Lindor acknowledged his role in the outcome, saying he forgot the number of outs during the first inning. The lapse forced Freddy Peralta to throw extra pitches, extending the inning and potentially altering the game’s momentum.“Inexcusable,” Lindor said according to MLB.com. “I just forgot the outs,” he admitted.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza defended Lindor’s later baserunning pickoff but stressed the importance of avoiding first‑inning lapses. The error underscored the team’s ongoing struggles with focus and execution early in games, after Mendoza stuttered while calling out Mets stars Bichette and Lindor.

How the first inning unfolded

With one out, Ivan Herrera singled to get on base. The next batter grounded to Lindor, who tagged second base, unaware it was the inning’s second out. Instead of turning a double play at first, he began moving toward the dugout before realizing the mistake. Peralta managed to strike out the next batter but needed five extra pitches to do so.

Later in the sixth inning, Lindor reached base on an error and was picked off before Soto came to the plate. Soto’s subsequent home run would have been a two-run shot, meaning Lindor’s miscue directly impacted the scoring opportunity.

Looking ahead for the Mets

The loss leaves the Mets at 3-3 on the season. They head into a weekend series against the San Francisco Giants, hoping to regroup and limit mental errors that have cost them games early this season. Mendoza emphasized that while aggressiveness is encouraged, attention to situational awareness remains a top priority for his team.

Manager Carlos Mendoza chose to stick with Bo Bichette at third base, meaning Vientos will remain out of the lineup. With no health concerns, whatsoever, the decision ultimately comes down to Mendoza’s preference and strategy. Vientos may get his chance later in the road trip, though. Especially if New York faces a left-handed pitcher on the mound.

As for Robert Jr., his absence from the lineup is a tougher one to digest for Mets fans. Robert Jr. has the best batting average (.455) of any player to appear in all three games so far this season for New York. His average is only surpassed by Vientos and Torrens—1.000 and .500, though in one and two appearances, respectively. With no reported injury or setback, Robert Jr. will miss the opening game of this series because of a coaching decision.

The Mets’ lineup to take on the Cardinals in their first game away from Citi Field is one that has several changes. Shortly after the Mets revealed Carson Benge and Brett Baty would change positions, Mendoza has put that strategy into practice. Baty will play on the right side of the outfield, and Benge will move to center-field, as the Orange and Blue adapt to a Robert-less lineup.

Robert Jr.’s stats in 2026

The sample size remains extremely small, but the former All-Star seems to be on a tear to start the 2026 MLB season. Robert Jr. is coming off a strong production against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates may not be the best competition in the league, but one must play whoever stands in front, and Robert Jr. did great against them.

The 28-year-old center-fielder recorded a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning in the second duel of the three-game series. He finished the series with three runs scored, five hits, and five RBIs. Moreover, he put up a .571 OBP, .727 SLG, and 1.299 OPS.

NY Mets at St. Louis Cardinals schedule

Donovan hit .429 against the Cleveland Guardians in the Mariners’ first series of the year, which ended in a 2-2 split. That mark represents the best start of his career, topping his .364 opening from the 2025 season and every other start he had with the Cardinals dating back to 2022.

Through those first four games, Donovan’s .429 average hasn’t just been impressive, it’s also placed him inside the top ten of multiple batting leaderboards. Even Aaron Judge hasn’t managed that yet, as he’s currently locked in an early home run race with Chase DeLauter of the Guardians.

Donovan proving to be an offensive gem

Donovan has already delivered two home runs for Seattle and is projected by Baseball Reference to finish with 13 in the 2026 season. In just 14 at-bats, he’s added four RBIs and struck out only four times, showing a disciplined and intelligent approach at the plate for the former Cardinals utility man.

Among the various leaderboards he’s climbing, one of the most notable is Runs Created, where Baseball Reference has him tied for sixth with Munetaka Murakami at seven runs. That kind of production is key for a team looking to stack wins early in the season.

Another important metric early on is Times On Base. With 10 so far, Donovan is demonstrating strong pitch recognition and patience at the plate. He currently sits tied for second in that category alongside several other players.

His performance shouldn’t come as a complete surprise, either. During spring training, Donovan hit .413 across 17 games, recording 19 hits in 46 at-bats, giving Seattle Mariners fans a glimpse of what he’s now delivering in the regular season.

“Former STLCards executive Matt Slater has a new job. He is joining the Yankees as Global Player Acquisitions Supervisor,” Rains detailed on his X account, a post that was subsequently shared by MLB insider Jon Morosi.

The appointment of Slater is expected to bring strategic shifts to the Yankees’ roster in the coming seasons. Tasked with scouting international markets, Slater could aim to bolster the Yankees with talent beyond U.S. borders, enhancing the team’s global reach in player recruitment.

During the latest international trade deadline, the Yankees were relatively quiet, lacking a dedicated figurehead to spearhead international acquisitions. This limited activity left the team with only a few additions, none regarded as top prospects at the time.

Yankees’ front office roster

With Matt Slater’s addition, the Yankees’ executive lineup is now fortified, ready to support Manager Aaron Boone in the upcoming season. The complete roster of executives is as follows:

• Hal Steinbrenner, Managing General Partner / Chairperson
• Randy Levine, President
• Brian Cashman, Senior Vice President & General Manager
• Jean Afterman, Senior VP & Assistant General Manager
• Michael Fishman, Vice President & Assistant General Manager
• Brian Sabean, Executive Advisor to the General Manager
• Omar Minaya, Senior Advisor, Baseball Operations
• Tim Naehring, Vice President, Baseball Operations
• Damon Oppenheimer, Vice President, Domestic Amateur Scouting
• Kevin Reese, Vice President, Player Development
• Matt Slater, Global Player Acquisitions Supervisor

Anticipation is building for further announcements from the Yankees ahead of spring training camps. Speculation surrounds the possible signing of a 34-year-old right-handed outfielder who could potentially complement Cody Bellinger.

While the Cardinals aren’t expected to make a blockbuster splash like some rivals this winter, filling offensive gaps remains a priority after trading away Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras.

Bader’s name has repeatedly surfaced in discussions about potential fits, and Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom openly acknowledged the “room for a right‑handed” bat when asked about roster needs at the team’s Winter Warm‑up event, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Bader’s free‑agency market includes interest from the Phillies; the club he spent significant time with in 2025 and where he delivered compelling offensive production in the season’s second half.

What Bader’s market value could mean for St. Louis

After a strong 2025 campaign that saw Bader combine stints with the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies — hitting .277 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, and a .796 OPS — he declined a $10 million mutual option to test free agency.

Projections suggest a multi‑year deal in the range of roughly $12–$17 million per season, according to Sportrac, potentially driving his overall cost north of what the Cardinals might prefer for a mid‑tier offensive upgrade.

How the Phillies factor into the equation

The Phillies’ connection to Bader looms large in negotiations. Philadelphia benefited from Bader’s bat and glove down the stretch in 2025, and though they have options to bolster their outfield, they remain in the running to retain him.

As the winter unfolds and offers solidify, how much the Cardinals are willing to stretch for Bader could ultimately define their offseason strategy for optimizing both offense and defense.

The disappointment was amplified by the team coming close to landing Bo Bichette, only to pivot toward more modest additions. Moves involving Adolis García and Brad Keller addressed depth rather than star power, leaving a clear need for a right-handed outfielder who could stabilize both defense and lineup balance.

Now, a familiar name has re-entered the conversation. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Phillies have not been entirely ruled out in the free-agent market for Harrison Bader, reopening speculation about a potential reunion that once seemed unlikely.

Could Harrison Bader realistically return to Philadelphia?

Feinsand noted that “Bader is the best outfielder left on the market,” adding that several teams — including the New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, and St. Louis Cardinals — are actively monitoring his availability. “A reunion with the Phillies can’t be ruled out, though that seems like a long shot at this point,” he wrote.

For Philadelphia, Bader would address a specific roster gap. His right-handed bat and elite outfield defense could complement Brandon Marsh, whether in a platoon role or as part of a more flexible alignment across all three outfield spots.

Why Bader still fits — even if the odds are long

The Phillies’ long-term vision includes Justin Crawford as an everyday outfielder, but the path between now and Opening Day remains unsettled. Adding Bader would give manager Rob Thomson defensive reliability while preserving matchup versatility late in games.

As the offseason enters its final phase, Philadelphia faces a familiar choice: trust internal options or make one last targeted move. Whether Bader becomes that move remains uncertain — but for now, the door is not fully closed.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Nick Piecoro, Arenado is owed $42 million, and $31 million will be paid by the Cardinals, meaning the D-Backs will only pay $11 million for the third baseman. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the D-Backs will pay Arenado just $5 million this season and the other $6 million in 2027.

Arenado has been one of the best third bases in baseball, but he is 34 years old now. While everyone centered the 3B sweepstakes on Alex Bregman, the D-Backs focused on landing one of the best players of the last decade, even if he is past his prime.

Arenado is past his prime but still valuable

Producing is not the only thing that matters in the MLB. Experience, leadership, and professionalism also matter a ton. Arenado has plenty of numbers decreasing in the last few years. There was a time where he led the NL in home runs and all the majors in RBIs, but that was a decade ago. In 2025, he slashed .237/.289/.377 in 436 plate appearances. For the Cardinals, he was tradeable, for the D-Backs, he is still a valuable asset.

At least the D-Backs took action to land the third baseman. For instance, during the Alex Bregman saga, the Red Sox didn’t get the warnings and ended up losing the player to the Cubs. While Arenado is not Bregman at this point in his career, the D-Backs still landed him and in a very cheap deal for them.

Are the D-Backs a contender now that they landed Arenado?

While this move certainly improves the roster, the D-Backs need a bit more to actually be considered contenders. Last season they ended 80-82, and they are in a very tough division in baseball.

The AL West is stacked, Arizona has to battle with both the Dodgers and Padres, and they might be level with the Giants in terms of roster. So while this move pushes them up the ladder, it’s still an uphill battle.

According to the Yankees’ transaction page, the team has added right-hander Adam Kloffenstein, previously with the St. Louis Cardinals, and catcher Payton Henry from the Marlins. These signings aim to strengthen their minor league depth with hopes that spring training might unveil talent ready to impact the major league roster.

Kloffenstein’s major league experience is limited; he made his sole MLB appearance with the Cardinals in 2024. This brief stint is a point of intrigue as analysts and fans alike watch for his progress as documented on Baseball Reference.

Conversely, Payton Henry brings slightly more major league experience, having played with the Marlins in 2021 and 2022. In his 20-game tenure, he notched two runs on four hits, though still seeks his first MLB home run.

Analyzing the Yankees’ other minor league acquisitions

Yankees fans are voicing concerns over these modest acquisitions amid uncertainty surrounding star player Cody Bellinger’s future with the team. Reports indicate ongoing discussions with teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, suggesting potential for securing a high-impact player.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at the Yankees’ recent minor league additions:

• Paul DeJong, INF
• Adam Kloffenstein, RHP
• Payton Henry, C
• Zack Short, INF
• Ali Sanchez, C
• Jonathan Ornelas, INF
• Yerry Rodriguez, RHP

With these moves, the Yankees’ fanbase is keenly observing the team’s next steps, anticipating the formation of the main roster for the upcoming season. There’s a shared hope that one of these minor league talents can transcend expectations and make a significant impact in the majors moving forward.

The report linking Arenado to the Halos was shared by Scott Plaza: “St. Louis will likely have to eat half or more of his remaining contract, but the potential for him to start for the Angels could be enough to facilitate a deal that could make all parties happy.”

In his article for Redbird Rants, Plaza explains that the main obstacle in any Arenado deal to Los Angeles would be his salary. Arenado still has two years remaining on his contract, and his on-field production has not met expectations for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals would have to pay if Arenado is moved

As Plaza detailed, the Cardinals would not only need to continue talks with the Angels or any other MLB team interested in Arenado, but they would also likely have to cover a significant portion of his yearly salary if he is traded.

“With two years and $42 million remaining on his contract, pairing Arenado’s salary to his stats has become a major reason for his continued time in St. Louis. Like the Cardinals did with Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, Chaim Bloom will have to eat a large portion of that remaining money if he wants to find a match.”

One of the most complicating factors is that Arenado’s contract includes a full no-trade clause, meaning he would ultimately control whether he accepts a move to a new team. That provision could significantly complicate negotiations with any MLB club ahead of the season.

It is also not the first time the Angels and Arenado have been linked. In 2024, a report by John Denton made it clear that Los Angeles was on Arenado’s list of preferred destinations: “In addition to having the Dodgers, Padres and Angels on his wish list, Arenado would also be willing to accept a trade to the Phillies, Mets or Red Sox, per a source close to the negotiations.”

According to a report by The Athletic, the Dodgers’ interest in Brendan Donovan has subsided, as the team has reportedly decided to withdraw from the race to sign him. “Traction with Donovan appeared to be building shortly after the Winter Meetings, with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants emerging as frontrunners,” The Athletic reported.

With now only two teams in the lead, the Dodgers seem to be refocusing their efforts on other targets, with Cody Bellinger emerging as a potential signing for the Los Angeles franchise.

Despite these developments, the Dodgers boast one of the finest rosters in MLB, featuring Japanese talents like Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, alongside established stars such as Mookie Betts, Kirby Yates, and Freddie Freeman.

Donovan’s reported suitors in the offseason

The Mariners and the Giants have expressed interest in Donovan. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly emerged as a suitor for Donovan, according to a report from Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.

The Red Sox are reportedly pursuing a third trade under Chaim Bloom. Having already acquired Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, Boston is now targeting Cardinals‘ key player to fill their second base vacancy.

Dodgers’ prospects for 2026 roster additions

In the pursuit of bolstering their roster for the next season, the Dodgers have several potential targets according to multiple reports: Steven Kwan (OF – Guardians), Tarik Skubal (SP – Tigers), Lars Nootbaar (OF – Cardinals), and Luis Robert Jr. (CF – White Sox).

Additionally, the Dodgers have their eyes on top free agents such as Kyle Tucker (OF), Cody Bellinger (OF/1B), and Michael Kopech (RP). With these names on their radar, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make a substantial impact in the upcoming season.

According to a report by The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal, the Los Angeles Angels have emerged as a formidable contender in the race to acquire Cardinals’ third baseman Nolan Arenado. Together with his colleagues Will Sammon and Katie Woo, Rosenthal indicates that the Angels are keen on making a move for the talented player.

As Arenado remains under contract during the offseason, speculation regarding his potential move has intensified. However, securing his services would not be an easy task, particularly for teams targeting a roster addition for the 2026 MLB season.

Complicating matters for the Angels is the recent buyout of Anthony Rendon, which has left a significant void at third base. They now face the urgent task of exploring viable options to address this roster gap for the upcoming year.

Arenado as a contingency plan

Given the complexities of Arenado’s contract and the aggressive offseason moves by other franchises, he has surfaced as a fallback option for the Angels. The team reportedly has two preferred targets ahead of the Cardinals‘ star for next season.

Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez have recently been associated with the Angels, driven by the financial flexibility created by Rendon’s buyout. However, both players are attracting considerable interest, with Bregman being pursued by three other teams besides the Red Sox. This situation might shift Arenado into a more prominent role in the Angels’ plans.

Arenado’s strategy if traded to the Angels

If Arenado decides to leave the Cardinals, reports suggest he has developed a strategic plan to adapt to a new team with a revised contract this year. In a bid to facilitate a trade, Arenado has reportedly informed the Cardinals of his willingness to contribute at first base to seamlessly integrate into a contender’s lineup, according to Sammon and Woo.