Mets Easing Luis Robert Jr. Into Spring Training

Injury history prompts cautious approach for star outfielder

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The New York Mets plan to ease star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. into Grapefruit League action this spring due to his history of lower-body injuries. Robert, who missed significant time in 2023 and 2024 with hamstring and hip flexor strains, will likely make his spring debut in the second week of games as the team focuses on strengthening his base and lower half.

Why it matters

Robert is a key part of the Mets' revamped position player core, but his injury history has been a concern. The team's cautious approach aims to keep him healthy and get the best version of him for the regular season, even if it means limiting his spring reps.

The details

The Mets will also take a gradual approach with other players like Francisco Alvarez, Jorge Polanco and Brett Baty, who are unlikely to appear in the first week of Grapefruit League games. Baty is dealing with a tweak to his right hamstring, limiting his outfield work so far this spring. The Mets' focus on durability comes after losing some key players to injuries in recent seasons, with the team looking to manage their core starters' workloads more aggressively during the regular season.

  • Robert is unlikely to make his Grapefruit League debut until the second week of the spring training schedule.
  • Baty suffered a tweak to his right hamstring about two weeks ago, limiting his outfield work so far this spring.

The players

Luis Robert Jr.

A star outfielder for the New York Mets who has a history of lower-body injuries, including hamstring strains and hip flexor strains that have cost him significant playing time in recent seasons.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who is taking a cautious approach with Robert and other players this spring to keep them healthy for the regular season.

Brett Baty

A Mets prospect who is dealing with a tweak to his right hamstring, limiting his outfield work so far this spring as the team looks to deploy him in a super-utility role.

Christian Scott

A Mets pitching prospect who is impressing with his fastball velocity and new pitch offerings after missing the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure.

Ryan Lambert

A Mets pitching prospect with a 100+ mph fastball who could be a potential early-season call-up for the team.

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What they’re saying

“The tools are there: elite power, the defense, the speed. When he's healthy, we saw in 2023 a lot of the things he can do. We've got to keep him healthy.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager, New York Mets (New York Times)

“Once the offseason started, the focus was to strengthen where I had the injuries I've dealt with.”

— Luis Robert Jr. (New York Times)

“I feel like I can get anybody out at this level when my stuff's on and I'm competing in the strike zone.”

— Christian Scott, Mets Pitching Prospect (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Mets' cautious approach with their key position players this spring highlights the team's focus on durability and getting the best out of their core stars for the full 162-game season, even if it means limiting their early Grapefruit League action.