The Mets made a splash Tuesday night, landing dynamic center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox in a move that adds another layer of athleticism and power to an already revamped lineup. But while the outfield just got a lot more exciting, the rotation remains a work in progress - and that’s putting it kindly.
So far this offseason, New York has gone big with the bats. Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and now Robert - that’s a serious injection of talent. But as former MLB outfielder Cameron Maybin bluntly put it in response to a post asking “Who is stopping them?” - “They can’t pitch.”
And that’s the issue. As of now, the projected 2026 rotation includes Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga.
Senga is the clear headliner, but beyond him, it’s a group that raises more questions than answers. McLean is still unproven at the major league level, Peterson has battled inconsistency, Holmes is a converted reliever, and Manaea has struggled to find sustained form in recent years.
For a team that clearly has postseason aspirations, that’s not the kind of rotation that strikes fear into the National League.
The Mets entered this offseason with a clear need for a frontline starter. So far, they haven’t filled it.
One name that continues to surface is Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. According to reports, the Mets are among several contenders circling Peralta, who’s also drawing interest from the Braves, Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers.
If New York wants to keep pace with those clubs - all of whom have more established rotations - they’ll need to make a serious push.
As for Robert, the Mets are betting on upside. His 2025 numbers - a .223/.297/.364 slash line with 14 home runs and 53 RBI - don’t jump off the page, but he still swiped 33 bags in just 110 games.
That kind of speed, paired with his power potential, makes him a high-ceiling addition. And let’s not forget, this is a guy who hit 38 home runs and earned an All-Star nod back in 2023.
If he can stay healthy and find his rhythm in Queens, he could be a game-changer.
To land Robert, the Mets sent infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-hander Truman Pauley to Chicago. Acuña, the younger brother of Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., is a well-regarded prospect with a strong hit tool and defensive versatility. Pauley, meanwhile, adds a young arm to a White Sox system in need of pitching depth.
Robert had been the subject of trade rumors dating back to last season’s deadline, and while the Mets were linked to him then, the two sides reportedly never got close. This time, they got it done - and it’s a move that signals New York isn’t content to wait around.
But for all the offensive firepower they’ve added, the Mets’ path to contention still runs through the mound. Until they shore up the rotation, questions will linger.
The bats may be ready to compete. The arms?
Not yet.