Holmes addressed the situation after the game, explaining what he felt during the play. “Thought I had to make a move for the ball and felt tightness afterward… Doesn’t seem too major, and see how it is tomorrow and go from there. Nothing major here and hopefully we can get right here in a couple of days,” he said, via team reporters.

Before leaving the game, Holmes had delivered another solid outing, throwing 5.1 innings with one run allowed on five hits, along with three strikeouts and three walks. The early exit came after 81 pitches, but his performance continued a strong start to the season, even as Lindor downplayed pressure amid Mets slump in the broader context of the team’s struggles.

Mets remain calm despite injury scare

Mendoza echoed a similar tone postgame, indicating that the team is not overly concerned at this stage. “He doesn’t seem too concerned… The more testing they’re doing there, the better he’s feeling,” the manager said, noting that the situation will be reevaluated depending on how Holmes feels in the coming days.

The Mets have not scheduled imaging for now, though that decision could change if symptoms persist. For the moment, the focus is on recovery and avoiding any risk of aggravating the injury.

Positive outlook for next start

Holmes remains hopeful that he will not miss time and could take his next scheduled turn in the rotation. “I’m optimistic with it. Feel like I’ll be able to make my next start… I think we’ll be good, but we’ll have to see,” he added.

That optimism is important for a Mets rotation that has relied on his early consistency. Entering the game, Holmes had allowed just two runs across his first two starts (13.2 innings), establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable arms early in the 2026 season.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, New York has set a new franchise record by allowing just 16 earned runs through the first 12 games of the season. This dominant stretch is added to a collective 0.53 ERA, marking the best team ERA in the first six games since the stat became official in 1913, per MLB’s Sarah Langs.

Despite that franchise milestone, the Athletics managed to snap a half-century drought at Yankee Stadium. Thursday’s result marked Oakland’s first 1-0 victory in the Bronx since 1972, and their first 1-0 win over the Yankees at any venue since 1979.

It is rare to see a single 1-0 result carry such historical weight for both clubs, but the Yankees and A’s now find themselves in the record books for vastly different reasons. Amid the history, manager Aaron Boone also provided an update on Anthony Volpe’s potential return to the active roster.

A historic Yankees rotation awaits its ace

Even with the Yankees’ rotation pitching at a historic level through the opening weeks of the regular season, the staff is still not at full strength. The club continues to wait on the highly anticipated return of reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.

While the current staff’s performance suggests they can manage without him for now, the Yankees are maintaining a cautious approach with Cole’s rehab. The goal remains ensuring their ace is in peak form for the high-stakes challenges of the postseason.

Boone finalizes decision on Winquest

Addressing the team’s roster flexibility, Boone noted that the club felt it was unnecessary to utilize their Rule 5 pick at this time. With Luis Gil officially set to make his season debut, the Yankees have designated pitcher Cade Winquest for assignment (DFA).

The move makes it unlikely that Winquest will remain in the Yankees’ organization, forcing the right-hander to look elsewhere to continue his 2026 campaign. Early reports suggest the Boston Red Sox could be a potential landing spot for the former Rule 5 selection.

It was a brutal way to begin the year for Oakland. Of those 50 strikeouts, 19 came in Game 2 at Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays kept Brent Rooker in check with three strikeouts, the same total as Max Muncy and Denzel Clarke. The group combined for just one hit each in a 7-8 loss to Toronto.

Despite the embarrassing record, the Athletics weren’t completely blown out in the series. They lost the first two games in Toronto by just one run, and in the finale, the Blue Jays won by a three-run margin. At the very least, the team showed some fight at the plate.

Another tough year ahead for the Athletics?

Even after dropping their opening series, it’s still unclear how the rest of the season will unfold for the Athletics. They carry just a 1.5% projection to reach the World Series this year. Still, it’s worth remembering the franchise has won nine championships, with their last title coming in 1989.

The last time the Athletics reached the postseason was in 2020, when they advanced to the ALDS. They fell to the Houston Astros 3-1, but under manager Mark Kotsay, the team has shown gradual improvement year over year.

Two positives stand out under Kotsay between 2024 and 2025: the team avoided 100+ losses both seasons, something they hadn’t done since 2021, and their win totals have steadily increased, from 69 wins in 2024 to 76 in 2025. That trend suggests 2026 could be a slightly better year for the Athletics.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that the Cardinals will release Kyler Murray at the start of the league’s new year. He is expected to draw plenty of interest as a free agent, yet the proposal he has now received from Major League Baseball has surprised many.

Just two days after the news of his release, Kyler Murray received an open invitation to join the Oakland Athletics. General manager David Forst has let him know there would be a spot on their roster if he is willing to give baseball another try.

“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” GM David Forst told MLB.com. “That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”

Is it possible for Kyler Murray to leave the NFL and go to MLB?

Kyler Murray entered the NFL in 2019 as the first overall pick in the draft. He had an outstanding college season that led him to win the Heisman Trophy, which is why he was widely projected to become a top quarterback at the professional level.

However, one year earlier, he nearly chose baseball over football. In 2018, Murray was the ninth overall pick in the MLB Draft and signed a contract with the Athletics. He was originally set to pursue a baseball career, but he ultimately returned to football and made history by winning the Heisman Trophy.

Even though the Athletics would likely welcome him back, it is highly unlikely he would make that move. At 28 years old, Murray is still regarded as a solid quarterback and is expected to receive multiple offers from NFL teams. Switching sports at this stage of his career would be extremely challenging.

Murray has already been linked to the Minnesota Vikings, who reportedly want J.J. McCarthy to face strong competition for the starting quarterback job. However, if Murray fails to land a solid deal in the NFL, could a move to the Athletics become a realistic option?

In a deal with the Athletics, the Yankees acquired infielder Max Schuemann, sending right-handed pitcher Luis Burgos the other way, according to Bob Nightengale.

The transaction, first reported Monday, fits into a pattern of roster maneuvering that suggests New York is prioritizing coverage and depth rather than splashy additions as spring approaches.

Is Schuemann a practical fit for the Yankees’ bench plans?

Schuemann arrives in New York after spending parts of the past two seasons with Athletics, where he showed flashes of power but also clear limitations. In 2024, he appeared in 133 games, hitting .220 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs, though strikeouts were a concern. His 2025 season was more controlled at the plate, but production dipped as his role shrank.

Yankees roster impact

Burgos departs the organization with a solid minor-league track record, posting a 3.39 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across nearly 80 innings. To create roster space, New York designated outfielder Yanquiel Fernández for assignment and moved Dom Hamel and Braden Shewmake outright to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, keeping them in the system as non-roster depth.

As spring training nears, Schuemann will have a chance to carve out a role, but his path will depend on performance and how the rest of the roster takes shape in camp.

That approach continued Thursday, when the Yankees claimed Osvaldo Bido off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels, marking the fifth time this offseason that the right-hander has changed organizations.

Bido finished last season with the Athletics, making him a familiar name to clubs searching for pitching depth. Bido logged 79⅓ innings in 2025 across 26 appearances, including 10 starts, but struggled to a 5.87 ERA while pitching in Sacramento.

What does this move mean for the Yankees’ roster?

Bido originally signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates out of the Dominican Republic in 2017 and offers the Yankees a flexible arm who has experience both starting and relieving.

As spring training approaches, moves like this highlight how the Yankees are still evaluating depth pieces. Whether Bido sticks or becomes part of further roster maneuvering remains to be seen, but the churn itself suggests New York is far from finished adjusting its roster.

Severino, who will turn 32 by the start of the season, signed what was then the largest contract in Athletics history but struggled in his first season with Oakland. The team’s temporary home in Sacramento proved challenging, as his home ERA ballooned to 6.01 over 15 starts, contributing to a 2-9 record at Sutter Health Park.

Trade rumors have intensified after Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly highlighted the Yankees and Mets as potential landing spots. “Severino has previously had success pitching for both the Yankees and Mets, so they feel like early favorites to land him via trade in the summer,” Kelly wrote.

Would the Athletics part ways with Severino?

The Athletics have one of the most exciting young lineups in MLB, but their competitiveness heavily depends on pitching performance. If Athletics falls out of contention by the trade deadline, Severino could be available, giving the Yankees or Mets a rare opportunity to acquire a veteran starter with proven big-league success.

How Severino could impact New York teams

Both the Yankees and Mets have deep starting rotations, but adding a two-time All-Star like Severino would strengthen mid-rotation reliability and provide a significant boost for postseason aspirations. With multiple young players and promising prospects available, both New York teams have the assets to make a trade that satisfies Athletics while immediately improving their pitching depth.

The Severino trade saga will be closely watched as the 2026 season unfolds, with both New York teams poised to act if the Athletics signal they are ready to move their veteran right-hander.

Leaving Queens is never easy—especially giving up the chance to play at Citi Field, a stadium that holds a special place in every Mets fan’s heart. Still, McNeil knows that what lies ahead promises to be just as bright.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things… The ball flies. Smaller ballpark, you’ve got to take advantage of those home games. Super excited. Hopefully, I can get some hits to drop and we can have a great year,” he said via Sleeper Athletics.

This season, McNeil is making the move to the AL West after several years in the Big Apple. A new team, new aspirations, but the same goal as always: giving his best to help his teammates have a standout season.

Replacing McNeil won’t be easy

Following the trade of Jeff McNeil to the Athletics, Carlos Mendoza will likely lean on Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio to fill the void at second base for the 2026 season.

Acuña, who batted .234 with 16 stolen bases in 2025, provides elite speed and defensive versatility, while Mauricio offers more power potential after recording 6 home runs and an 88 wRC+ in his limited 61-game return last year.

Additionally, the acquisition of veteran Marcus Semien provides a stable, Gold Glove-caliber solution for the middle infield as these younger prospects continue to develop.

Mets eye Kyle Tucker, but face competition

The New York Mets remain heavily engaged in the sweepstakes for star outfielder Kyle Tucker, viewing him as the perfect left-handed bat to protect Juan Soto in their 2026 lineup.

While the Mets are pushing for a high-AAV deal, the Dodgers and Blue Jays joined Mets in the Tucker pursuit, with Toronto reportedly offering the long-term security he covets.

As all three teams have now held formal meetings with the free agent, the race has intensified into a high-stakes bidding war between the league’s most aggressive spenders.

However, according to latest reports, the A’s won’t stop there. The team wants to avoid arbitration, hence the reason of extending Soderstrom quickly to a $86 million deal. According to the team’s general manager, David Forst, “The idea of taking this group of young players and locking them up into a new ballpark has been something we’ve talked about for a long time.”

“We were able to get Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler signed last year, Tyler now, and there are ongoing conversations with others,” Forst said. “So this is kind of the blueprint for how we want to do this and how we want to open the ballpark in ’28.” Hence, the Athletics are going to keep being aggressive.

The A’s have a young core brewing

The A’s have a young roster to be hopeful about. Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson are going to be the next two players to sign big contracts with the Athletics. Kurtz moved Soderstrom to left field, something that brings no issue to him. Per Soderstrom, “I’m the best athlete on the team. I don’t have a problem.”

The A’s have been a bottom-of-the-barrel team in the MLB but last year they showed glimpses of talent. They ended last season at 76-86, which is a big improvement on the last few years. Hence, there is optimism that the team could compete for a playoff spot in 2026.

Jeff McNeil will add experience and poise to a young roster

Having a young core is exciting, but a team also needs veterans who know fully the ins-and-outs of the game, how to face adverse situations and also keep the calm when the egos might be growing. McNeil is that. More than an excellent utility player, the trade with the Mets helped the A’s to land a leader.

This duo promises big things, although the left fielder prefers to stay cautious with expectations. For now, overcoming last season’s disappointment—when they missed the playoffs—remains a top priority. Soderstrom knows that McNeil can make a significant impact in this new chapter.

“I don’t love expectations,” he said said in the interview with Townsend, via the Athletics on YouTube. “I think you should expect us to go out and hit. I mean, we’re going to hit. That’s a given. We’re gonna hit for power. We’re gonna drive guys in. Me speaking from the offensive side of it, our lineup is gonna be great.

“We just added (Jeff) McNeil, batting champion. I’ve actually got to know Jeff a little bit… We’ve had a couple golf outings. Jeff’s a great guy. Super excited to have him in our lineup.”

How much can McNeil contribute to the A’s?

Following his trade from the New York Mets in December 2025, Jeff McNeil is poised to bring veteran stability and defensive flexibility to the Athletics‘ lineup starting next season.

Over his eight-year tenure in Queens, McNeil established himself as a premier contact hitter, highlighted by his 2022 campaign where he won the NL Batting Title with a .326 average and earned a Silver Slugger Award.

Even in a fluctuating 2025 season where he hit .243 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs, his ability to put the ball in play and maintain a career .284 batting average suggests he will be a vital asset for an Oakland team looking to bolster its young core with proven major league experience.

The excitement of moving to Las Vegas

While the A’s remain in West Sacramento for now, everyone’s focus is already on what’s ahead: the move to Las Vegas. Although the official confirmation and the relocation set for 2028 are still pending, Soderstrom expressed excitement about the upcoming chapter.

“That means a lot,” he said. “Getting to tour that site today was, I mean, pretty much the only thing a free agent would need to come and see. I mean, you got the whole Las Vegas strip in the background, the stadium’s going to be amazing. It’s super special…

“I think everyone’s gonna want to be here. So I think the fact that we’re building now, we have a great core of players now… Super exciting. We’re looking forward to the next steps, coming to Vegas.”

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Mets traded utility player Jeff McNeil to the Athletics. In exchange, they will get 17-year-old Cuban pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a long-term project.

According to Passan, the Mets will pay $5.75 million of the $15.75 million McNeil is owed for the 2026 season. The Mets will also cover a $2 million buyout if the A’s decide to not exercise the club option for 2027.

Who is Yordan Rodriguez?

A right-handed pitcher, Rodriguez had 20 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched in the DSL Athletics in 2025. Since McNeil is turning 34 and the Mets brought Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco as infielders, the team was adamant to let them go to bring a 17-year-old prospect.

If Rodriguez develops to all of his potential, this could clearly become one of the greatest moves in recent memory of the Mets. Hopefully for the Mets, this goes well as they’ve had their fare share of mishaps.

It’s not clear yet if Rodriguez will go to the Mets MLB team quickly

At 17 years old, there is time to develop him. Hence, there is no rush to put him in the majors just yet. He can go through all the bases. Start in the minors all the way to AAA and nurture him.