Hot Stove #51: Welcome MJ Melendez & Bryan Hudson, Lindor's Surgery & Timeline, Soto Reports & Shifts to LF, Top 10 Entering 2026 (LF, CF, RF, DH)

The New York Mets stay busy reshaping the roster, and we’re breaking it all down in this episode.We start with the arrivals of MJ Melendez and Bryan Hudson, what each brings to the table, and how they fit into the Mets’ evolving depth chart heading into 2026. Then we dive into the big storyline: Francisco Lindor’s surgery, the recovery timeline, and what it means for the infield and early-season expectations.Plus, the latest buzz around Juan Soto — new reports, defensive positioning, and a potential shift to left field that could have ripple effects across the entire outfield alignment and DH mix.To wrap things up, we continue our positional rankings series with our Top 10 entering 2026 at LF, CF, RF, and DH, highlighting breakout candidates, elite bats, and where the Mets stack up against the rest of the league.Roster moves, timelines, projections, and plenty of debate — let’s get into it.FOLLOW on Instagram, YouTube & X: @cupofmetsSUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!DOWNLOAD The SeatGeek App! Use Code: "CUPOFMETS" at First Purchase to get $20.00 off!