3 former NY Mets players off to a slow spring training start, 3 in midseason form

The good and the bad for ex-Mets this spring.
Feb 26, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) throws a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) throws a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

You’ve been paying close attention to everything related to the New York Mets in spring training. What about those former Mets with other teams trying to make an impact? It’s not all about Pete Alonso. Others ex-Mets are up to no good or doing the complete opposite and making a case that maybe they can be of some value.

Three former Mets players off to a bad start in spring training

Carlos Carrasco - Braves

Carlos Carrasco has made 2 starts, logged 3.2 innings, and given up 5 earned runs on 7 hits. Back on a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves, he’s once again proving the end of his career is near. His 12.27 ERA may be just the beginning of a season that ends prematurely.

Colin Holderman - Guardians

Remember when the Mets traded Colin Holderman for Daniel Vogelbach and an entire fanbase freaked out? Holderman has been more down than up in the years since. He is now with the Cleveland Guardians and this spring training hasn’t been good. He has allowed 7 earned runs in 1.2 innings of work.

Grant Hartwig - Twins

There are plenty of openings on the Minnesota Twins roster. Grant Hartwig isn’t pitching like he’ll get one of them. Through 2 appearances he has logged 2.1 innings and surrendered 5 earned runs. He has yet to strike out a batter either.

Three former Mets players off to a great start in spring training

Sam Haggerty - Rangers

Sam Haggerty has carved out a nice little career for himself since his 11-game debut for the Mets in 2019 when he went hitless. Back with the Texas Rangers, he has started off spring training 6 for 9 with 6 RBI and a pair of walks

Harrison Bader - Giants

A potential option for the Mets in center field, Harrison Bader ended up with the San Francisco Giants instead this offseason. He has started off well, going 5 for 11 with a home run and 6 RBI. The Giants didn’t necessarily sign him for his bat, but they’ll take his usual brand of clutch hitting he was able to give the Mets in early 2024 and, more unfortunately, against them in late 2025.

Ben Gamel - Braves

Ben Gamel’s Mets time was brief but with a purpose. A decent outfield depth piece, he’s in Braves camp with 2 early home runs in his 3 for 8 start for Atlanta. On a minor league deal, he’ll be in the same exact role he was with the Mets in 2024.

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