Published on Feb. 26, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
During a bullpen session at Mets camp in Port St. Lucie, pitcher Kodai Senga reached a fastball velocity of 97 miles per hour, signaling potential progress as he aims to regain power pitching form. Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also impressed with several balls exceeding 105 mph in batting practice, while pitcher Jonah Tong unveiled his improved slider and cutter, striking out notable batters.
Why it matters
Senga’s increased velocity is an encouraging sign as he looks to bounce back after a drop in his fastball speed in recent seasons. Robert Jr.’s impressive batting practice performance suggests he could build on the improvements he made at the plate in the latter half of 2025. Tong’s new pitches could provide a valuable addition to the Mets’ pitching staff.
The details
Senga consistently threw his fastball at 97 mph or higher about 38% of the time in 2023, but that rate dropped to just 10% in 2025. The increased speed during this early bullpen session offers encouraging signs for the starter’s development this spring. Robert Jr. hit several balls exceeding 105 mph, including a 115 mph line drive and a 470-foot home run. Tong successfully used his improved slider for key strikeouts and also challenged Juan Soto with an ABS (automated ball-strike) pitch.
During a bullpen session at Mets camp in Port St. Lucie
The players
Kodai Senga
A Mets pitcher who reached a fastball velocity of 97 miles per hour during a bullpen session, signaling potential progress as he aims to regain power pitching form.
Luis Robert Jr.
A Mets outfielder who impressed in batting practice by hitting several balls exceeding 105 mph, including a 115 mph line drive and a 470-foot home run.
Jonah Tong
A Mets pitcher who unveiled his improved slider and cutter during Mets camp, demonstrating their effectiveness by striking out notable batters such as Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Juan Soto, Francisco Alvarez, and Luis Robert Jr.
Bo Bichette
A Mets shortstop who participated in defensive training alongside Marcus Semien, focusing on bare-handed fielding drills, and also practiced at third base with Brett Baty.
Bryce Conley
A right-handed pitcher who the Mets signed to a minor league contract, providing pitching depth at the minor league level.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“Senga was throwing up to 97 MPH in his bullpen session today. It is still early, and it is easier to throw hard in a bullpen session where you don’t need to focus on live batters or pitch counts, but this is still a good sign for a starter who discussed wanting to return to being a power pitcher.”
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Coach (SNY Mets)
“It is special how the ball comes off his bat.”
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Coach (SNY Mets)
The takeaway
Senga’s increased velocity, Robert Jr.’s impressive batting practice, and Tong’s new pitches all offer promising signs for the Mets as they prepare for the upcoming season. These early developments suggest the team may have some key pieces in place to bolster their pitching and offense in 2026.