Carlos Mendoza knows that a large portion of his spring training assessments will be made by watching TV and through conversations over the phone in March.
With the World Baseball Classic returning for the first time since 2023 and beginning with exhibition matchups on Tuesday, the Mets manager expects plenty of communication with 17 of the Mets’ major league or minor league players competing in the preeminent international baseball tournament.
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While there is some risk (see Edwin Diaz’s freak knee injury for Puerto Rico last time around), Mendoza understands the pride that goes along with competing for your country. After all, Mendoza served as Venezuela’s bench coach while he was serving in the same role for the Yankees last tournament.
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen addresses the media at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen addresses the media at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen addresses the media at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets center fielder Bo Bichette (19) talks to teammates during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets warm-up during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) during spring training at Clover park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette, left, talks to teammates during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets fans watch spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) ties his shoe during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 16, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Gear bags full of baseballs await the players during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) looks on during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) poses with Chase Kaldawy a fan visiting from Connecticut during the spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty’s (7) gear sits near a fowl line during the spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets players run on the field during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) speaks to outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) and infielder Ronny Mauricio (0) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Francisco Lindor (12) speaks to bench coach Kai Correa (not pictured) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) plays catch during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (center) speaks to infielder Marcus Semien (left) and third base coach Tim Leiper (right) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) looks on during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) looks on from the field during spring trining at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) fields ground balls during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Christian Arroyo (21) fields a ground ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) fields a ground ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) watches a bullpen session during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) works in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams (38) works in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) bunts the ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) looks on before taking batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) gets ready to bat during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) takes batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) speaks to managers Carlos Mendoza (right) and assistant general manager Eduardo Brizuela (left) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets players take batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Mark Vientos (27) walks on the field with a bat during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Alex Carrillo (84) throws weighted wall ball drills during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Trey McGough (54) throws bullpen during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets bullpen coach José Rosado (67) watches bullpen pitching during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) throws a ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Brian Metoyer(6) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Fans watch a pitcher work in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) sits inside a dugout during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) walks inside a dugout during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) pitches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Huascar Brazoban (43) pitches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) delivers a pitch during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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NY Mets spring training 2026 photos from Port St. Lucie, Florida
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
He had conversations with those competing over the weekend.
“The pitching coaches are talking to the pitchers, because we have a lot of pitchers going. Same thing with the position players and the way they’re going to be used. Basically, it’s just be smart but also enjoy it,” Mendoza told reporters. “It’s a pretty cool experience.”
The Mets will provide several big names in this season’s tournament, with Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean helping anchor the United States’ pitching staff.
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The genesis of Juan Soto returning to left field came following the expectation that he will play that same position for the Dominican Republic, who are one of the favorites behind the U.S. and defending champion Japan.
The United States won in 2017 and the Dominican Republic won the 2013 crown, while Japan has secured the title three times.
While Soto, Holmes and McLean will serve as key members of their competing countries, one Mets cornerstone piece in Francisco Lindor will be noticeably absent.
Why is Francisco Lindor not competing in World Baseball Classic?
Puerto Rico shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) runs toward the dugout during the first inning against Israel on March 13, 2023, at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
“Not getting insured for the WBC, yes, it definitely caught me by surprise,” Lindor said. “I was not expecting it. I thought I was ready
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Before Lindor had to be sidelined due to surgery to repair a stress fracture in the hamate bone in his left hand, he had already been alerted that he would not be able to compete for Puerto Rico in the event.
The Mets shortstop, who played for Puerto Rico in each of the last two tournaments in 2023 and 2017, discovered that he would not be insured for the event due to offseason elbow debridement surgery.
“It was one of those where at the time, it shocked me,” Lindor said. “I was disappointed and upset at how everything went down.”
Lindor’s absence eventually became moot as he was sidelined early with the hand injury which is expected to keep him out until late in spring training. He did have conversations with Bad Bunny about potentially being provided insurance but that was not cleared by the event.
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Several Puerto Rican players are not allowed to participate due to insurance issues, including Carlos Correa and Javier Baez.
Mets in the World Baseball Classic
Here is a list of all of the Mets players who will be competing in the WBC:
United States
RHPs Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean
Canada
INF/OF Jared Young
Cuba
LHP Daviel Hurtado
Dominican Republic
OF Juan Soto, RHP Huascar Brazoban
Israel
RHPs Robert Stock, Ben Simon, Jordan Geber; C Josh Blum
Italy
OF Nick Morabito, LHP Joe Jacques
Mexico
RHP Alex Carrillo
Netherlands
LHP Jamdrick Cornelia
Nicaragua
INF Mark Vientos
Panama
OF Jose Ramos
Puerto Rico
OF MJ Melendez
Venezuela
RHP Carlos Guzman
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets players competing in the World Baseball Classic. See the list: