The New York Mets are gearing up for the 2026 season with a dramatically reshaped roster. Gone are familiar faces like Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Edwin Diaz.
In their place, the Mets have brought in talents such as Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr., Marcus Semien, Devin Williams, and Freddy Peralta. While some fans are buzzing with excitement, MLB analyst Steve Phillips offers a more cautious take, suggesting the Mets may have taken a step back with these changes.
Phillips, speaking on MLB Network, expressed concerns that the Mets are weaker both offensively and in their pitching lineup compared to last year. He specifically noted the loss of Pete Alonso and compared Brandon Nimmo's offensive prowess to Marcus Semien's defensive skills, suggesting the Mets have regressed defensively.
In the closer role, Devin Williams steps in for Edwin Diaz, but Phillips remains skeptical. He praised Freddy Peralta's potential as the ace the Mets missed last season and acknowledged Nolan McLean's promising start in the MLB. However, he has reservations about the rest of the rotation.
The Mets' infield has also seen a complete overhaul, with Jorge Polanco at first, Marcus Semien at second, and Bo Bichette at third. Despite these changes, Phillips predicts the Mets will finish third in the NL East, missing the playoffs once again. He questions whether Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, has placed too much faith in these offseason moves.
The Mets ended last season with an 83-69 record, securing second place in the National League East. They led their division for much of the year but stumbled in the final stretch, missing the playoffs on the last day. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these roster changes play out on the field.