The offseason got off to a pretty bad start for the New York Mets, who are definitely going to look way different then any other team in the past five years. Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Edwin Diaz, and Brandon Nimmo are all gone, all of which who have made some big contributions in the past and still will in the future for other teams. However, after losing out on Kyle Tucker, which just felt like another gut punch and another loss, the Mets quickly signed and traded for two studs.
Potential New York Mets 2026 Lineup
Mets Sign Bo Bichette, Adding Infielder and Contact to the Lineup
Instead of going after Cody Bellinger, the Mets pivoted to Bo Bichette, stealing him away from the Philadelphia Phillies on a 3-year, 126 million dollar deal. The deal was a no-brainer for Bichette, who had been looking at signing a 7-year deal that would’ve given him about 29 million dollars a year. The Mets will give him 42 million.
This is a great get for New York for multiple reasons, with reason No. 1 is the lineup can be set up multiple deadly ways. First, the Mets first three can be Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Bichette, or Lindor, Bichette, and Soto. Either way, pitchers will have a hard time getting through the first inning at least. Soto is quite possibly the best offensive player in the league, and adding contact and power right next to that is amazing.
Mets Trade For Luis Robert, Adding Potential Superstar to Outfield and Lineup
The main problem with Luis Robert Jr. has been staying healthy in his career. When he is, he is very good defensively, and possibly the best center fielder in the MLB. Robert Jr. can steal bases like crazy, tallying 33 this season in 111 games. Robert can also play spectacular defense, having a gold glove in his career. Finally, Robert Jr. can hit for power, hitting 14 home runs in each of the last two seasons. Robert Jr. in 2023 was a superstar, hitting 38 homers with a .264 average and a 5.1 WAR. For a center fielder, Robert Jr. is an absolute dream if that version of him can somehow return.
Considering the Mets probably would’ve started Tyrone Taylor in center field, this is a massive win for New York. A healthy Robert Jr. is a potential superstar… In baseball, having just the right conditions for a good lineup is hard, but they could potentially have a good Bichette, Lindor, Soto, Robert Jr., Polanco, Semien, Vientos, Baty, and Alvarez (maybe even more).
What Does the Lineup Look Like Now?
1. SS, Francisco Lindor
2. 2B, Bo Bichette
3. RF, Juan Soto
4. 1B, Jorge Polanco
5. CF, Luis Robert Jr.
6. DH, Mark Vientos, Bret Baty
7. 2B, Marcus Semien
8. C, Francisco Alvarez
9. LF, Carson Benge
To put it simply, a healthy lineup is one the best in baseball. The Mets have power, contact, patience, and a completely different look. Without Alonso and Nimmo, the lineup will no doubt feel different. But the reality is that every player in the lineup is a potential star or superstar. Players like Marcus Semien and Polanco will help the youth and inexperience, while more established stars like Bichette, Soto and Lindor will no doubt rake. Finally, players like Mark Vientos, Francisco Alvarez, and even Robert Jr. have all showed beautiful potential, with can definitely be unlocked.
The Mets offseason is not done. However, if the season started today, this still looks like a playoff team. The rotation and bullpen seems like it could get better. However, the reality is, the Mets new look team, it looks pretty darn good. If New York can continue to win as they have since Friday, then this team will almost certainly not miss the playoffs next season.
Main Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
