 Mets season preview- X-factors that could make or break the year- Players to watch on both sides of the ball- Bold league-wide predictions for the 2026 MLB season- Division winners, playoff picture, and award picksWhether you’re optimistic, cautious, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered to start the season. Buckle up—Season 5 starts now.FOLLOW on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsSUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!DOWNLOAD The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at first purchase to get $20.00 off!

Wrap up the offseason and get ready for first pitch as we close the book on the winter and turn the page to spring. In this season finale episode, we break down the latest moves from the New York Mets, including the club’s decision to ink veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman and what his bat, defense, and versatility could mean for the roster battle heading into camp.From there, we dive into the biggest Spring Training storylines to watch — position battles, bullpen roles up for grabs, and which young players could force their way into the 2026 plans. We highlight under-the-radar names to keep an eye on in camp, plus the prospects and depth pieces who could become this year’s surprise contributors.We also unveil our Pre-Season Top 30 Mets Prospects list, breaking down the system’s risers, sleepers, and future impact talent, before rounding things out with our rankings of the Top 10 starting pitchers and Top 10 relievers entering 2026.If you’re getting ready for Port St. Lucie and want a full organizational snapshot — big league roster, farm system, and everything in between — this episode has you covered. Let’s gear up for baseball season.Follow on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE & X: @cupofmetsSubscribe on SPOTIFY, APPLE or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Download The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" to get $20.00 off!

The New York Mets stay busy reshaping the roster, and we’re breaking it all down in this episode.We start with the arrivals of MJ Melendez and Bryan Hudson, what each brings to the table, and how they fit into the Mets’ evolving depth chart heading into 2026. Then we dive into the big storyline: Francisco Lindor’s surgery, the recovery timeline, and what it means for the infield and early-season expectations.Plus, the latest buzz around Juan Soto — new reports, defensive positioning, and a potential shift to left field that could have ripple effects across the entire outfield alignment and DH mix.To wrap things up, we continue our positional rankings series with our Top 10 entering 2026 at LF, CF, RF, and DH, highlighting breakout candidates, elite bats, and where the Mets stack up against the rest of the league.Roster moves, timelines, projections, and plenty of debate — let’s get into it.FOLLOW on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsSUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!DOWNLOAD The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at First Purchase to get $20.00 off!

Players have officially began reporting to camp!In Hot Stove #50, we break down the early storylines from Port St. Lucie, including standout performances, injury updates, and what we’re learning about the shape of the 2026 roster. Plus, we touch on key World Baseball Classic notes and which Mets could see their stock rise (or fall) on the international stage.We also dive into the Mets’ decision to invite Craig Kimbrel to camp — is this just veteran depth or could he legitimately factor into the bullpen mix?On the trade front, the Pirates have shown interest in Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, sparking fresh debate about their long-term fit in Queens. Should the Mets cash in now or bet on a breakout?And to wrap things up, we kick off a new series: our Top 10 rankings entering 2026, starting with the infield — catcher through third base. Who cracks the list, who just misses, and where do the Mets stack up at each position?All that and more on another packed episode of Hot Stove.Subscribe, rate, and let’s talk Mets.Follow Us on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsSubscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Download The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" to get $20.00 of your first purchase

The Mets didn’t just dip their toes into the trade market — they cannonballed in.In a wild 48-hour stretch, David Stearns reshaped the roster by acquiring Freddy Peralta, Tobias Myers, and Luis Robert Jr., signaling an aggressive pivot toward contention. We break down each deal in detail: what the Mets gave up, how these additions fit the short- and long-term vision, and what this flurry of moves tells us about where the organization thinks it is right now.Is Peralta the frontline arm the rotation needed? Can Myers provide sneaky upside? Does Luis Robert Jr. finally solve the center field question — and at what cost? Plus, we zoom out and ask the big question: are the Mets officially all-in?Buckle up — this one’s a ride.FOLLOW on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsSUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your favorite Podcasts!DOWNLOAD The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" to get $20 off of your first purchase!

The Mets finally make a splash, signing Bo Bichette, and we break down what this move means for the lineup, the infield, and the organization’s long-term vision. With Bichette in the fold, what’s next for Mark Vientos and Brett Baty? Who fits, who’s expendable, and how does David Stearns sort out the infield puzzle?We also dive into an outfield picture that’s still very much in flux, exploring remaining needs, potential fits, and whether another major move is coming. Plus, we discuss the latest Freddy Peralta chatter and whether the Brewers ace makes sense as a trade target for the Mets’ rotation.All that and more on another packed Hot Stove episode of your favorite Mets podcast.FOLLOW us on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsSUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts!DOWNLOAD The SeakGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at 1st Purchase to get $20.00

The Mets are reportedly now swinging for the fences as they’re linked to star outfielders Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, along with frontline starters Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez. What’s realistic, what’s smoke, and how aggressive should David Stearns really be? We also react to the news of Jeff McNeil being dealt — what it means for the Mets’ now barren outfield, payroll flexibility, and overall roster construction moving forward.Topics include:Mets pursuing Kyle Tucker & Cody Bellinger, Starting pitching targets: Ranger Suárez & Framber Valdez, Jeff McNeil trade reaction and fallout, How these moves fit the Mets’ long-term vision, What could be next in the Mets’ hot stove planSubscribe on Spotify, Apple: The Cup of Mets PodcastFollow on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsDownload The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" for $20.00 off!Download The ProphetX App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at signing for 20% match in cash bonus!

The Hot Stove is heating up and there’s plenty to unpack on Episode 46. We break down the Mets’ latest moves, diving into the signings of Jorge Polanco and Luke Weaver—what they signal about roster construction, lineup balance, and David Stearns’ broader plan. Is a true power bat still missing, and where could the Mets realistically find it?We also zoom out to the league-wide chaos, reacting to a starting pitching market that’s gone completely off the rails and what it means for the Mets’ options moving forward. Plus, we dig into renewed Mets–Padres rumors, the possibility of the payroll coming down, and how ownership’s approach could shape the rest of the offseason.To top it all off, we react to a stunner on the international front as Munetaka Murakami signs with the White Sox—what happened, why the Mets weren’t in it, and what it says about their international strategy.All that and more as we try to make sense of a wild, unpredictable Hot Stove.Had a few technical difficulties along the way so bare with us!Follow on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE & X: @cupofmetsSubscribe on SPOTIFY, APPLE or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!Download The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at first purchase to get $20.00 off!Download The ProphetX App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at signup to get up to 20X in Bonus Cash, matching up to $100!

Recorded: December 10th, 2025The baseball world is buzzing—and Mets fans are reeling. In this episode, we break down the stunning departures of Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, what led to these franchise-altering moves, and how Mets president David Stearns is shaping the club’s future with his bold (and controversial) decision-making.We dive deep into the timeline, the rumors, the front-office philosophy, and what these moves say about the direction of the organization. Are these tough calls part of a bigger vision—or signs of trouble ahead?Plus: What comes next? We explore potential replacements, long-term strategy, and how the Mets can reshape their identity heading into the next chapter.If you’re a Mets fan looking for clarity, catharsis, or just a place to vent—this episode is for you.FOLLOW us on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsSUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your favorite podcastsDOWNLOAD The SeatGeek App! USE CODE: "CUPOFMETS" at first purchase to get $20.00 off!DOWNLOAD The ProphetX App: USE CODE: "CUPOFMETS" to get up to 20% in Bonus Cash, Matching up to $100.00