Bold headline: The Mets are taking a careful approach with Luis Robert Jr. to unlock his high-risk, high-reward talent while protecting his health—and the strategy could shape the season.
But here’s where it gets nuanced: the Mets aren’t rushing Robert back to peak form after two injury-plagued years. They recognize the elite tools he still possesses—the power, the speed, and the defensive range that once made him a transformative player. The aim is to keep him healthy long enough to unleash those abilities when it truly matters.
Manager Carlos Mendoza described Robert as a once-elite performer who simply needs to stay on the field. With 114 games missed over the last two seasons, the plan is to proceed deliberately: build strength in his lower half, add live at-bats gradually, and delay full-game readiness until he can perform at maximum effort without risking setbacks.
"The tools are there," Mendoza said. "Elite power, the defense, the speed. When he’s healthy, we saw it in 2023. We’ve got to keep him healthy and we’ll be proactive… He has a chance to do something special here."
Spring training will start with Robert focusing on reduction of risk rather than immediate game action. He won’t appear in early spring games and will follow a progressive regimen aimed at strengthening his legs and hips, the areas most prone to hamstring and groin injuries. He is currently listed as 100% healthy, but the team plans careful ramp-up rather than a quick return to full workload.
This cautious approach also extends to other veterans and recent additions. Catcher Francisco Alvarez, coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season, and new catcher/infielder Jorge Polanco, who had knee surgery in October 2024, will likely miss the first week of spring action as they rebuild timing and strength.
In addition, utility infielder Brett Baty reported a right hamstring issue about two weeks ago. He’s being eased back into exhibition play, focusing on conditioning and sprint work until he’s ready for full-speed action.
Looking ahead, Baty—once viewed as the franchise’s third baseman of the future—will contribute not only at third base but also as a bat-off the bench, backing up Bo Bichette at third, Marcus Semien at second, Polanco at first, and potentially Carson Benge in right field if everything aligns.
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Would you agree that a slow, health-first approach is worth the potential short-term trade-off in spring performance to maximize long-term impact? Or do you think a more aggressive setup could accelerate Robert’s return to elite form? Share your thoughts in the comments.
