In August, the New York Mets have played much better than their 2026 record suggests.
The team has posted a solid 13-10 record against several playoff contenders, including dominant teams like the Brewers and Braves, with production coming from different parts of the lineup and strong all-around pitching.
Nolan McLean has been dominant since the beginning of June, giving him well-deserved buzz and potential National League Rookie of the Year consideration.
Christian Scott has been less exceptional (4-3, 3.73 ERA, 1.32 WHIP), but has shown a dominant ability to record strikeouts (11.2 K/9) and is proving himself as a future anchor in the rotation.
In addition, Zac Thornton has emerged as a name to watch because of his efficiency and ability to eat innings while saving the bullpen, while Sean Manaea has enjoyed a more resurgent second half by providing length.
Currently, the Mets have been throwing journeyman Robert Stock out every fifth day, which has not provided strong results at all.
Stock, 36, has recorded an 0-3 record with a 7.40 ERA, 1.94 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts in five starts.
He has a very inspiring story, but the team should instead be auditioning rookies and players who could have roles in 2027.
With the September roster callups approaching, here are three starting pitchers who could be considered to start games in the final few weeks of the regular season.
1. Jonah Tong
It has been well-documented that Jonah Tong has endured a very rough season in Triple-A Syracuse.
However, his last seven starts have been more encouraging, as he has lowered his ERA from 6.00 to 4.86 and his WHIP from 1.52 to 1.44.
His strikeout ability remains elite (10.6 K/9), while his command has looked somewhat better during this stretch.
The fact that Andy Green has continuously reiterated that Tong has to earn his spot in September is definitely the right move, as there is no reason to rush him back with the team out of playoff contention.
2. Jack Wenninger
After a strong first two months in which Wenninger posted a 3-3 record with a 2.80 ERA, he has stumbled to a mediocre 4.17 ERA and 1.38 WHIP.
Heading into the summer, Wenninger generated a massive amount of buzz as a potential starter, but his June-to-August stretch slowed down his momentum.
Similarly to Tong, the talent is definitely there, but the command is still a work in progress.
Wenninger has walked 59 batters in only 101.1 innings pitched this season while averaging under five innings per start.
After a rough start on August 6 in which he gave up six earned runs in five innings, he has rebounded strongly, pitching 10 innings with two earned runs allowed, six walks, and 14 strikeouts.
Could another solid start or two push the Mets toward calling him up for an appearance in September? Hopefully.
3. Tobias Myers
The reality with Tobias Myers is that the Mets have five more seasons of control over him, meaning that he is practically stuck in the organization.
He was dominant in April, then fell apart in May and June before eventually being optioned to Triple-A in July, where he has remained ever since.
His numbers have been much better over his last four August outings, as he has pitched 9.1 innings while allowing six hits, two earned runs, and two walks with 13 strikeouts.
Myers definitely deserves another chance to prove himself for the future, especially with the team out of contention.
Whether it’s in the bullpen or as a bulk starter in the rotation, it would be good for him to regain his confidence to end a disastrous 2026 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!
0 Comments