PORT ST. LUCIE — As spring training begins, the New York Mets’ pitchers are arriving more prepared than ever, many already close to their regular-season form. This early readiness reflects a shift in how players approach camp, with several pitchers having trained extensively before the official start.
Several Mets pitchers have been at the team’s Port St. Lucie complex for weeks, working with trainers and completing bullpen sessions. Four pitchers have already thrown live bullpens, throwing multiple innings: Clay Holmes, Freddy Peralta, Jonah Tong, and Tobias Myers.
Clay Holmes’ Advanced Preparation Linked to World Baseball Classic
Clay Holmes stands out among the Mets’ pitchers as he prepares to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic next month. Like fellow right-hander Nolan McLean, Holmes will leave camp early and miss much of the Grapefruit League schedule to compete in the international tournament. Despite this, Holmes has advanced far in his spring pitching program, recently throwing three innings in a live bullpen session.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted Holmes’ progress aligns with his development at the same point last year when he transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation. That experience appears to have given Holmes a strong foundation for this season’s preparation.
Credit to all of them, especially our starters, that they show up to camp ready to go throughout their bullpen progressions to a point where you’ve got those two guys throwing two innings today,
Mendoza said.
Whether it was Jonah with 34 [pitches] and Tobias at 27, and we saw it with Clay yesterday. I mentioned the WBC, but I went back and looked, he did exactly the same thing last year when he was making that transition. The first live BP that he went out there, he was three ups 40 some pitches early in February.
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Holmes’ decision to pitch in the World Baseball Classic stems from his belief that participating in competitive, high-pressure games early in the year would enhance his readiness for the major league season.
The Role of Live Bullpen Sessions in Early Pitcher Development
Unlike some teams that wait until the second week of camp to have pitchers face hitters, the Mets have encouraged early exposure to live pitching against batters. This helps players work through new pitches and build communication with catchers on pitch setup and game-calling strategies.
Just getting the feedback from the hitters, I think it’s important now early in camp,
Mendoza explained.
You’re facing some pretty good hitters, and then they come back in the dugout and that feedback from them is important.
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Context of Mets’ Spring Training Strategy Amid Changing Norms
Spring training has evolved from merely a conditioning period to a more intensive preparation phase where pitchers arrive in near-season shape. This change reflects the increased emphasis on readiness and the need to build up pitch counts and stamina early. Holmes’ steady progress is a reflection of this trend, as he enters camp better prepared for his pitching role.
In past seasons, Holmes’ shift to the starting rotation required added preparation in February, but with experience, he now follows a refined routine that ensures his readiness, even while balancing international commitments.
Anticipated Impact of Early Pitching Readiness on the Mets’ Season
The Mets’ strategy of pushing pitchers like Holmes, Peralta, Tong, and Myers to reach live bullpen innings early is designed to help the team enter the regular season with a pitching staff that is well-prepared and confident. Holmes’ participation in the World Baseball Classic should provide valuable high-level competition that benefits both his individual career and the Mets’ pitching depth.
This spring training approach aims to reduce early-season adjustment periods and allow the Mets’ pitchers to perform at their best when games start counting officially. With the guidance of Mendoza and strength from their pitching staff, the Mets are cautiously optimistic about their rotation’s durability and effectiveness in the upcoming campaign.
