Meet the Mets<\/p>\n
The Mets and Yankees are both focused on free agent Cody Bellinger, according to<\/a> the New York Post\u2019s Jon Heyman.<\/p>\n MLB.com\u2019s Sam Dykstra offered 26 prospect storylines<\/a> to keep an eye on in 2026, and listed the Mets\u2019 Nolan McLean as the favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n MLB.com\u2019s Jared Greenspan and Theo DeRosa highlighted ten teams<\/a> who have more work left to do ahead of the 2026 season, including the Mets.<\/p>\n Around Major League Baseball<\/p>\n The Astros signed<\/a> Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million deal. The contract will include an opt-out after each season, and marks the second-highest<\/a> AAV for a Japanese pitcher coming to MLB.<\/p>\n MLB.com\u2019s David Adler provided five MLB comparisons<\/a> for the newly-signed Imai, likening his pitch sequencing to that of former Met Max Scherzer.<\/p>\n The Athletic\u2019s Chandler Rome provided seven thoughts<\/a> on Imai\u2019s deal.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Kona Takahashi, another Japanese right-handed pitcher who was posted for MLB free agency this offseason, may return to NPB<\/a> despite receiving at least one offer, per MLB.com\u2019s Brian Murphy and Mark Feinsand.<\/p>\n MLB.com\u2019s beat reporters made one prediction for each team<\/a> during 2026.<\/p>\n Yesterday at Amazin\u2019 Avenue<\/p>\n Vasilis Drimalitis said farewell to the Mets\u2019 former core, and turned the page<\/a> toward a new era in 2026.<\/p>\n