High Expectations in Port St. Lucie: Takeaways from My First Day in Mets Camp

There are very few two word phrases in the English language that, when spoken together, instantly bring a smile to your face. I do. Game 7. Spring Training. Opening Day.

So yes, I am smiling.( You maybe able to see it in the picture above, but take my word for it)

Everything worked out. The 6:45 a.m. flight from Islip to West Palm lifted off on time. Wheels down at 9:45. I was in the rental car by 10:05 and on the back fields by 11:15. Not bad for a February morning that began in darkness and ended under a Florida sun with baseballs popping in gloves.

And what a first day it was.

Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco were taking infield, the rhythm crisp, the throws firm, the sound of leather echoing across the complex. Joe Gerber was on the mound throwing absolute nastiness, the kind of late life that makes catchers subtly nod.

I had a chance to speak with Devin Williams, who carries himself like a man comfortable in big moments.

I felt a little old chatting with Grae Kessinger, the grandson of Don Kessinger, a player I watched growing up and had on my radio show five years ago. Baseball has a way of reminding you just how quickly time moves.

Then came the afternoon press conferences. Carlos Mendoza spotted me as I approached and greeted me warmly. With a grin he asked if I was reporting with the position players. I told him I brought my first baseman’s glove.

When I asked Mendoza about the new coaching staff and what had stood out to him, he said, “Once you hire those guys, there's a lot of Zoom calls in the offseason and every single one of them brings something to the table that is different.” He added, “They're also pretty similar in a lot of different ways with the way they teach, the way they communicate, the way they collaborate.” Mendoza emphasized the importance of building a foundation early, explaining, “It's early, obviously you're just building that foundation because it's a long season. Adversity will hit and you just wanna make sure that that foundation is set from day one.” He called it “an exciting group” and said, “I'm really looking forward to work with them.”

Discussing his first full squad address, Mendoza admitted, “I usually get out there, I have an idea, but not until you get there, it comes out. It comes out from the bottom of your heart.” He continued, “We know the expectations, we know we have a good team, we know what the ultimate goal is.” As for last year, he was clear: “Last year is last year. It's 2026.” He said you can feel the excitement and noted that despite new faces, “it's a group that is honestly pretty familiar.”

On Francisco Lindor, Mendoza said, “He's obviously frustrated, but he's in a good spot as far as like attacking the rehab process.” He described seeing Lindor everywhere and added, “This is a guy that he gets bored.” Overall, Mendoza concluded, “I want to say he's in a good place.”

Regarding Devin Williams, Mendoza confirmed, “As of right now, yes,” when asked if he is the closer. He praised Williams’ mentality, saying, “He's a guy that comes in hungry.” While acknowledging that bullpen roles can be fluid, he stressed, “He's going to pitch high leverage for us. He's going to get big outs for us, and we're counting on him.”

Then came Juan Soto.

On the offseason changes, Soto said, “They try hard, big name, big players. They miss but they find a way to get a better team.” Looking at the current roster, he added, “I think we're really complete. We have everything we need right now.”

Without Pete Alonso behind him, Soto expressed confidence in Bo Bichette. “Bo, I trust him,” he said. “He's a great hitter. Definitely, he can hit homers and he can hit for average. I think he's a great protection.”

On switching to left field, Soto made his stance clear. “Everywhere he put me, I'd be willing to do it. I don't care. Whatever is going to help the team, I'm open to do it.” He acknowledged the work ahead, noting, “I just got to work on the routes again and work on my throws.”

When I asked him whether there is still more room for growth in his game, Soto responded emphatically, “Yeah, 100%.” He added that defense is an area he wants to elevate, saying he hopes to “try to bring it up to the level of the running game and the hitting.”

On the Automated Ball Strike challenge system, Soto said, “It's going to be different.” He admitted that while it was fun last year, “when it comes down to a real game, even in the playoffs, it's going to be tough.” His mindset remains steady: “I'm just going to try to play the game the right way, trust what they call, and try to do damage like always.” When asked if he anticipates using the system often, he smiled and said, “Never say never, but that's not my focus on this year.”

Describing his relationship with Lindor, Soto said simply, “I think it's a great relationship. We talk all the time in the game and everything. We help each other.” As for clubhouse dynamics, he kept it forward looking. “That's in the past. We forget about it. We focus on 2026.” His prescription for this year was straightforward: “Have fun. Forget about all the drama and everything. Focus on the game and win some ball games.”

Lindor’s session carried both realism and optimism. Explaining the hamate issue, he said, “This is something that I've dealt with over the years, it's come and go.” Ultimately, “We made the decision that surgery was best and I'm happy with the outcome.” On Opening Day, he said, “I'm very optimistic.” He added, “The goal is to be there.”

When I asked how important it is for him to immerse himself with the new players while rehabbing, Lindor said, “It is very important.” He explained, “We have a lot of new faces that I want to get to know and I wanted to interact with them.” Even just being outside matters to him. “Just to be around the guys, it definitely feels good.”

On the offseason turnover, Lindor acknowledged the business side of the game but praised the front office. “They did a really good job,” he said. Ultimately, he believes, “I feel like this team is better than last year.” He pointed to improvements across the board, noting, “They address the defense, they address the base running, they address the hitting, they address the pitching.”

As for chemistry, Lindor pushed back on the narrative. “We always pulled for each other,” he said. “We care for each other. We love each other and we want the best for each other.” In the end, he emphasized, “It's all about winning and everybody pulling in the same direction.”

He also acknowledged personal responsibility. “The way I feel is always more than I can do.” The goal remains clear: “The goal is winning.” And as he put it plainly, “We haven't done that here,” which is why, for him, it comes down to being better every single day.

By the time the sun began to dip and the back fields quieted, it hit me again. Spring Training. Two words. Infinite possibility. New faces. New goals. A clean slate.

The 2026 Mets have expectations. They have star power. They have something to prove.

And on my first day back in camp, smiling from first pitch to final presser, it felt like Opening Day could not come soon enough.