Since the trade deadline, the New York Mets have gone through their best stretch of the season, going 9-3 in their last 12 games.
They have thrived against mostly middle-of-the-pack teams, such as the Guardians, Pirates, and Nationals, while managing to win a game against the first-place Braves.
This streak is even more impressive given the team’s fire sale, especially the cutting ties with the majority of the bullpen.
The team’s “makeshift” bullpen has been fantastic, with names like Jefry Yan, Nate Lavender, Daniel Duarte, and Jonathan Pintaro auditioning for spots in 2027.
In addition, the Mets’ offense has finally come to life, as they rank among the top 5 in August in slugging (.455), home runs (22), hits (123), and OPS (.785).
Here are some members of the team that fans should be watching over the last several weeks of the season:
1. Jared Young
Jared Young has become a very underrated player during this season, both offensively and defensively.
Initially, Young made his mark in June, when he was hitting behind Bo Bichette when Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto were injured.
However, his ability to maintain (and even become better) at the plate gives him a big opportunity to make the team in 2027.
Young is hitting a solid .271 with 8 HR, 29 RBI, 12 doubles, 121 OPS+, and a .794 OPS, while providing a 1.6 WAR, +1 Fielding Value, and +4 DRS at first base.
He also demonstrates patience at the plate, with only 46 strikeouts in 244 plate appearances (18.9% K rate).
The first baseman should definitely be on this team in some capacity next season, whether at first base or occupying a bench spot.
2. Daniel Duarte
With the Mets’ fire sale at the trade deadline, the entire bullpen opened up, following the trades of Luke Weaver, Huascar Brazoban, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley.
Two guys who have been dominant through this stretch are Daniel Duarte and Nate Lavender.
On the Twins, Duarte missed the majority of the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to right elbow UCL revision surgery.
He signed with the Mets and pitched twice in spring training before being sent down to Triple-A for most of the season.
In 19.1 innings pitched, Duarte has been an exceptional high-leverage reliever, only giving up 8 hits and 2 earned runs with 15 strikeouts.
If the team can strike gold with him, he could become one piece of the puzzle in rebuilding the Mets’ bullpen.
3/4. Nate Lavender & Jefry Yan
Lavender, a lefty, has always been talked about as a future high-leverage reliever in the majors.
He has proven scouts right, throwing 4.2 scoreless innings with minimal damage and 6 strikeouts.
Another left-handed reliever who has garnered buzz (for a different reason) has been Jefry Yan.
Yan has been known for his strikeout celebrations (which is controversial to MLB fans), but he’s also performed solidly in his first few appearances.
His outing on Saturday (1.2 IP, 0 baserunners, 3 strikeouts) proved that he can be an effective reliever when called upon.
His control hasn’t been great (5 walks in 6 innings pitched), but he’s managed to escape traffic and definitely has a flair for the dramatic.
His emotion has also loosened up the team’s clubhouse, as it’s easy to tell that the players like Yan’s theatrics after a scoreless appearance.
If Lavender and Yan can replace Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter’s production, it gives David Stearns and the Mets two left-handed relievers to work with going into the offseason.
5. Kodai Senga
When it all looked wrong for Kodai Senga, he found himself in a new role: The New York Mets’ closer.
Devin Williams’ right shoulder strain paved the way for a new closer, and Andy Green chose Kodai Senga as his replacement.
Senga has looked very, very good in his new role, throwing 5 scoreless innings with 1 hit allowed, 0 runs, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts, and completing all 3 save opportunities.
He’s significantly decreased his cutter/sweeper usage and has become a near two-pitch closer with his fastball and ghost fork.
Senga’s fastball has hovered between 97-100 MPH over these outings, which completely turns him into a different pitcher.
His confidence looks like it’s growing with every passing outing, as his little strut after striking out Harry Ford was a very encouraging sign.
It’s a small sample size, but an encouraging one as well.
If Senga can maintain his performance as a closer, or even a high-leverage reliever, the team might have found a role for him next season.
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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