February 22 marked the first full-day of Spring Training, as 16 games took place across the United States’ lower half. Saturday included the debuts of multiple star players, including the marquee free agent from this past winter, Juan Soto. Soto did not disappoint in his first showing with the Mets.
Chris Sale made his 2025 spring debut on February 22, throwing two scoreless innings against the Twins. Sale sat in the mid-90s with his heater, as high as 95 MPH during his bow.
It was Sale’s first outing since September 19, 2024. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner didn’t pitch over the last 10 days of the regular season, then was left off the Braves’ playoff roster thanks to back spasms.
Jarred Kelenic, fighting for regular time in 2025, went 1-3 with a double.
In Port St. Lucie, Clay Holmes started for the Mets after being a primary reliever with the Pirates and Yankees. His first go-around as a starter went fine, as Holmes struck out three over three scoreless frames.
As we noted when Holmes signed with the Mets in December, the veteran pitcher relied heavily on his sinker, along with a sweeper and slider as a reliever. We noted that Holmes was likely going to need to make tinkers with his arsenal to work as a starter and the 22nd gave us a look at what he has in store. Holmes used his four-seamer more, and worked in a cutter and changeup.
The Mets had most of their likely Opening Day starters in on the 22nd, including Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Juan Soto. Soto made his Mets debut and wasted no time, blasting a solo home run to the opposite field in his first bat.
In other Grapefruit League-related action, Bo Bichette notched two hits against the Yankees. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a free agent after 2025, went 1-2 with a RBI.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, one shortstop took center stage.
Reds star Elly De La Cruz hit two home runs against the Guardians in split-squad action. De La Cruz hit one from each side of the plate.
As for other notable events in the Cactus League, Brewers infielder Vinny Capra hit two home runs against the Reds.
Logan O’Hoppe and Nelson Rada had multi-hit games for the Angels.
Luis Arraez went 2-2 for the Padres in San Diego’s 10-3 win over the Athletics. Jackson Merrill also notched a hit.