The New York Mets enter the 2026 season with a complete reset of their core group of players. After an agonizing second half collapse in 2025, David Stearns chose to move on from franchise cornerstones Pete Alsonso, Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil. In their place Stearns brought in a new group of players with the focus being on contact hitting and defense. The Mets marquee acquisition of Bo Bichette should help replace the right-handed power lost with Alonso and Bichette brings with him a more consistent contact profile. Marcus Semien was acquired in a trade with Texas for Nimmo and brings with him to New York Gold Glove defense to the middle of the infield. Freddy Peralta, acquired from Milwaukee, gives the Mets a true ace to the rotation which they have lacked since the days of Jacob deGrom.
Lineup
The Mets have moved away from the traditional leadoff role in essence; choosing instead to stack their three best hitters right at the jump of their lineup. Francisco Lindor is back at SS and locked in as the leadoff man; while providing elite power to set the tone immediately. Juan Soto, entering his second season with the Mets, should not be more comfortable in the move to Queens and the Mets are hoping he’ll play like an MVP candidate all season. Bichette will slide into the 3 hole and gives the Mets a high-contact, high-average bat behind Soto; which should allow teams to no longer be able to pitch around him since Bichette has a great ability to put the ball in play. Jorge Polanco will be the primary option at 1B and while he doesn’t have Alonso’s raw power, his switch-hitting and high OBP should help keep the line moving. Luis Robert Jr; acquired from the White Sox, will be the new starting center fielder and if healthy could be a 30/30 candidate. Bret Baty and Mark Vientos will likely share time at DH.
Rotation
The Mets rotation was recently finalized by Carlos Mendoza this week and will be defined by a “new look” ace and a homegrown phenom. Peralta will get the opening day nod and is coming off a 2025 season in which he was 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA. Nolan McClean, a future ace of his own, is the Mets #1 prospect and a favorite for NL Rookie of the Year after finishing 2025 with a 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in just 48 innings pitched. David Peterson, coming off his first All-Star season, provides veteran stability in the middle of the rotation. Clay Holmes, the former closer, has fully transitioned to the rotation and has looked good this spring posting a 2.84 ERA. Kodai Senda will be the #5 and his hoping to stay healthy this season after a hamstring injury derailed is 2025. Sean Manaea could see some time in the rotation as well; especially early in the season while the main starters are still in their ramp up process.
Bullpen
With the departure of Edwin Diaz, the Mets bullpen has undergone a transformation. New York signed Devin Williams (3 years, $51million) to replace Diaz and he brings with him arguably the best changeup in the game to Queens. Luke Weaver, another free agent signing coming off a dominant 2025, is expected to be the primary setup man in the 7th or 8th Brooks Raley, the veteran lefty, was incredible in 2025 (2.45 ERA) and will serve as the primary option against left-handed hitters. A.J. Minter, who was free agent addition in 2024, is in the process of working back from a lat injury that kept him out most of last season; he’s expected to be ready in May. Manaea will act in the long relief role; at least at the beginning of the season.
Projected Lineup
- Francisco Lindor – SS
- Juan Soto – LF
- Bo Bichette – 3B
- Jorge Polanco – 1B
- Luis Robert Jr. – CF
- Bret Baty – DH
- Marcus Semian – 2B
- Francisco Alvarez – C
- Carson Benge – RF
Projected Rotation
- Freddy Peralta
- David Peterson
- Nolan McLean
- Clay Holmes
- Kodai Senga
Projected Bullpen
Devin Williams – Closer
Luke Weaver – Setup
Brooks Raley
A.J. Minter
Sean Manaea
Huascar Brazoban
Manager: Carlos Mendoza (3rd season)
Projection: 90-72 (2nd in the NL East)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
Add comment
Comments