After Thornton surrendered a three-run homer to CJ Abrams in the opening inning, Mendoza liked the way the 24-year-old continued competing instead of letting the moment overwhelm him. “I thought he competed,” Mendoza said after the game. “Even after he got punched there in the first inning, he didn’t back down. He kept going after it.”

Thornton ultimately allowed four runs on four hits across 4.1 innings while recording three strikeouts and two walks. The rookie settled down after the early damage, retiring nine of the final 10 batters he faced while showing the composure the Mets hoped to see from him on the mound.

Mendoza highlights positives from Thornton’s debut

Even with the rough start, Mendoza pointed to several encouraging signs from Thornton’s outing. The Mets manager praised the young pitcher’s tempo and his willingness to continue attacking hitters despite an increasing pitch count.

Thornton also showed confidence when discussing his first appearance in the majors. “I feel as though I belong here,” he said. “My stuff’s going to play. So if I can just get in zone I’ll be alright.” The left-hander explained that he focused on simplifying things after the first inning and trusted his pitches more as the game continued.

Thornton shares emotional moment with father at MLB debut

Beyond the baseball side of the night, Thornton’s debut carried major emotional significance because his father, Paul, was able to attend the game only weeks after undergoing spinal surgery that temporarily left him unable to walk. “Super special,” Thornton said. “Just seeing him sitting there in his little wheelchair.”

Thornton called the experience everything he dreamed about growing up, and despite the loss, the debut became a meaningful moment for both him and his family.

The Mets have not yet confirmed Thornton’s next role with the team, but Mendoza’s comments made it clear the organization saw plenty of positives from the young pitcher’s first major league outing.

Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the team’s recent defensive struggles after the game, pointing to routine mistakes that have hurt New York during an already difficult stretch of the season. “Not good. The past four days or so making errors on routine plays. We’re a good team defensively,” Mendoza said, via SNY.

The loss dropped the Mets further behind in the National League standings as injuries and inconsistent play continue creating problems across the roster. With Francisco Lindor currently sidelined because of a calf injury and hopeful he can return in a month, the team has struggled to find defensive stability and maintain momentum during games.

Mets’ defense collapses during pivotal inning vs. Nationals

The turning point came during a disastrous fourth inning for the Mets. After rookie pitcher Nolan McLean allowed traffic on the bases, Washington capitalized on a defensive breakdown that completely shifted the momentum.

With runners on second and third and one out, McLean induced what appeared to be a routine ground ball to Bo Bichette at shortstop. Bichette attempted to throw home for the force out, but catcher Luis Torrens failed to handle the throw cleanly as the ball rolled to the backstop. Two Nationals runners scored on the play, extending Washington’s lead and putting New York in an even deeper hole.

The Mets have now committed several costly defensive mistakes over the past few games, something Mendoza clearly believes must improve quickly if the team hopes to turn its season around.

Mendoza still believes Mets can recover

Even with the frustrating loss, Mendoza continues showing confidence in the roster. The Mets still have more than 100 games remaining in the 2026 season, giving the club plenty of time to recover if they can begin playing cleaner baseball.

The Mets now face growing pressure to stabilize things before the season slips even further away. If the Mets hope to climb back into contention, improving defensively will likely need to become one of the team’s biggest priorities moving forward.

Alcantara has appeared in major league games in four of the past six seasons, totaling 193 contests with stints for the Cubs, Padres, Diamondbacks, and Nationals.

While his career .618 OPS indicates limited offensive output, his ability to play multiple infield positions makes him a valuable organizational piece, particularly at the Triple-A level.

Depth move behind Phillies’ MLB infield

With Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, Edmundo Sosa, and Alec Bohm occupying the major league roster, Alcantara’s role is primarily to support the farm system and provide coverage in case of unexpected injuries. His defensive reliability and experience give the Phillies confidence that they can maintain stability at multiple positions should any of their starters miss time.

Fresh opportunity after Nationals exit

After being designated for assignment several times in recent years, Alcantara now has a fresh start with a team willing to utilize his versatility. While a major league call-up may not happen immediately, his presence strengthens Philadelphia’s infield depth and ensures the organization is prepared for the long MLB season.

Designated for assignment four times, including twice before throwing a single pitch for the big-league club, Lovelady endured a season defined by roster churn and constant uncertainty.

Last week, that question was answered. Claimed on waivers by the Washington Nationals, the lefty reliever now has a fresh opportunity to redefine his role and make an impact in the 2026 season

Will Lovelady find stability with his new team?

The move to the Nationals, a rebuilding club in the NL East, offers Lovelady a more defined path to innings and potential impact. “It’s a new opportunity, and I’m ready to see what this team has in mind,” Lovelady said following the claim.

His time with the Mets saw Lovelady pitch 10 innings, allowing seven earned runs and three home runs, striking out nine while walking four. Across 111 career MLB innings, the veteran holds a 5.35 ERA and has appeared in games for the Athletics, Cubs, Rays, and Blue Jays.

What’s next for Lovelady and the Nationals?

With spring training approaching, Lovelady will compete for a roster spot and the chance to contribute in high-leverage situations. For the Mets, his departure marks another shift in a bullpen that continues to evolve as the season nears.

One player quietly moving into the spotlight is CJ Abrams, the 25-year-old shortstop of the Washington Nationals. With three years of team control remaining, Abrams represents a rare blend of youth, pedigree, and immediate value—qualities that rebuilding clubs rarely move unless the return is significant.

The San Francisco Giants reportedly explored a deal for Abrams but failed to meet Washington’s asking price, a signal that the Nationals are open to discussions but unwilling to compromise on value as they shape the next phase of their rebuild.

Could Yankees or Red Sox step in as serious contenders for Abrams?

According to Jim Bowden, two familiar powers could soon enter the conversation. Writing for The Athletic, Bowden pointed to the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox as teams worth monitoring as Abrams’ market develops. “If the Nationals can deal Abrams for a package of three-to-five good prospects, that’s probably their best play to further their rebuild,” Bowden wrote.

He added that while San Francisco remains a logical fit, Washington may find leverage by widening the field. “Solid potential trade partners also include the Red Sox, Yankees, Padres, and Mariners,” Bowden noted, underscoring how demand could grow if talks resume.

How does Abrams fit differently in New York and Boston?

The Yankees’ interest would be driven by uncertainty at shortstop, where Anthony Volpe has dealt with injuries and uneven stretches. Abrams could offer stability and long-term upside, but only if New York is willing to part with multiple premium prospects.

Abrams already owns an All-Star appearance, yet his profile remains complex. He has not produced a four-bWAR season, leaving room for debate about whether his ceiling matches Washington’s demands.

Boston’s recent acquisitions have altered the internal landscape, leaving limited clarity for pitchers who once appeared part of the club’s short-term plans. Among them is Lucas Giolito, whose path forward appears increasingly detached from the Red Sox despite his presence just one season ago.

That uncertainty was underscored by a recent assessment from Bleacher Report analyst Zachary D. Rymer, who suggested Giolito’s free agency could lead him back to familiar ground.

“There hasn’t been a lot of reported interest in Lucas Giolito this winter, which would be surprising if his 3.41 ERA from last year wasn’t such an obvious mirage,” Rymer wrote. “You have to wonder if Giolito’s free agency will end with contenders bypassing him… and for this, the Nationals would be perfect.”

Why does Washington make sense as a landing spot?

The Washington Nationals have a clear vacancy in their rotation following the departure of MacKenzie Gore, creating a natural opening for a veteran starter seeking stability and opportunity. Giolito’s history with the organization adds another layer of logic to the potential reunion.

A short-term agreement would align with Washington’s timeline while allowing Giolito to rebuild value. If effective, he could quickly emerge as a trade candidate for contenders later in the season.

How did Boston’s offseason moves change the equation?

The additions of Ranger Suárez, Johan Oviedo, and Sonny Gray have reshaped Boston’s pitching depth, leaving little room for Giolito without unexpected developments. The Red Sox now appear committed to a different rotation structure.

What will define Giolito’s next chapter?

For Giolito, the coming season represents a chance to reset his trajectory. After losing his footing in Boston, the emphasis now shifts toward consistency and durability. Wherever he lands, early performance will be critical in determining whether he can reestablish himself as a reliable option for clubs with postseason aspirations.

One of those positions is shortstop, where Anthony Volpe continues to face scrutiny. Once viewed as a foundational piece of the franchise, Volpe has yet to deliver consistent offensive production, placing pressure on both his development timeline and the organization’s patience.

That uncertainty has fueled external speculation. According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the Yankees could eventually explore the trade market for an established replacement if Volpe’s struggles persist.

“[CJ] Abrams is the name for me that will likely at some point in time move on,” Morosi said. “…If [Anthony] Volpe struggles… maybe the Yankees take a look at someone like an Abrams down towards the trade deadline.”

Why would the Yankees consider replacing Anthony Volpe?

Volpe is set to enter his fourth MLB season still searching for offensive stability. He owns a career .662 OPS and has never surpassed .670 in a single year, finishing 2025 with an 83 wRC+, the lowest mark among qualified Yankees hitters during a season in which run production was at a premium.

Why does CJ Abrams fit the Yankees’ timeline?

Abrams, an All-Star in 2024, represents a shortstop entering his prime. The 25-year-old posted a career-best .748 OPS last season, hit 19 home runs, drove in 60 runs, and stole 31 bases for the second straight year, offering both athleticism and offensive upside the Yankees currently lack at shortstop.

Would the Nationals be open to a trade?

The Washington Nationals have already shown a willingness to deal core players during their retooling phase. “Washington also has been shopping shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder Jacob Young this offseason,” The Washington Post reported, noting that while the asking price would be high, Abrams is not viewed as untouchable.

The news were broke by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. After, Robert Murray of Foul Territory indicated the Nationals gave up Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald and Yeremy Cabrer.

According to Spotrac, Mackenzie Gore will earn $5.6 million. Gore and the Nationals avoided arbitration a couple of weeks ago, when they agreed to a one-year deal. Now, two weeks later, he is headed to the Rangers to bolster their rotation.

Gore is looking for a bounce back season

The 27-year old had 30 starts in 2025 where he was hampered by an ankle injury that ended his season in September. Also, he had 4.17 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 185/64 strikeouts-to-base-on-balls ratio. He also had 5-15 record. The ERA could improve but Gore has never been an ERA leader. He did have a career-high in strikeouts. On the flip side, he led the majors in wild pitches for a second straight year.

Gore is a high-upside pitcher with an elite four-pitch mix and he has established himself like a strikeout artist. His curveball is very dominant and he also has a strong slider. His changeup is a swing-and-miss kind of throw. He brings a lot of heat to the mound.

Texas rotation is looking scary

While the Nationals used this trade to get five prospects, the Rangers are the ones getting a huge boost in their rotation. Looking at the names, the only thing stopping this rotation from becoming one of the MLB’s best is health.

• Jacob deGrom
• MacKenzie Gore
• Nathan Eovaldi
• Jack Leiter
• Kumar Rocker
• Jacob Latz

There has been no shortage of pitchers linked to the Mets in the 2026 MLB offseason. After signing Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal, the Mets face a dilemma with a rising star. Moreover, New York still faces an unsolved crisis on the mound and at the bullpen. Thus, the buzz around the ace position won’t quiet down anytime soon.

However, some options are less likely than others. In that regard, a recent report around MLB indicates the Mets are not pursuing Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, who earned his first invite to the All-Star Game in the 2025 season.

According to a report by The Athletic’s Will Sammon, the Mets making a move for the left-handed pitcher is a long shot. Gore is coming off a strong year with the Nationals, as he posted 3.0 WAR, 4.17 ERA, and 185 strikeouts. Still, New York isn’t blown away by his numbers and will instead look elsewhere to strengthen its rotation.

Another name off the list

According to the same report, Kansas City Royals ace Kris Bubic is another candidate the organization in Queens is not looking too deep into. Instead, the Mets will continue their pursuit for pitching assistance elsewhere in MLB.

Last season, Bubic appeared in 20 games for the Royals (starting in all of them). Through them all, the 28-year-old registered 3.1 WAR, 2.55 ERA, and 116 strikeouts. Like Gore, Bubic earned an invite to the All-Star, after allowing just 98 hits, 38 runs, 33 earned runs, and 6 home runs in the 2025 MLB campaign.

Who are Mets being linked to?

Despite both Bubic and Gore playing some of the best baseball of their MLB careers, the Mets are still not buying into the hype and will explore the pitching market elsewhere.

As things stand, Framber Valdez and Freddy Peralta are the main targets in Queens. However, the Mets are being challenged by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who intensified their pursuit of the Milwaukee Brewers’ premier starter.

There’s still time left before Opening Day 2026, but the clock is ticking and the asking prices aren’t going down. Sooner or later, New York will be forced to make a move.

Ken Rosenthal, via his official X account, reported the signing of free-agent RHP Trevor Gott, who agreed to a minor-league contract. The experienced pitcher previously suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery in April 2024.

While it’s unclear what role Gott will play once the new MLB season begins, the fact remains that manager Blake Butera now has another piece to consider in his plans.

Gott’s stats with the Mets

Prior to his significant injury, Trevor Gott experienced a turbulent tenure with the New York Mets following his mid-season arrival from Seattle. Across 34 appearances, he struggled to find consistency, posting a 0-2 record with a 4.34 ERA in Queens and failing to record a single save.

His performance was marked by extreme platoon splits, as left-handed hitters punished him for a .337 average, while he remained effective against righties, holding them to .222.

Most concerning was his difficulty in high-leverage moments; he allowed 63.6% of inherited runners to score, ultimately finishing the year with a combined 4.19 ERA between both clubs.

Back in the spotlight

After falling short of the postseason in 2025, CJ Abrams enters the 2026 campaign determined to lead the Washington Nationals back into the national spotlight.

Despite a frustrating second half, Abrams proved his elite ceiling last year by joining the exclusive 20/30 club, finishing with 19 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and a career-best 3.1 WAR.

Now entering his age-25 season, the All-Star shortstop—and potential future second baseman—is focused on finding the consistency that saw him post a massive .836 OPS before the break. By anchoring a young, hungry core alongside stars like James Wood and MacKenzie Gore, Abrams aims to translate his dynamic speed and power into a leadership role that finally pushes Washington back into the playoff hunt.

The Mets are heavily in on the starting pitching market and, according to insider Pat Ragazzo, have inquired in Queens about the availability of Washington Nationals star Mackenzie Gore.

Still, a significant obstacle could stand in the way of a potential move to the Mets: the asking price for Gore is said to be astronomically high, and nothing appears to be close on this front, at least for now.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether New York’s interest in acquiring the All-Star materializes in the short term, or if the Mets will turn to alternative options that can match an elite-level player.

Adding top-tier talent to the roster

As the 2026 season approaches, the New York Mets are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for elite talent, continuing heavy negotiations with superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker.

While the battle for Tucker remains intense, the front office is simultaneously exploring a blockbuster trade for Brewers ace Freddy Peralta to anchor their rotation. By targeting both a premier power bat and a dominant starter, the Mets position themselves to add an All-Star to their roster and signal their intent to dominate the National League this year.