Ron Darling’s Mets Rotation Bombshell + Soto Spring Training Controversy

Ron Darling’s blunt assessment of the rotation. With six healthy starters, is it finally time to stop building around Cody Singer and lock into a traditional five-man plan? The guys break down the risk of a six-man rotation, how it could cost Nolan McClain and Freddy Peralta valuable starts, and why Carlos Mendoza has a season-defining decision to make before Opening Day. Evan also pushes his favorite compromise: a “tag team” piggyback strategy that could maximize depth while protecting arms.

Then spring training drama hits. Cardinals broadcasters call out Juan Soto for not running out a pop-up, and Evan and Tiki go at it over whether hustle even matters in March. Is it lazy optics, smart injury prevention, or fake outrage from a meaningless game in Jupiter? Plus, a quick look at Clay Holmes’ development, pitchers experimenting with new stuff, and why nothing you see right now should cause panic… yet.