New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Tobias Myers will be part of the team’s Opening Day roster regardless of the final composition of the starting rotation. Myers, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of the Freddy Peralta trade, is being prepared as a starter during spring training. However, if the Mets’ rotation fills up, he is expected to contribute as a multi-inning reliever in the bullpen.
“You’re going to need guys like him,”
Mendoza stated.
“Like we said at the beginning of camp, we’re going to build him up as a starter, and hopefully everybody’s healthy. Long ways to go. Then we’ll have to make some adjustments. If we decide to put him in the bullpen, he’s definitely going to be a guy who will be a multiple-inning guy…”
Myers appeared in 22 games last year for Milwaukee, including six starts, recording a 1-2 win-loss record with a 3.55 ERA and striking out 38 batters over 50.2 innings. Mendoza emphasized that Myers’ health would be crucial for his spot.
“If he’s healthy, he’s on the team.”
Luis Garcia’s Expected Impact in the Mets’ Relief Corps
Luis Garcia, despite his journeyman reputation, is set to play a significant role in New York’s bullpen during the 2026 season. At 39 years old, Garcia brings experience from multiple teams over recent years, including appearances with the Dodgers, Nationals, and Angels in the past two seasons. His performance last season included a 3.42 ERA across 55 innings, with notably strong work in 28 innings between the Nationals and Angels, where he allowed just six runs.
Mendoza elaborated on Garcia’s value to the pitching staff:
“He’s going to be a big part of that bullpen,”
Mendoza said.
This is a guy who’s been in the league for quite a bit now, bouncing around some teams, but his stuff is there. High-90s, groundballs especially against righties… but he’s going to be a big part of it.”
Craig Kimbrel’s Bid to Secure a Mets Bullpen Role
Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, 37, is aiming to carve out a role with the Mets bullpen in what could be one of the final chapters of his Hall-of-Fame career. Kimbrel signed a minor-league contract with New York on January 29 and has shown impressive signs of effectiveness in recent times, posting a 2.45 ERA in 13 appearances for the Houston Astros last season while enhancing his pitching repertoire.
Known primarily for his powerful fastball and curveball combo, Kimbrel has been adding a cutter and a changeup to his arsenal during Mets spring training, seeking to refine his approach against hitters.
“The sweeper is good, the curveball we all know that, and he has the cutter now that he’s playing around with,”
Mendoza noted.
“He threw a little bit of that changeup last year, but his bread-and-butter is the breaking ball, and hopefully that cutter plays in especially to lefties. So he’s going to get a chance here.”
Uncertain Closer Situation Opens Door for Kimbrel
The Mets’ closing pitcher role remains unsettled heading into the new season. After star closer Edwin Diaz departed, the team acquired Devin Williams as insurance, making Williams the primary candidate for the ninth inning despite posting his worst professional numbers last year during his first season with New York.
Luke Weaver, also with prior closing experience from his time with the Yankees, is competing for opportunities but struggled in late-game situations last season. Should both Williams and Weaver fail to solidify the closer’s role, Kimbrel may emerge as a viable option to close games for the Mets.
Depth and Flexibility Critical for Mets’ Pitching Staff
As the Mets enter spring training, their bullpen is shaping up to rely on a combination of youth and veteran presence to provide stability across various roles. With Tobias Myers capable of stretching out innings either as a starter or in relief, and Luis Garcia anticipated to deliver consistent innings, the team is seeking to blend experience and versatility in key spots.
Craig Kimbrel’s attempt to rebound in the Mets’ system underscores an organizational willingness to give proven talent a chance, particularly as the bullpen battle continues unfolding. This dynamic approach could prove vital in navigating the uncertainties of the season ahead.
Looking Ahead to Mets’ Pitching Strategies in 2026
The 2026 season presents the Mets with both opportunities and challenges in managing their pitching staff, especially within the bullpen. With new acquisitions and experienced arms vying for specialized roles, the team’s strategy will likely evolve as health, performance, and effectiveness become clear during spring training and early-season play.
Manager Carlos Mendoza’s comments reveal an emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, with a focus on maximizing the contributions of pitchers like Tobias Myers, Luis Garcia, and Craig Kimbrel. As the season progresses, the composition and roles within the Mets bullpen could adapt based on performance and strategic needs, influencing the team’s competitiveness in the National League.
