Mets Test Dugout Pitch Calls During Grapefruit League Matchup Against Astros

During a Thursday Grapefruit League game against the Houston Astros, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez received signals from coach J.P. Arencibia.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- During a Thursday Grapefruit League matchup against the Houston Astros, the New York Mets implemented a strategy of Mets pitch calls originating from the dugout. Catcher Francisco Alvarez frequently consulted with catching coach J.P. Arencibia, who relayed signals from the bench. Alvarez then utilized the PitchCom system to transmit the selected offerings to starting pitcher Kodai Senga. This experimental approach follows a precedent set by the Miami Marlins, who utilized dugout-to-catcher signaling during the final nine games of the 2024 regular season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that while the team is working through various scenarios, the dugout will not dictate every single delivery. The process is described as a "suggestion" or a resource for when players need assistance with pitch selection. If the dugout provides a sign, the catcher maintains the authority to choose a different option, and the pitcher retains the right to shake off the catcher’s call. This system has already been tested with minor league pitchers within the organization to help them focus on specific pitch development.

Strategic Implementation and Coaching Roles

The Mets' current methodology differs from the Miami Marlins' established system, where assistant pitching coaches like Rob Marcello—and Alon Leichman previously—relay signs to the catcher. In the Marlins' model, the catcher references a wristband sheet before inputting the selection into the PitchCom device. The Colorado Rockies, having hired Leichman as their pitching coach this offseason, are also considering adopting dugout pitch calling for the 2026 season.

Mendoza emphasized that the Mets' approach preserves the battery's autonomy, noting that the catcher and pitcher must maintain a feel for the game to make real-time adjustments. The team has not yet determined how extensively this strategy will be deployed throughout its minor league affiliates. While the Marlins faced initial internal pushback from catchers desiring game control and pitchers concerned about pitch-clock violations, Miami coaches reported that the additional data available in the dugout outweighed those concerns.

Roster Overhaul and Opening Day Outlook

Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, the New York Mets enter the upcoming season as a high-payroll operation, expected to rank in the top two in MLB spending for the fifth straight year. This stands in contrast to the Marlins and Rockies, who are projected to have two of the ten lowest payrolls in the league. To bolster the roster, the Mets acquired frontline starter Freddy Peralta and significantly reconstructed their bullpen by adding Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Luis Garcia.

The starting rotation features veterans Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga. Additionally, Nolan McLean is viewed as a primary candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year Award and is slated for a vital role. Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens will serve as the club's primary catchers for the 2026 season.

Looking Ahead to the Regular Season

The Mets are scheduled to begin their regular season next Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Freddy Peralta is set to make his franchise debut as the starting pitcher for the opener. Despite the ongoing experiments with Mets pitch calls in West Palm Beach, Mendoza clarified that for the regular season, Peralta and his catcher will primarily be responsible for calling their own game.

The organization views the dugout signaling as a tool for specific situations rather than a total shift in philosophy. The feedback regarding the "buy-in" from the players has been positive thus far. As the team transitions from Grapefruit League play to meaningful games, the staff will continue to evaluate the efficiency of the PitchCom communication between J.P. Arencibia and the catchers to ensure it does not interfere with the rhythm of the pitchers on the mound.