During a bullpen session at Mets camp in Port St. Lucie, pitcher Kodai Senga reached a fastball velocity of 97 miles per hour, signaling potential progress as he aims to regain power pitching form. In 2023, Senga consistently threw his fastball at 97 mph or higher about 38% of the time, but that rate dropped to just 10% in 2025. The increased speed during this early session offers encouraging signs for the starter’s development this spring.
Progress in Hitting Speed for Luis Robert Jr.
Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is working to build on the improvements he made in the latter half of 2025, when he slashed .298/.352/.456 with a .808 OPS over 125 plate appearances after modifying his leg kick. During batting practice, Robert Jr. impressed by hitting several balls exceeding 105 mph, including a 115 mph line drive and a 470-foot home run. His hardest hit in 2025 was recorded at 115.8 mph. Mets coach Carlos Mendoza noted the exceptional quality of contact Robert Jr. creates.
Jonah Tong Shows Off New Pitches in Camp
Pitcher Jonah Tong unveiled his improved slider and cutter during Mets camp, demonstrating their effectiveness by striking out notable batters such as Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Juan Soto, Francisco Alvarez, and Luis Robert Jr. Tong successfully used the slider for key strikeouts and also challenged Juan Soto with an ABS (automated ball-strike) pitch, though the attempt was unsuccessful.
Bo Bichette Engages in Defensive Drills and Live Batting Practice
Shortstop Bo Bichette participated in defensive training alongside Marcus Semien, focusing on bare-handed fielding drills. Bichette also practiced at third base with Brett Baty, while teammates Mark Vientos and Jorge Polanco rotated at first base. Marcus Semien and Ronny Mauricio shared time at second base. Bichette faced live batting practice pitching from Sean Manaea and Jonah Tong, sharpening his offensive skills ahead of the regular season.
Mets Add Bryce Conley to Minor League Roster
The Mets signed right-handed pitcher Bryce Conley to a minor league contract, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Conley, who has spent his career in the minors, struggled in 2025 with a 5.01 ERA and 1.29 WHIP between Double-A and Triple-A teams. Despite those numbers, he maintained above-average strikeout and walk rates and limited contact in the strike zone. Conley throws six different pitches from a low arm slot, including a high-spin curveball, a tight slider, and a 92.6 mph fastball, and is expected to provide pitching depth at the minor league level.
Photo Day Highlights at Mets Camp
Camp participants took part in photo day activities, with SNY Mets sharing a collection of images capturing the team during their early preparations in Port St. Lucie. The photos offer fans a glimpse of players as they get ready for the upcoming Grapefruit League games.
“Senga was throwing up to 97 MPH in his bullpen session today. It is still early, and it is easier to throw hard in a bullpen session where you don’t need to focus on live batters or pitch counts, but this is still a good sign for a starter who discussed wanting to return to being a power pitcher.” – Carlos Mendoza, Mets Coach
“It is special how the ball comes off his bat.” – Carlos Mendoza, Mets Coach
Jonah Tong used an ABS challenge on a ball thrown to Juan Soto in live BP…it didn’t work 😂 pic.twitter.com/hDQSlH8Cy0
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 19, 2026
Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien work barehanded on fielding drills pic.twitter.com/QkWEix6cvg
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 19, 2026
Right-handed pitcher Bryce Conley and the Mets are in agreement on a minor-league deal, league sources said.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) February 19, 2026
