Suddenly, we find ourselves just two weeks from Opening Day and overdue for a 2026 King of Spring Training update. This year’s contest looks a little different than recent years because many players are playing in the World Baseball Classic, including a couple of KoST candidates. We’ve also unfortunately had a KoST campaign-ending injury since our last update. But on the flip side, we have one new addition to the field since last week. The race is pretty wide open at this point. It’s anybody’s game.
Cristian Pache – .474/.524/.737 in 19 ABs
Pache sprinted ahead of the field to start our KoST contest, but his production at the plate has fallen off since. However, he’s still making highlight reels with his outfield defense. Pache’s nine hits still lead the team, alongside Carson Benge. He remains a favorite with a week and a half to go.
KoST Points: 3
Total KoST Points: 8
MJ Melendez – .364/.364/1.000 in 11 ABs
Melendez has not logged any at-bats since our last update because he is representing Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Puerto Rico will face Italy in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
KoST Points: 0
Total KoST Points: 4
Austin Barnes – .286/.375/.500 in 14 ABs
Barnes is unfortunately hitless since our first update last week, so his KoST stock has fallen.
KoST Points: 0
Total KoST Points: 3
Mike Tauchman – .267/.450/.667 in 15 ABs
Carson Benge has been red hot this spring, so it seems unlikely at this point that an outfield roster spot is going to be ripped from him, but Mike Tauchman is doing his best. His batting average has fallen slightly since our last update, but he is still getting his knocks. The Mets are certainly giving him an extended look this spring. Unfortunately for him, Tyrone Taylor is having a strong spring as well, so Tauchman is likely to find himself on the outside looking in for the outfield battle, and possibly in the KoST race as well.
KoST Points: 2
Total KoST Points: 5
Vidal Bruján – .333/.524/.333 in 15 ABs
Bruján is the only new name on the KoST candidate list for this week. He had a slow start to spring and an injury sustained while trying to steal second base that sidelined him for a few days, but he has performed well since then, racking up five hits, six walks, and three stolen bases. Those six walks lead the team this spring.
KoST Points: 4
Total KoST Points: 4
Tobias Myers – 1.69 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 7 Ks in 5 1/3 IP
Myers hasn’t appeared in any more games since our last update, but he did pitch in the game that is ongoing as I write this on Thursday afternoon. That outing and any others will be reflected in next week’s update.
KoST Points: 0
Total KoST Points: 4
Robert Stock – 0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP, 6 Ks in 3 IP
RIP to Robert Stock’s KoST candidacy and his chances of being an unexpected addition to the 2026 Mets bullpen.
KoST Points: 0
Total KoST Points: 3
Austin Warren – 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 2 Ks in 4 IP
Warren has made just one appearance since our last update and lost his clean sheet, being scored upon for the first time this spring. Still, he has done enough in camp to demonstrate why he remains a solid depth piece for the Mets this year.
KoST Points: 1
Total KoST Points: 3
Matt Turner – 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 6 Ks in 5 IP
Matt Turner is arguably the fastest riser in this year’s KoST contest simply by virtue of the fact that he made two additional appearances since our last update and maintained his 0 ERA. He was reassigned to minor league camp on March 1. With two weeks left till Opening Day, he’s this year’s KoST dark horse.
KoST Points: 4
Total KoST Points: 6
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