Moncton Mets

The Moncton Metropolitans are looking for some success after rebuilding their roster over the offseason.

The team is entering this year without a beloved two-way player in Sam Lund, who suffered a separated shoulder during play in the outfield late last season.

Lund is a left-handed pitcher and one of the premier pitchers for the team. He is also utilized in the outfield, therefore leaving two holes to fill until his anticipated return later on in the 2026 season.

General Manager Mark Shaddick says the solution was to bring on another two-way player.

“Without the lefty that we would normally have, we went out and got an import in Don Goodes, from Ohio,” said Shaddick. “He is a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher.”

Goodes had past success at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level and was a career .349 hitter. He has several pitching types varying in velocity in his arsenal, but his fastball touches the 90-mile-an-hour zone.

Shaddick says that the 26-year-old southpaw has experience in the outfield with good speed and offensive power.

Righthanders taking to the mound will include Jackson Dekker, Justin Cormier, Jeremie Belliveau, and Adam Christie.

Two other players will be missing from the franchise this year: brothers Serge and Luc Vautour. Shaddick says the two incredible players have responsibilities outside the game.

“You know, playing such a long time and with family responsibilities, they decided it was time to walk away and to walk away together. We have a ton of respect for them and wish the best for them,” said Shaddick.

Luc typically played either left or right field, and Serge was the team’s first baseman. Shaddick is looking towards returning player Jeremy Arseneault, who recently moved back to the region, to fill the space in the outfield.

Multi-faceted players Jesse Malone, Brian Smith, and Justin Breau are the ones the general manager will turn to for time at first base.

The Moncton Mets finished fourth out of five teams and are looking towards a higher placement this season.

They are entering their first game against the Fredericton Royals in the season opener at Kiwanis Park. Shaddick says the mindset entering into game one is to take it one step at a time.

“We did fall short of nationals last year, but our goal will never change to win the provincial championship at the end of the season and then go to the nationals the following year,” said Shaddick.

The team invites locals to come out and enjoy the fun atmosphere, to watch them play ball, and to be entertained.

Fans can catch the season opener on May 17 at 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. Individual tickets and season tickets are available at the field on game days.