After an offseason that involved saying goodbye to old faces and getting familiar with new ones, the Mets entered 2026 with high expectations.
Replacing Pete Alonso’s offensive production was always going to be difficult, so players such as Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr, and Jorge Polanco carry more pressure on their shoulders than others.
The pitching staff also features several new names, such as Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Luis Garcia, and Freddy Peralta.
Through the first ten games of the 2026 season, the team currently sits at a solid 6-4 record, which puts them in a tie for second place in the N.L. East.
There have been some encouraging signs and possible concerns to watch, such as Luis Robert Jr’s hot start, David Peterson’s shaky performances, and Kodai Senga’s strong outings.
Positive #1. Kodai Senga’s regained velocity
After a season in which Kodai Senga went from bona fide ace to being injured, ineffective, and eventually demoted, he came into 2026 with a very uncertain role.
The idea that Senga might never show the same dominance that he displayed through his rookie season and the first half of 2025 felt realistic due to command issues and an inability to pitch deep into games.
He quieted those concerns in spring training, flashing a fastball that showed life, a renewed curveball, and introducing a new changeup and eephus pitch.
Senga has started the season strongly, recording a 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in his first two starts.
More importantly, his fastball velocity has reappeared, as it’s ranged from 94-98 MPH.
This has kept hitters off balance and forced them to focus less on his ghost fork.
A healthy and effective Senga would do wonders for this team’s rotation, as he is one of several important X-factors to determine how far the Mets can go in 2026.
Negative #1. David Peterson’s shaky start
Similar to Senga, David Peterson had an incredible first half before regressing due to possible fatigue and ineffectiveness.
Peterson’s 2025 ERA climbed from a sterling 3.06 (August 1) to a mediocre 4.22 by the season’s end, which reflects the entire team’s collapse in the final two months. In Spring Training play, Peterson had an okay performance, recording a 4.15 ERA and 9 strikeouts through 3 starts.
His advanced metrics also weren’t great, which showed how inconsistent he could truly be on a game-to-game basis.
Peterson had a mediocre start against the Pirates (5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K), but got blitzed in San Francisco.
The problem with Peterson is that he can be a top-of-the-rotation arm, but when his command isn’t good, he gives up too many baserunners and contact.
In his first 2 starts, he’s given up 15 hits and 4 walks in 9.2 IP.
It’s not a promising beginning for a guy who finished with an 8.42 ERA over his last 8 starts in 2025.
Positive #2. Robert Jr/Vientos’ Hot Starts
Even though the Mets’ offense hasn’t been lighting the world on fire, it erupted against the Giants, scoring 26 runs in the team’s series win.
Several players have displayed hot starts, but the two most surprising performers are Luis Robert Jr and Mark Vientos.
Earlier in the offseason, I wrote an article about why Luis Robert Jr. was arguably the biggest X-factor for not just the lineup, but the entire team’s success.
When healthy (2023), he is a very dangerous, middle-of-the-lineup bat, and a possible 30-25 hitter.
When he isn’t healthy or motivated (2024-25), he’s simply a bottom-3 spark plug who can provide good defense, steals, and power.
Whether it’s being in a new environment or being fully healthy, Robert’s shown stronger discipline and confidence in his first Mets appearances.
He’s recorded a strong .333 BA, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB, and a shocking 8:5 BB:K ratio.
Robert’s always been recognized as a player who chases a bunch of pitches, but Jeff Albert and Troy Snitker have done a fantastic job working with Robert to improve his eye.
On the other hand, Vientos seemed like he was either getting traded or was the odd man out in a stacked infield in Queens.
With Bo Bichette occupying the hot corner and Jorge Polanco expected to start at first base, Vientos’ only chance to play was originally against left-handed pitching at DH.
However, he’s pushed Carlos Mendoza to keep him in the lineup due to his white-hot bat. Vientos has oozed the confidence and swagger that defined his breakout 2024 season, hitting .476 with 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5 R, and a 3:2 BB:K ratio.
Injuries to Juan Soto (calf) and Jorge Polanco (Achilles) have also given Vientos a chance to receive everyday playing time.
A season that would be similar to his 27-home-run outburst would make the Mets’ lineup one of the deepest and scariest to face in all of baseball.
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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