Through the first half of the 2026 season, the Mets currently sit in last place in the National League East, going 34-47 in their first 81 games.
There have been several bright spots, including superstar outfielder Juan Soto, the bullpen’s consistency, and the development of rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing.
However, the team has dealt with a severe amount of injuries, inconsistency, and ineffectiveness from most of the roster.
The majority of David Stearns’ offseason acquisitions have backfired so far, which has begun to warm his seat heading into the second half.
Entering the halfway point, it is time for the pitching and front office grades on the Mets.
The benchmarks are based on pitching, value, and expectations for the given pitcher.
Players will receive an incomplete/no grade if they’ve played in fewer than 25 games or 10 innings.
David Stearns and Carlos Mendoza will also receive a grade.
Clay Holmes: A
Before Clay Holmes got hurt, he was the definitive ace of the Mets’ pitching staff. He was on pace for an All-Star Game appearance, recording a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and averaging nearly 6 innings a start for a middling rotation. If he can return in August, he might be traded to a contending team.
Luke Weaver: A
Arguably, David Stearns’ best free agent acquisition, Weaver, has been nothing short of a strong setup man for the Mets’ bullpen. He endured a rough patch at the beginning of April, but has recorded several strong moments, such as getting out of a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the Subway Series. There’s a chance that Weaver is sold at the deadline, though it isn’t guaranteed because of his contract.
Huascar Brazoban: A
After a season in which Brazoban had a dominant beginning and lost steam, he rebounded in several different roles in 2026. He has shone as an opener, mop-up guy, or in a high-leverage situation, as his .143 OPP BA is the 7th lowest among MLB pitchers.
Austin Warren: A-
Another bullpen piece who has been excellent is Austin Warren. Warren has also been used in several different situations (opener, high-leverage reliever, mop-up reliever), pitching to a strong 2.54 ERA in 31.2 innings pitched. For a guy with no expectations heading into this season, he has done a fine job and has solidified himself as a formidable reliever.
Brooks Raley: A-
Another reliever who is likely to be moved at the trade deadline is Raley, who holds a strong 2.40 ERA, 32 strikeouts, and 10 holds.
A.J. Minter: B+
Recently, Minter returned from his severe lat tear from last season. He has looked the part so far, throwing 11 scoreless innings with 9 strikeouts.
Christian Scott: B
In his first season back since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024, Scott has shown flashes of being a solid starting pitcher. His 1.35 WHIP isn’t good, but his 3.10 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and .234 OPP BA are encouraging numbers. He also hasn’t been able to go deep into games due to high pitch counts, but he has been the team’s most consistent starter since Clay Holmes’ injury.
Nolan McLean: B
After a dominant rookie campaign, it has been more of an up-and-down season for McLean. He has struggled with walks (9.1% BB rate), command, and maintaining leads. In addition, he seems to lose steam after the 5th inning, which can be a problem. Overall, his numbers aren’t horrible (4-5, 4.03 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 106 K), but it has been an inconsistent half from McLean.
Devin Williams: C
Williams has endured several rough outings that have inflated his ERA, but he hasn’t been awful for the team’s bullpen. He’s 11/12 in save opportunities, struck out 40 batters, and has a 2.76 FIP, meaning that he’s been hurt by the Mets’ mediocre fielding. His WHIP is an underwhelming 1.51, but it has been more good than bad for Williams.
Freddy Peralta: C-
After the Mets traded prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat for Peralta, the Mets thought they were getting an ace who would strengthen their rotation. However, that has been far from the case. Peralta has been rough to watch, posting a 4.53 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and a decline in his K/9 rate (8.7). Add in the fact that he wants a Max Fried-type contract, and this is a very rough season.
Sean Manaea: C-
Manaea has been a key underperformer in the team’s rotation, as his velocity has never truly come back, and he gives up too much contact. He’s looked better over his last 7 outings, but it is still a massive disappointment for a guy making $25 million a season.
Tobias Myers: D+
Myers initially started out the season in terrific fashion, but has steeply declined over the past month. His ERA has ballooned to 6, while giving up 8 HR in 39 innings pitched. The team had plans to stretch him out into a starter, but that doesn’t look feasible at the moment.
David Peterson: F
After a tale of two halves in which Peterson went from making the All-Star Game to becoming unpitchable, it was a fresh start for him in 2026. He’s been awful as a traditional starter, pitching behind an opener, and in mop-up duty. Recently, the team cut the cord and traded him to the Cubs for #13 prospect Cole Matthis. It’s another massive disappointment for a pitching staff with expectations entering the season.
Kodai Senga: F
It is not an overreaction to say that Kodai Senga has been the worst pitcher in the majors this season. Unfortunately, Senga stated that he would rather remain in the majors instead of going on a minor league assignment, which could be a problem in the future.
Carlos Mendoza: C
Mendoza doesn’t deserve blame for the injuries, inconsistency, and the roster that he’s been presented with. However, he does deserve lots of blame for the constant baserunning mistakes, errors, not covering home plate, players running through stop signs, and horrible ABS challenges. The Mets fired him earlier this morning, as he finished his Mets tenure with a 206-199 record.
David Stearns: D
If not for the strength of the bullpen, David Stearns would be receiving an F. He took several gambles by shaking up the Mets’ core this offseason, and it has backfired massively. Robert Jr, Polanco, and Peralta have been underwhelming, while failing to sign another starting pitcher already puts the rotation at a disadvantage. Stearns’ seat is heating up, and if the season continues to spiral, there is a chance that he will also be fired.
My name is John Pagnotta and I live in Queens, NY. I am a freshman at St. John’s University and I am majoring in journalism. I am a huge fan of the Jets, Mets, Islanders, and Knicks. I started following sports when I was around 7 years old and I have not lost love for it ever since!
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