Fan Shot: Meet The Mets, The 2026 Edition
Fan shot written by Steve Lastoe
If you checked out on the Mets after they ended their season with a clunker against the Miami Marlins, who could blame you? When your team goes from having the best record in baseball at the end of May to missing the playoffs entirely, you deserve a break. However, if you chose not to obsess over the roster these last 6 months, you did miss out on the most turbulent offseason in franchise history, a rollercoaster that many fans are still processing.
It started with the Mets jettisoning their core: franchise cornerstone Brandon Nimmo was sent to Texas; Mets home run champion Pete Alonso got paid in Baltimore; and fan favorite Jeff McNeil got shuttled off to the A’s (who might somehow be good this year.) And to top all that off, Edwin Diaz decided to be a Dodger, which was a complete surprise to nearly everyone, including Steve Cohen, who seemed shocked at the snub.
This was only act 1 though. Act 2 was largely an exercise in Metsian anguish where Mets fans did what they do best: stress. Then came act 3 where David Stearns basically went on a bender for a couple of weeks and plugged all the holes with some fantastic players.
When the Mets open the regular season on Thursday against the Pirates (who also might be good this year), there will be quite a few unfamiliar faces. This snapshot should have you ready to Meet The Mets on opening day!
The Big Fish: Bo Bichette
You might have caught one of his most recent at bats where he hit a 3-run homerun off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series. However, as Toronto flies under the radar somewhat, you may not realize that he’s one of the best hitters in baseball. Bichette is a 3-time all-star who’s gotten down ballot MVP votes in 4 of his 6 major league seasons while holding down shortstop for the Jays. He’s only entering his age 28 season and may get better yet while learning third base on the fly. This is exactly the kind of impact player top contenders’ sign. I say here that his WAR will be higher than Alonso’s this year.
The Ace: Freddy Peralta
There’s always a bigger fish and it’s possible Freddy Peralta is just that. Peralta is one of the best pitchers in baseball having gone 17-6 last year with a 2.70 era and 204 strikeouts. This is the kind of guy you want on the bump for a big game, and he genuinely seems thrilled to be here. Former Mets prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat headed to Milwaukee in this trade where the Mets also received…
The Dark Horse: Tobias Myers
It was easy to get excited about Peralta, but when you looked at the other guy the Mets got in the trade; you had to hand it to David Stearns for extracting maximum value in return. In parts of two seasons in Milwaukee, Myers has a 3.15 ERA mostly as a starter. He also shut the Mets down in game 3 of the 2024 wild card series. He’s slated to be a part of the bullpen, but don’t be surprised if he makes his share of starts and is a key part of the roster.
The Rookie: Carson Benge
Carson Benge will be starting in right field on opening day and after a meteoric rise, he’s earned it. After jumping three levels in the minors last year, David Stearns was emphatic in his belief that Benge could crack the roster to start the season. All Benge did in Spring Training was hit to the tune of a .987 OPS and made a bunch of nifty catches. You’re going to love this toolsy 23-year-old.
Luis Robert Jr.
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
The Reclamation Project: Luis Robert Jr.
Dude became the White Sox full-time center fielder in 2023, hit 37 bombs, and grooved to an .857 OPS. Then along with the White Sox, he fell off a cliff in 2024 and 2025. He has been injury prone which hasn’t helped, but at his worst, he’s a real upgrade from Tyrone Taylor. At best, he is a 5-tool player and one of the best center fielders in the game. He is still young enough to be that player for years to come.
The Aging Veteran: Marcus Semien
Not so long ago, Semian was a perennial MVP candidate who helped the Texas Rangers win the World Series. He won his third gold glove playing second base for the Rangers last year, but his offense has really fallen off since that 2023 championship. If he doesn’t hit, his job could be in jeopardy by mid-season with Ronny Mauricio getting reps in AAA and the Mets in must-win mode.
The Leverage Guy: Luke Weaver
A starter earlier in his career, Luke Weaver has become one of the best set-up men in baseball and was lights out the last two years for the Yankees with a WHIP under 1 for that period. Like most relievers he’s had his ups and downs, but he should be a reliable cog in a bullpen that never seems to have enough of them.
The Puzzle Piece: Jorge Polanco
Polanco was signed soon after the Polar Bear headed south, and it was a bit of a headscratcher. Supposedly signed to play first base, it’s more likely he will get the lion’s share of his at bats at DH. While he lacks Alonso’s slug, he is a somewhat similar hitter having hit .260 with 26 home runs last season, in line with his career numbers.
The Closer: Devin Williams
After a great start to his career in Milwaukee (how many Brewers are on this team?) Devin spent last season with the Bronx Bombers where he got off to a rough start before more or less returning to form. He is one of the best closers in the game, but he also has the job of replacing Edwin Diaz. The pressure is on.
This MMO Fan Shot was contributed by Steve Lastoe. Have something you want to say? Share your opinions with the best and most diverse Mets community on the web! Send your Fan Shot to michael.mayer4@gmail.com.
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