PORT JEFF, NY- Greetings,. The TIME has finally come. Opening Day is just days away! Let’s discuss.
Mets Season Preview and Predictions
Following the disastrous end to the 2025 season it was very clear that changes would be made. However, I don’t think any of us could’ve possibly imagined how different this roster would look heading into 2026.
The departures
Let’s start with the big one. There’s really no way to frame this; losing Alonso is a devastating blow. It’s not just losing the production of the best power hitter in franchise history, though. Since joining the team in 2019, Alonso has been the heart and soul of this team, leading them through good and bad, facing the media and answering the tough questions. There’s no way around it, this one will sting for some time.
Edwin Diaz
Another massive departure that’s almost impossible to replace. Since they traded for him Diaz has been absolutely electric and acted as a true lockdown option at the backend of the bullpen. Much like Alonso, losing a player like Diaz is tough to swallow. What makes matters worse is we’ll now have to watch Diaz close games for the juggernaut Dodgers.
The longest tenured met Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers for Marcus Semien. Watching a Mets team that doesn’t include Brandon Nimmo is going to be a very strange thing. At this point in his career Nimmo is still a very good player, however his defense has gotten significantly worse as his offensive numbers over the last few seasons. While some of that is likely due to injury I think it’s fair to say that getting the big contract off the books was a very good decision.
The additions
Bo Bichette
Bichette is coming off a great 2025 season where he returned to the form we saw from early in his career. Bichette while somewhat of a liability on defense is a true great hitter that puts the ball in play and should really slide in nicely at the top of the order.
Luis Robert
Once one of the premier prospects in baseball, Robert has struggled significantly over the last few years. When he first arrived in the big leagues, Robert showed 40-40 potential but hasn’t been able to recapture that form. I’m not sure what’s happened to Robert but I think a lot of it can be contributed to how bad the White Sox have been for so long. A change of scenery might just be exactly what’s needed to revitalize his career and if he can get to even 70% of the player he was, the Mets have made a great move.
Devin Williams
I never quite understood why the Mets chose to sign Williams to a contract that was almost identical to the one Diaz received from the Dodgers. Williams had had an up and down season with the Yankees last year. At times his stuff which is among the best in baseball, made him one of the best relievers in baseball and at other times he allowed a lot of hard contact and struggled with control. In a perfect world, the Mets could’ve had both Diaz and Williams but nevertheless, Williams will be this team’s closer. If he’s able to regain some of the form we saw out of him from his time in Milwaukee Brewers, then once again this will prove to be a very smart move by this Mets front office.
Freddy Peralta
Now to the biggest acquisition. The Mets true massive move was trading for one of the best pitchers in baseball in Freddy Peralta. I can’t wait to watch Peralta in a Mets uniform. Since becoming a starter full time, Peralta has been a perennial Cy Young candidate and has been nothing short of brilliant year after year. The Mets finally have their true ace to pair with Nolan McLean. In addition, Kodai Senga has looked terrific throughout spring training which would be a massive piece that could propel the Mets to having the best rotation in baseball.
Prediction
I think there’s a wide range of outcomes for this team. While losing Alonso and Diaz will be very tough to overcome, I really like the way this roster has been constructed in lieu of losing them. The rotation which was an absolute liability last season, now looks like one of the best in baseball. I really trust Carlos Mendoza I think he’s become one of the best managers in baseball and I think he’ll do a great job getting as much out of this team as possible. I think the Mets win 90 games and compete for the NL East title falling just short to the Braves who I think have a massive season with their guys returning from injury leaving the Mets firmly in play for a wild card
