Mets Roster Faces Early Stability Test

Injuries to Lindor and Soto position changes raise concerns as new-look Mets open spring training.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The New York Mets' offseason overhaul, led by new president of baseball operations David Stearns, has already hit a speed bump as the team heads into spring training. Star players Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto are dealing with injury and position change concerns that threaten to disrupt the team's plans for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Mets were one of the most disappointing teams in 2025, leading Stearns to aggressively remake the roster. Lindor and Soto were expected to provide stability, but their current issues raise questions about whether the new-look Mets can quickly come together and live up to expectations.

The details

Lindor is set to undergo an examination on Wednesday that could lead to surgery to address a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. Meanwhile, the Mets have decided to move Soto from right field to left field, a change that was made to accommodate his participation in the World Baseball Classic, where he will play right field for the Dominican Republic.

  • Lindor is scheduled for an examination on Wednesday.
  • Soto has been working out in left field this offseason in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

The players

David Stearns

The new president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, tasked with overhauling the team's roster after a disappointing 2025 season.

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' star shortstop, who is dealing with a potential injury that could require surgery.

Juan Soto

The Mets' star outfielder, who is shifting from right field to left field to accommodate his participation in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“The certainty as the Mets world changed so much was the stability of Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. They were the firmament amid the facelift.”

— Joel Sherman, Author

What’s next

The Mets will monitor Lindor's condition and determine if he requires surgery, which could impact the start of the season. The team will also observe Soto's transition to left field during spring training and the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

The Mets' offseason overhaul was intended to provide a fresh start, but early injuries and position changes to their two biggest stars threaten to disrupt the team's plans and chemistry as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.