The New York Mets come into 2026 favored to win just as many games they were favored to last season, 90.5. However, last season, the Mets failed to even reach the NL Wild Card after a 45-24 start turned into a terrible year. The Mets were destroyed with injuries and inconsistency, so much so, that at one point the Mets had 3 rookies in their starting rotation at once. However, this season will be different after the Mets shook things up majorly, which is why New York can and probably will hit over 90.5 wins.
The Mets Offseason, Although at Times Rough, Improved the Team a Lot
As the Mets went 83-79, New York decided to do a couple of things that were at first controversial, but in all likeliness worth it:
Mets Losses:
Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte, Jeff McNeil, Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley and Jesse Winker.
The Mets decided not to re-sign Alonso which may hurt them, but also might work out for New York, as they may seek a more balanced team and better defense. Diaz’s departure was mainly because New York refused to give as much money as the Los Angeles Dodgers did, which was reasonable, since LA gave Diaz 70 million. Both Helsley and Rogers were allowed to walk by New York, likely because New York didn’t have much interested in retaining the relievers.
The Mets also traded away Nimmo for Marcus Semien, to improve their defense and get rid of a pretty big contract. McNeil was also traded for one young prospect after an rather awful 3 final years in Flushing. Finally, the Mets seemed uninterested in signing Marte or Winker after both were injury prone in their seasons in New York.
Mets Gains:
Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., Tobias Myers, and Freddy Peralta
Really, the Mets started off extremely quiet, only really adding two former Yankee relievers Weaver and Williams, in addition to Polanco. Both Weaver and Williams have the capability of being huge for New York. Williams is more than capable of replacing Diaz with his history (2.45 ERA), while Polanco, a former superstar for the Minnesota Twins, adds a valuable bat for New York, especially after a good 2025.
The Mets in one week then added Bichette, Robert, and Peralta. Bichette is amazing hitter, who quite honestl y might come into the season as one of the favorites to win the NL batting title. Robert Jr.’s only full season of his career saw him hit 38 home runs, and on average hits about 14 if unhealthy. Regardless of anything, he is much better than Tyrone Taylor. Finally, Peralta adds an absolute stud into a rotation that didn’t have an ace last season. Myers adds a potential reliever or starter, which is what New York needed last season.
The Mets Depth May Prove To Be Among the Best in the MLB
In addition to their additions, the Mets already have a bunch of young talent that may finally come together in 2026. On the offensive side of things, the Mets have Bret Baty, Mark Vientos, and Francisco Alvarez that could make a huge difference in 2026. This isn’t counting others in the farm system capable of making an impact. Baty had a career year in 2025, which will sometimes mean great things for a young player. Vientos must find himself in 2026 like he did in 2024, if he can, then there is nothing scarier then the Mets lineup. Finally, Alvarez had a really nice end of the season in 2025, but total, he only played 76 games.
In the rotation, the Mets will definitely see Nolan McLean, who is favored to win the NL Rookie of the Year coming in into 2026. Jonah Tong could also have an impact after starting a few games as a rookie last season. This isn’t even talking about Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and others who could be in the starting rotation in 2026. Those that don’t start will be in bullpen for New York, which was incredibly inconsistent last season.
Depth was not something New York had in 2025, as they were forced to trade for multiple pieces for their bullpen, which still didn’t work. Overall, New York’s depth in 2026 in the lineup, bullpen, and rotation should propel them over 90 wins. The Mets haven’t the NL East since 2015, and this is the year that they can change that. The Mets definitely look to have a more balanced lineup, better bullpen, and better rotation for 2026, which is why New York can definitely hit the over.
Main Image: © Tim Vizer-Imagn Images
