Mets Rank Third in ESPN's Watchability Index Behind Dodgers and Phillies

New York's star-studded roster and entertaining broadcast team earn high marks, though questions linger about the team's long-term outlook.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Mets baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, orange, and green colors, capturing the energy and excitement of the team.ESPN's 'Watchability Index' ranks the star-studded Mets as one of the most entertaining teams in baseball this season.Boston Today

According to ESPN's 'Watchability Index,' the New York Mets have been ranked the third-most entertaining team in Major League Baseball this season, trailing only their NL East rivals the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets' high-powered lineup featuring stars like Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, and Francisco Lindor, as well as their acclaimed broadcast team of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, contributed to their strong 'Watchability' score of 29.5 out of 40.

Why it matters

The Mets' high ranking in ESPN's 'Watchability Index' underscores the team's status as one of the most exciting and must-watch squads in baseball this season. With a talented roster and engaging on-air talent, the Mets are poised to draw in casual fans and diehards alike as they aim to challenge their NL East rivals for division supremacy.

The details

The 'Watchability Index' evaluated teams across three key criteria: star power, young talent, and overall 'baseball stuff.' The Mets scored particularly well in the star power category, earning 13 out of 15 possible points. Their young talent, featuring the likes of Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Kodai Senga, earned them 8 out of 10 points. The team's 'baseball stuff' - the overall quality and entertainment value of their on-field product - netted them 7 out of 10 points. The Mets also received a 1.5-point bonus for their acclaimed broadcast team.

  • The Mets have started the 2026 season with a 6-4 record, placing them ahead of the Phillies in the NL East standings and just one win behind the Dodgers in the NL overall.

The players

Juan Soto

A superstar outfielder for the Mets who is one of the main reasons the team is so entertaining to watch.

Bo Bichette

An All-Star shortstop and key part of the Mets' star-studded lineup.

Francisco Lindor

A perennial All-Star and one of the faces of the Mets franchise.

Gary Cohen

The lead play-by-play announcer for the Mets, part of the team's acclaimed broadcast trio.

Keith Hernandez

A former Mets player and current color commentator, known for his insightful and entertaining analysis.

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What they’re saying

“Star power: 13 | Young talent: 8 | Baseball stuff: 7. Bonus (1.5) +! for Mets broadcasting trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling, _0.5 for wondering what will go wrong this year.”

— David Schoenfield, ESPN Writer

What’s next

The Mets will look to continue their strong start and challenge the Phillies and Dodgers for the top spot in ESPN's Watchability Index as the season progresses.

The takeaway

The Mets' high ranking in ESPN's Watchability Index is a testament to the team's star power, young talent, and engaging broadcast team. While there may be long-term questions about the team, the 2026 Mets are shaping up to be one of the most entertaining squads in all of baseball.