After the game, Mendoza was direct about what he saw. “He was really good today. He had everything working, especially the sinker,” he said, per SNY, noting that it was pitch that made the biggest difference, something that aligns with what Mendoza explained why team is not using a 6‑man rotation yet earlier this week.

McLean carried a strong outing into the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing just two hits while protecting a 1-0 lead. He finished with 6.1 innings, eight strikeouts, and two runs allowed, though the game slipped away after he left in what became a 7-1 loss.

McLean shows better control on the mound

Even with the loss, McLean showed clear improvement. He used his sinker more effectively, throwing it for strikes and staying in control throughout most of the game.

“Felt like I had a lot left in the tank,” McLean said after reaching 100 pitches, showing confidence late in the outing. He also explained that the pitch is starting to feel better as he continues to work on it.

Mets focus on positives despite the loss

The game changed after McLean left, as the Diamondbacks scored several runs against the bullpen. Still, the Mets focused on what the young pitcher showed. “It’s part of baseball at the end of the day,” McLean said. “It’s a long season… those guys got my back out there.”

Through three starts this season, McLean has shown progress, and this outing may be his best so far. For the Mets, the result was disappointing, but the performance offers a reason to stay encouraged moving forward.

Tuesday night’s conditions are expected to turn particularly harsh, with wind chill values plummeting into the low 20s (Fahrenheit). Meteorologists are tracking wind gusts that could reach 40 mph throughout the evening, creating a challenging environment for both players and fans.

The outlook for Wednesday offers only a slight reprieve. While the skies are expected to stay clear, a projected high of 46°F (8°C) and steady 10 mph eastern winds will keep the “real feel” well below freezing. By moving the start times up, the Mets hope to conclude play before the most extreme temperatures settle in after sundown.

Navigating life without Soto

The weather isn’t the only chill the Mets are dealing with. The club also is creating a backup plan to replace superstar Juan Soto, who remains sidelined with a calf injury.

With Soto’s elite bat missing from the lineup, the pressure shifts to manager Carlos Mendoza to spark an offense that has struggled to find its rhythm early in the regular season. Despite the slow start, the clubhouse remains confident in Mendoza’s tactical approach as it looks to build on the momentum of their series-finale victory over the San Francisco Giants.

Arizona’s edge in Queens

The visiting Diamondbacks (5-5) arrive in New York with a history of success at Citi Field. Arizona has taken four of its last five games in the Mets’ home park, a statistical “X-ray” that suggests the Diamondbacks are more than comfortable playing in the Big Apple.

While past records don’t dictate future results, Mendoza’s squad will need a disciplined performance to keep Arizona from continuing its winning trend in the opening two games of this series.

“When you get good starts, the game tends to just fall into place,” Weiss said after the victory according to MLB.com, highlighting the contribution of both Holmes and the lineup.

After Albies highlighted the ABS impact, Holmes’ performance capped a strong start for Atlanta’s rotation, which leads the National League with a 2.06 ERA, while the bullpen has allowed just four earned runs over 28 1/3 innings (1.27 ERA).

Rotation showing early promise

Holmes returned after missing the final two months of 2025 with elbow issues, including a partially torn UCL and flexor tendon. He averaged 95.2 mph with his four-seamer and touched 96.9 mph twice, completing six scoreless innings.

“There’s always concern when guys have missed big chunks of time,” Weiss added. “They’ve been great so far. I can’t be more pleased with our starting pitching.”

Holmes’ return adds stability

Holmes’ offseason forearm work has him confident and effective, giving the Braves a reliable arm as they navigate early rotation depth challenges. Early results suggest Atlanta’s pitching staff could be the team’s biggest strength in 2026.

“Feels great. Hopefully, at the end of this year, we can become a [three-time champion]. Starting off well tonight, audience and fans coming out and supporting us was unbelievable. Sold out,” Tucker said after the game in a brief interview with NBC Sports’ Bob Costas.

Tucker, who recently made a definitive statement on his role this season, contributed one hit, one RBI, and a walk in four plate appearances. Batting between Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, he slotted smoothly into the heart of a potent Dodgers lineup.

Tucker praises roster depth

“There are phenomenal players here, and everyone cares about the city and the fans,” Tucker added. Joining a lineup filled with stars, Tucker emphasized how much he values both the team’s talent and their commitment to representing Los Angeles.

Strong track record sets expectations

Tucker comes off a season with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs in 136 games, posting a 4.5 fWAR. He has maintained a 4.2 fWAR or better over the last five seasons, making him one of the most consistent outfielders in MLB. Dodgers fans can expect Tucker to bring reliable offensive output while complementing the team’s star-studded lineup.

“Merrill Kelly had a three-year offer from the Padres, but the tax implications were absurd enough that it made more sense to take the D-backs’ two-year deal,” Foul Territory reported on X, citing the pitcher’s recent comments.

It was a three-year proposal, and as Kelly admitted, “It definitely made the decision to come back here a lot harder.” He is now preparing to play the 2026 season in Arizona under a two-year, $40 million deal that also includes a performance-based vesting option for 2028.

How much in taxes was Kelly going to pay?

Had Kelly signed a $40 million contract with the Padres, he would have been subject to California’s top tax bracket of 14.4% (including mental health and SDI surcharges). That would have meant roughly $5.76 million owed to the state. By comparison, Arizona’s flat 2.5% income tax rate would result in about $1 million in state taxes, a difference of nearly $4.8 million in take-home pay.

Kelly acknowledged that while the security of a third guaranteed year was appealing, the “red light” of California’s tax structure made remaining in Arizona for $40 million over two years the more practical decision for both financial and family reasons.

Other stars, such as Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell, have structured their contracts with massive deferrals or specific signing bonuses to offset similar tax burdens. Ohtani, for example, deferred $680 million into future years, potentially reducing the immediate impact of California taxes.

Steve Gilbert of MLB Network and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the D’Backs are bringing Zac Gallen back on a one-year, $22.025 million deal. This puts an end to one of the biggest sagas in Arizona’s offseason.

Zac Gallen is the ace of the team and will be moving forward, at least for the 2026 MLB season. Merrill Kelly is second on the rotation, followed by Ryne Nelson. The only lefty on the rotation is Eduardo Rodriguez. Brandon Pfaadt and Michael Soroka complete the rotation.

Gallen is on a bounceback year

Gallen had the worst ERA in his career last year, with a 4.83, alongside a 13-15 record. While he had 175 strikeouts, he allowed a career-high 31 home runs last year. The 30-year-old needs to get back into his best shape, or the next year will likely be his last on the D-Backs.

The usual prime of a starting pitcher is between 26-29 years old, however, in latest years we’ve seen the prime get a bit longer. Gallen needs to make sure that’s his case as well, as pitchers tend to rapidly decline once their best days are behind them.

Where does the D-Backs rotation ranks in the MLB?

Last year, the rotation was mediocre at best. However, this year could be better once Corbin Burnes returns from Tommy John surgery. However, health is the make or break of this rotation.

Chris Cotillo reported that the Diamondbacks are interested in Santana, who will turn 40 during the 2026 season and made his MLB debut in 2010 with the Guardians, spending nearly 11 seasons bouncing in and out of the lineup.

Nothing is official yet, but according to Cotillo, the Diamondbacks are also exploring another player in a competitive market: “As reported last night, Diamondbacks are in on Carlos Santana as a free agent 1B target. They’ve also talked to Ty France, per source, though France has a robust market.”

How much would a player like Santana cost?

Santana is a veteran who last season was under a $760,000 contract with the Cubs, making him a potentially affordable option for the Diamondbacks, who want someone in the infield who knows how to play solid defense. It seems the team still sees that value in Santana.

Last season, Santana posted a .219 batting average across 124 games between Cleveland and Chicago, mostly with the Guardians. He totaled 91 hits, 49 runs, 11 home runs, and 54 RBIs, a season similar to 2024. At least he’s had two consecutive years with 100+ games, something he hasn’t declined from since 2020, when he played just 60 games.

With another veteran alongside Nolan Arenado, the Diamondbacks could have a more protected infield. It’s still unclear exactly how Santana would be used if signed, but he could likely fill in during late innings or a similar role.

Goldschmidt, who has made it clear he is not ready to retire, remains selective about his next move as his career enters its final chapter. While the Yankees have shown interest, projections around the league suggest another destination could make more sense for both sides.

That scenario gained traction this week when a national insider linked Goldschmidt to a familiar organization, hinting that his next stop may reconnect him with unfinished business rather than extend his stay in the Bronx.

Could a familiar reunion reshape Goldschmidt’s final chapter?

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter projected a return to Arizona Diamondbacks, citing both performance trends and roster construction. “A reunion with Paul Goldschmidt still makes a ton of sense, and after posting a .981 OPS in 168 plate appearances against lefties last year, he still has plenty left in the tank,” Reuter wrote.

Arizona has already added Nolan Arenado this offseason, setting the stage for a potential reunion of longtime teammates. With both veterans nearing the end of their careers, the possibility of one final run together carries both competitive and sentimental appeal.

How did Goldschmidt’s season complicate New York’s plans?

Goldschmidt opened the year strong in pinstripes, slashing .338/.394/.495 with six home runs through his first 57 games. A difficult June stretch slowed his momentum, and while he rebounded statistically, his role diminished as younger options emerged later in the season.

Why Arizona could be the better fit moving forward

For Arizona, Goldschmidt represents a low-risk, high-upside option at first base. A one-year deal would align with the club’s competitive window while adding a respected presence to the clubhouse and lineup.

Having spent the first eight seasons of his career with the organization, Goldschmidt’s potential return would close a meaningful loop. As the offseason progresses, that familiarity may ultimately outweigh New York’s interest, setting the stage for a final act where it all began.

While his power against right-handed pitching has declined, Goldschmidt remained a dangerous threat against left-handed pitching, posting a .336/.411/.570 line in 168 plate appearances.

As teams look to balance veteran presence with lineup flexibility, the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees have emerged as logical fits for Goldschmidt. Both clubs could leverage his success against lefties, either in a platoon role or as a complementary bat to their existing roster.

How could Goldschmidt fit in 2026?

According to analysts, Goldschmidt’s continued value largely depends on his willingness to accept a reduced role. “The question is how willing he will be to accept a diminished role to prolong his career. A reunion with the D-backs still looks like a logical fit, while the Yankees could also bring him back to platoon with Ben Rice,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Jared Bloom.

If Goldschmidt embraces favorable matchups and a platoon setup, he could remain a key contributor despite declining overall power. Teams in need of a lefty specialist or experienced hitter might find his skill set particularly appealing for roster depth heading into the new MLB season.

According to information shared by Alex D’Agostino on his X account, the Diamondbacks have signed RHP Taylor Clarke to a one-year contract. Clarke most recently pitched in the league for the Kansas City Royals.

Clarke’s arrival in Arizona comes on the heels of the recent Nolan Arenado trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as the addition of Judge’s former Yankees teammate, Jonathan Loaisiga. The D-Backs are clearly not looking to be mere spectators next season.

Clarke’s numbers from last season with the Royals

During his 2025 campaign with the Kansas City Royals, Taylor Clarke produced a bit of a mixed bag in the bullpen. While he managed to keep runners off the bases with a sharp 0.85 WHIP and struck out 44 batters, his 3.25 ERA and lone save across 51 appearances were considered somewhat underwhelming for high-leverage situations.

Despite these shaky flashes, his efficiency was enough to earn him a new one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the upcoming season. Can he show his full potential in this new stint with Arizona?

A new hope led by Marte and Arenado

The Arizona Diamondbacks are heading into the 2026 season with massive expectations, fueled by a high-powered core led by Ketel Marte and the veteran arrival of Nolan Arenado.

Fans are dreaming of a deep postseason run as Marte continues to perform at an MVP level, now perfectly complemented by Arenado’s elite gold-glove defense and consistent power at the plate.

With this dynamic duo anchoring the lineup, the D-backs believe they finally have the leadership and star power necessary to dominate the NL West and compete for a World Series title.

As reported by MLB insider Jorge Castillo, Loaisiga has signed a minor-league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The move was announced shortly before Nolan Arenado was traded from the Cardinals to the D-backs.

Only Stanton and Judge had been in the Bronx for longer than Loaisiga, who has donned the Pinstripes since the 2016 MLB campaign. As the 31-year-old steps into a new challenge, the Yankees bid farewell to a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Perhaps, Loaisiga’s departure is a sign of the winds of change blowing through Yankee Stadium.

How did Loaisiga become available?

Loaisiga has been around the Bronx Bombers for quite some time. Ahead of the 2025 MLB season, the right-handed pitcher signed a one-year contract worth $5 million, along with a $500,000 signing bonus. Under this deal, Loaisiga could become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2027, as New York had a team option in 2026.

However, the Yankees declined to exercise their option, making Loaisiga an official free agent in MLB. Now, the Nicaraguan veteran is inked to a prove-it contract with the Diamondbacks, who are quietly becoming a threat in the NL West.

In the meantime

Last season, Loaisiga appeared in 30 games, posting a 0.2 WAR and a 4.25 ERA. He also allowed 34 hits, 15 runs, 14 earned runs, and a career-worst seven home runs. Loaisiga’s absence appears to be felt more deeply in the clubhouse than on the mound.

Instead, New York’s primary focus lies in re-signing Cody Bellinger—whom they are reportedly willing to offer a special contract clause—or, failing that, finding the right fit in free agency to fill the vacant spot in the outfield.