Mets' Tough-to-Project Players Could Swing Season

Unlike the Yankees, the Mets' roster is filled with players who could go either way, for better or worse.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The New York Mets have a talented roster with a $365 million payroll, but many of their key players are coming off down seasons or have had inconsistent performance in recent years. This makes the Mets a difficult team to project, as they could either be a world-beater or repeat the disaster of the 2025 season. Unlike the crosstown rival Yankees, who are expected to have another strong 94-win season, the Mets' season could go either way.

Why it matters

The Mets' unpredictable roster makes them a wild card in the NL East race. If their key players bounce back, they could challenge the Braves and Phillies for division supremacy. But if their inconsistent performers continue to struggle, the Mets could find themselves out of playoff contention again.

The details

The Mets made significant roster changes in the offseason, unlike the Yankees who brought back a virtually identical team. However, the Mets' new-look roster is filled with players who have had up-and-down performances in recent years, making them difficult to project. Some of the Mets' key players with uncertain outlooks include Francisco Lindor, Jacob deGrom, and Edwin Diaz.

  • The 2026 MLB season begins in April.

The players

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' star shortstop had a down year in 2025 after signing a massive contract.

Jacob deGrom

The Mets' ace pitcher has been dominant when healthy, but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.

Edwin Diaz

The Mets' closer has had an inconsistent career, with dominant seasons followed by poor performances.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike the run-it-back Yankees, the Mets redid their roster, and with some time to absorb the drastic changes, it's hard to blame them.”

— Jon Heyman, Author (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Mets will look to get off to a strong start in the 2026 season to establish themselves as contenders in the NL East.

The takeaway

The Mets' success in 2026 will hinge on the performance of their key players who have had inconsistent results in recent years. If their top talents can bounce back, the Mets could be a force in the NL East. But if their inconsistent performers continue to struggle, it could be another disappointing season in Queens.