The New York Mets are facing a slew of injuries as they prepare for the upcoming season, with Jeff McNeil being the latest casualty. McNeil will miss Opening Day due to a right oblique strain, sidelining him for 3-4 weeks after a solid spring performance. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the depth of the team, stating they must adapt despite the injuries to key players like Frankie Montas and Nick Madrigal.

With McNeil out, Brett Baty is expected to see increased action at second base, a position he has been learning. The competition for infield roles has intensified, as players like Donnie Walton and Luisangel Acuña vie for spots. The Mets' ticket sales have surged, indicating strong fan support despite the challenges on the field.

Jeff McNeil, the New York Mets' All-Star infielder, is set to begin the season on the injured list due to a strained right oblique muscle. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that the 2022 batting champion is expected to miss three to four weeks after the injury was diagnosed as a low-grade strain. McNeil had a challenging 2022 season, hitting .238 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs, and he experienced a broken wrist last September. The Mets are currently dealing with a string of injuries, including catcher Francisco Alvarez, who broke his hand in batting practice and is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks, along with other pitchers like Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, and infielder Nick Madrigal, who may miss the entire season.

Veteran catcher Victor Caratini is adapting to Major League Baseball's new automated ball-strike system after his debut during a Grapefruit League game for the Houston Astros. In a match against the Mets, Caratini successfully challenged the umpire's calls on two pitches, showcasing the potential advantages of this technology for catchers. He expressed concern about the impact of the automated strike zone on the traditional role of pitch framing, a skill that has defined many catchers' careers.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the system's future, which isn't expected to fully arrive in the majors until 2026, initial responses have been positive from players and managers alike. Astros manager Joe Espada remarked on the quickness of the challenge process, indicating that the system holds promise for improving call accuracy. Caratini, who has spent eight seasons in the majors, is preparing to adjust his techniques, emphasizing the need for catchers to learn the strike zone better in a changing landscape.

Juan Soto has officially donned the No. 22 jersey for the New York Mets after signing a jaw-dropping $765 million contract, a record in Major League Baseball. During spring training, Soto surprised teammate Brett Baty—who previously wore the number—with a brand new Chevrolet Tahoe, emblazoned with a heartfelt message of gratitude. Baty, who has transitioned to No. 7, expressed astonishment at the gift, which Soto purchased for $92,000. Additionally, Mets infielder Jeff McNeil received a new Ford Bronco from Francisco Lindor, who fulfilled a promise for McNeil's batting title win.

Jose Iglesias, a versatile infielder and fan favorite, is currently a free agent, but he's expressed a desire to return to the New York Mets. The Mets are focused on re-signing star first baseman Pete Alonso and adding an outfielder, but there’s potential for Iglesias to be brought back on a one-year deal if these priorities are handled.

Iglesias made a significant impact last season after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse. His impressive performance helped the Mets reach the postseason, culminating in a deep playoff run. He finished the season with a .337 batting average and a .829 OPS over 85 games, showcasing his all-around skills at multiple infield positions.