Morning Thoughts
“My 2026 Keepers”
I own the New York Mets. I also double
as the General Manager. And I have a net worth of 18 trillion dollars. My name
is Mack Cohen.
I’m going to begin to have a secret
chalkboard in my office that I will keep facing the wall when I’m not all alone
in there looking at it and tweaking here and tweaking there (tweaking on the
board, that it).
I could care about how much it will cost
me to clean out the shelves and I could give a rat’s arse if you drop me 10
draft slots on players that don’t project to be ready until an average of 3.5
years when I can throw silly money at someone that could be on a plane tonight.
I can afford all that. I just want to win baby, win.
So… you can’t build a 26 man roster
until you determine who you are keeping on next year’s team. Salaries shown are
either what is under contract, or what I estimate ARB would be agreed to or
what I would pay on my own.
With that…
1.
2B Jett Williams – I may be a little
premature starting him here on opening day but, why not, I own the team. Who’s
going to stop me? The GM? I’m that too!
Anyway, Williams is
going to be here for a long, long time and, if he gets off to a slow start, I
have others on this list that can immediately step in: however, I don’t think
that’s going to have to happen. Step back folks, the Jett is about to take off.
Salary: $ 780,000
2.
SS Francisco Lindor – the leader of your
team. He’s currently having a rollercoaster season, both offensively and with a
glove on, but he’s far too valuable to this team going forward. And, watch for
a strong finish this year from the unnamed Captain.
Salary:
$32,478,000
3.
C Francisco Alvarez – As I have said in
earlier posts, I have been rough on “The Troll”, but what he is doing since
being called back is all-star like. Even better is he currently only 20/years
old. If he keeps up doing what he is currently putting out, I’m going to call
his agent and see if I can lock him up for quite awhile.
Salary: $
780,000
4.
LF Brandon Nimmo – okay, okay… I’ll sit
back and wait out all the noise from the Brandon Haters. Do you realize that
you are bitching about a guy with a 3.1-WAR (4th on team), 20-HR (4th
on team) and .251-BA (3rd on team)? On this team, this is big stuff.
He also plays a pretty damn good defense out in left. My suggestion to all of
you is to leave the guy alone and move on to so many other players you have a
good case about.
Salary: $
20,250,000
5.
CF Carson Benge – Another possible
premature arrival, but these kids will play off each other both on and off the
field. I believe Benge will make a ROY run in 2020 so why not get this party
started?
Salary: $
780,000
6. RF Juan Soto – whether you want to
admit it or not, if you can spend like a drunken sailor, this ain’t a bad
choice to play rightfield. He’s currently under contract til the sun don’t
shine so why not just sit back and enjoy this guy.
Salary: $
51,000,000
7. Utility – C Hayden Senger – I want one thing from
my backup catcher and that’s a defensive monster. Hayden is one and, if Alvarez
produces the way I think he is going to, I’m not going to play Senger more than
the obligatory Sunday afternoon game. At the same time, I will sign a veteran
to hold the fort down in Syracuse in case of an injury.
Salary: $
780,000
8. Utility – 2B/LF/CF/3B/PH/DH
Jeff
McNeil – yeah, Jeff is never going to win Mr. Congeniality and many of
you want me to send him packing, but I love both the guy and what he offers… a
mature presence in a developing younger clubhouse/dugout and the ability to
play six positions in a pinch. Small market teams would never pay this much for
a utility player. I would, and will.
Salary: $ 12,500,000
9. Utility - SS/2B/CF/3B/PR/PH LuisAngel Acuna - here’s my other Swiss Army Knife. Also, six
positions, but the most important might be the speed on the bases. There is no
one more value than this guy putting him on second base in all 10th
innings. Acuna really doesn’t do anything wrong. Big fan.
Salary:
$ 780,000
10. SP-1 David Peterson – yes, I have him as
the ace. Well, almost an ace. Let’s just say the best on this team for now. I’m
writing this is as just came off his worst outing for the year, but I consider
that as an exception. Also, the closest thing the 2025 rotation had to being an
innings eater. A definite keeper at a time I am still waiting for kid power to
kick in.
Salary: $ 6,000,000
11. SP-2 Kodai Senga – Senga should be the Mets
ace and I might move him back to that role depending on what he does the rest
of this season. He’s off to the right start, posting a great outing on 8-14. He’s
an all-star when his is healthy and on the top of his game. The ghost pitch
couldn’t be hit with a tree trunk. Could be the determining factor on whether
the 2026 rotation is something to be proud of.
Salary: $ 15,000,000
12. SP-4 Nolan McLean – The first of the new
Mets youth movement starters. We are going to see a lot of him this season,
though I expect some bumps along the 2025 road. I believe there is SP-2 material
here. The worst is SP-3. He really throws some nasty shit. Welcome to the first
of five new starters.
Salary: $ 780,000
13. SP-5 Brandon Sproat – Frankly, I didn’t
expect Sproat to work his way back to this promotion. He recently went through
a span of giving up only two runs in six consecutive starts… 33-IP, 2-ER. Then,
the last two starts: 9.1-IP, 8-ER. If this continues, I may have to make a
change here. I believe he will right the wrong and finish strong. Hey! I’m a
poet!
Salary: $ 780,000
14. RP-RH Tylor Megill – doubles as my
emergency SP-6 until either Tong or Scott is ready. I really believed in Tylor
as a starter, but I’m now past that. He can develop into a great reliever. If
not, he’s going to have to be replaced.
Salary:
$
2,500,000
15. RP-RH Brooks Raley – Raley is as old as
dirt, but he’s also 0 for 2026. 10 appearances. No runs given up. 2024: 0.00… the
problem is he only pitched in 18 games over the combined two seasons, Before
that: three seasons of 58, 60, and 68 appearances. No one is better when he is
healthy.
Salary:
$
1,500,000
16. RP-RH Drew Smith - Mets have an option
for 2026 and I will exercise it. The only thing this guy has done wrong was to
go down and have TJS. His lifetime ERA is 3.48. In 19 2024 appearances, he
posted a 3.06-ERA, 17.2-IP, 23-K before hitting the IL list. Only 31/years old.
To me, he’s a keeper.
Salary: $ 1,000,000
17. RP-RH Dylan Ross – Another grad from
Syracuse, this time in the pen. The stat line is there in 2025… three levels:
38-apps, 2-0, 3.03, 38.2-IP, 63-K. It comes with 22-BB, which you have to learn
to live with fireballers like him. At AAA Syracuse, so far he’s 3.24, 16.2-IP,
22-K. The excitement is the 102-mph heater. Potential future closer.
a. Salary: $ 780,000
So, we have 17 players so far on my 26.
There are three more that I am considering and have on my watch
board:
SP-3 Sean Manaea – Another enigma right
now. Currently has a 4.78-ERA. That’s not going to hack it for 22 big ones next
season. He never hit six innings in his last six starts. Two went four innings.
In total… 28.2-IP, 16-ER. He could easily be the next player I eat crow (and
contract) on when the likes of either Christian Scott or Jonah Tong become ready to
promote. Wha he does the remainder of this season will determine what his role
will be on this team.
Salary:
$ 22,000,000
LHDH/1B – Ryan Clifford – this could be a
stretch. The power is there to be successful as a DH and he would instantly
make a great backup at first. I’m hoping a deal can be made for that guy named
Pete and, if not, we may have to go short-term here until Clifford proves he
can step in at first full time. We’ll play him fulltime at Syracuse this season
and also in the Arizona Fall League. A little fluid here.
Salary:
$ 780,000
RP-RH Reed Garrett -
Used to love this guy, but since June 1st,
Garrett’s ERA is 5.70. If I had to make the decision today, he would be cut,
but let’s see how the rest of the season goes.
Salary: $ 1,500,000
Past the money it will cost me to eat, I have committed to $117,468,000
so far for my 2026 team, with $24,280,000 still undetermined for the three
additional players I have on my watch list.
Okay…
Pick it apart.
Two starters
started yesterday…
Jonah Tong and Nolan
McLean.
Welcome to
the future…
Ernest Dove @ernestdove
Mets P
prospect Jonah Tong in his AAA debut
5.2 inn
3 H
0 ER
2 BB
9 K
59 of 90
for strikes
Thomas
Nestico @TJStats
Jonah Tong (NYM) had an incredible AAA debut as
he struck out 9 over 5.2 Innings. His fastball hit 98 MPH and his changeup
returned a gaudy 61.5 Whiff%
The stuff is glorious!
Pitch
Profiler @pitchprofiler
Jonah Tong has nastier stuff at 22 than some
pitchers will ever reach in their entire career
Nolan McLean
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6554895/2025/08/15/mets-nolan-mclean-prospect-debut/
That potential is grounded in McLean’s athleticism. Look, everyone who makes the major leagues is a terrific athlete, but even within that group, McLean stands out.
“This guy can play virtually any position on the field,” Holliday said. “He’s going to pitch in the major leagues soon. He plays an elite-level third base. He plays high-level outfield. Some people thought he was a future major-league catcher at a young age. … If he kept playing football, he probably would have been the starting quarterback here.”
A two-way baseball player and football star? Forget Ohtani. More like Bo-tani.
Eno Sarris @enosarris
Nolan McLean has a 126 Triple-A Stuff+, best of the top close pitching prospects. Better than Andrew Painter and Bubba Chandler.
Lance Brozdowski @LanceBroz
Industry is on McLean, but he has an actual "best pitching prospect" case...
Insane spin capacity - curve >3,250 rpm (would be #1 in MLB)
6 pitches - SWP, SK, SL, 4S, CU, SPL
Extreme 3B release side (98th percentile)
5.2' Release height is lower than 89% of arms
Thomas Nestico @TJStats
AAA tjStuff+ Leaders – Starters
Isaac @isaacgroffman
In just two years, Mets pitching development turned McLean from a raw reliever into a potential top-of-rotation starter
Transforming one erratic but nasty breaker into three plus breakers (one plus-plus), creating true 4-seam/sinker shapes and a deadly kick change
Nolan McLean -
Pitch
Profiler @pitchprofiler
Jeremy Hefner and David
Stearns cooked so hard
here oh my god
Mets
Analytics @MetsAnalytics
Nolan McLean is through his first (fantastic) MLB
start
The
initial scouting report is ready: an interesting view at his pitch decisions 1
start in:
Starts
batters off with the sinker
Steady
sweepers when behind in the count
Lots of
curveballs when ahead
Thomas
Nestico @TJStats
Nolan McLean made his MLB debut!
McLean was
effectively wild today as he struck out 8 while issuing 4 BB. He generated
plenty of weak contact with elite sweepers and sinker. Expect more of this in
future starts
Congratulations
Tong was the cherry on top of the
Nolan-cake.
These two represent the future of this
team’s rotation. One, just pitched in his first AAA game and why do I think he
shouldn’t unpack all his clothes there.
The other? Well, I double dare the Mets
to send him down. I triple dare.
Knowing how the Mets rotation has gone
in the past 45 days, how many times have you heard the fans at the stadium boo the
manager because he began walking to the mound to remove said starter?
Can you imagine how many fans screamed
at David Stearns yesterday, belting out I TOLD YOU SO!!!. Is he
still in Korea or has he moved on to scouting teams in the Congo?
You can come home now David.
The future began yesterday afternoon.
31 comments:
Incredible McLean and Tong. Good times lie ahead in 2026. No time to say more right now, except don’t rule out Kevin Parada overtaking Senger as # 2 by mid 2026. His numbers, as I note on Tuesday, are sharply trending up.
True dat on KP
Does articles like this mean we are looking forward to the next season because we are giving hope on this one?
Man, is there a lot of work to be completed before spring trading. A lot of players signed for 2026 the are not listed here. I would agree on Clifford being a stretch for OD. Maybe midyear. I want to believe in Acuna but not so sure.
I think you missed someone from yesterday that did okay. Wenninger. No room at the time but I think he should be pitching in Syracuse. Could be a trade deadline time addition next year?
Steve
I have turned my back on the 2025 Mets. They are on the road. I will write the facts on what I see but I lack expectations
I understand your thoughts on Acuña but utility players don't have to be great. They just have to do a multiple of good.
That being said, he offers excellent D and superlative speed
You are correct about Wenninger. Had great outing last night in a superb season
Should be in Syracuse yesterday
Had to get up at 3am to put this one together. No room for "WIN"inger
Also...
And Tong to wait list
Mack,
Who do you want for third base? Is this where you make a trade or sign a free agent?
Hey Mack, love playing GM. You didn't Montas, what are we going to do with this shite next year. Do you think anyone would take him if we pay half his salary.
Also, if they are going to do this, they have to reset the salary/luxury tax.
I tend to agree on 2025.
Acuna, already on the team, does offer D and speed. I like my utility players and the DH to offer rest (partial rest) to the other eight regulars. In my scenario the utility players get extended playing time. Will his bat provide enough? Different philosophy in roster construction? Probably.
Mack, what's your plan on Mauricio, Baty and Vientos? If we go for a complete reset of the salary cap, then I think they stick around one more year or become trade bait.
First I think we need to sign a free agent bona fide Ace like cease or King from San Diego.
I also think Mac is taking Bregman for third base?
Sign Alonzo to $150,000,000 - 6 year contract
Hopefully Manaea and Senga finish strong and we can dangle them as trade bait?
Drop Montas already
I would try and trade McNiel as well, and put the Baty Or Mauricio in that utility spot.
Can’t agree more on Benge and Jett, I think they should be called up right now.
I see Vientos and Mauricio sent packing next year.
We have to sign Pete period. Without him were below .500 and 10 games out. Can we please bring JT up already and ASAP with the Jett as we waited to long to bring up NM who gave us our first positive Mojo in ages. Mack I love your 26' team and hope Baty can handle 3rd but gotta figure out who it is this winter as well as DH where we've failed miserably since it's inception.
I disagree on signing someone like Cease or King. The arms that are rising in the minors (Tong, McLean, Wenninger, Sprout, Santucci ...) are showing great potential, there is no need to "overspend" for Cease and King. I think the basis of this article is that in 2026 Mack would most likely do a reset of sorts with multiple call-ups (Williams, Benge, ..). That said, I even question signing up Alonso. I would only go 4 years plus options with Alonso. On a partial reset, do a temporary 1st baseman until Clifford is ready?
Don't think it is in Cohen's mindset to do a true reset. But, as this year is showing, doing a half reset doesn't work.
I want to throw silly money at that Japanese free agent slugger
I would DFA him THIS season. Likr 11am today
If that don't work cut him a check
Right now, nothing
One of these might prove ne wrong
I don't think it will happen but it could. Especially Baty
Me?
I would put all three for sale in the off season
I would love Bregman
True dat
Mack, why would you want to throw silly money at that Japanese 1B? He's only hitting .260 in that league. If you are going to spend money why wouldn't you just resign Pete. You make him a fair 4/5 year offer, if he rejects it then move on.
I vote for a total reset.
I would play the Japanese FA at third, not first
Yes I would do everything in my power to keep Pete
Sweet, like you're thinking.
Still would like to reset tax threshold.
Probably impossible because of money eaten + $$$ to Pete
“You can come home now David.“
Funny line. Alvarez isn’t twenty, he is almost 24. Nonetheless, your team has strength. I disagree on the baby Mets, but of course I would not have traded Tidwell, Butto and Gilbert for 20-25 innings of a pitcher. That was so stupid. Also, is Mullins better than McNeil? That was stupid too.
Unfortunately, most of us are already looking towards next year as this year’s team is almost becoming unwatchable. The good thing is all it takes is a hot streak, get into the playoffs and anything can happen. If our hitters start hitting that will ease the stress on our pitchers, and hopefully Mendoza lets them start getting into the 100-110 pitch count area.
If we don’t turn it around, Mendoza needs to go! He consistently pulls the starters after 85-90 pitches 4-6th inning and just wears out the bullpen. Did the same thing last year and was just lucky we went on a magical run until the Dodgers burst our party. Not happy with the hitting coaches either, last year we had Martinez who seemed to help with the mental aspect of hitting. Not sure how much a hitting coach really helps on the technical side of hitting but seems we were off to a slow start last year then Martinez got us straightened out. He also was in Vientos ear probably all year.
Third base is a problem but if we put Baty, Vientos and Mauricio stats together right now it’s about a full season worth a little over 700 AB's, 26 Hrs, 80 RBI's with about a .235 Avg. Not terrible if you think about. Probably the same numbers we would get if we spend $300 million for the 1st/3rd baseman from Japan.
Great comment Dean. To your point about making the playoffs, it’s really about peaking at the right time. The Brewers are peaking in August… oops. The Phillies peaked last year in July while the Tigers peaked after they sold in September. In 2023, the DBacks peaking in October. You don’t pick when you peak, but you can hope. Nice view on the Baby Mets.
I think Mendoza is executing the team’s plan on pitchers. I doubt the man knows enough about pitching to be yanking these guys for no reason.
I think paying one proven commodity at the top of the lineup will only help the younger kids and take pressure off of them so not to be the Ace of the staff.
Zozo, very good point. I just don't believe that is Stearns philosophy.
I wish i could have made it on the thread earlier but I still want my thoughts on the record.
First in my Opinion, Brandon Nimmo is So overrated and not a player we should have or continue to invest 20 million dollars for years to come.
I was never a fan of his but could see the value in him until he reached free agency. We made a horrific mistake to double down and pay him. He has no where near the carreer that Marte did and look how awful it is to have Marte the past 2 years. What do you think will happen to Nimmo as a lesser player. (See the back lash on DJ LeMahieu and he was better player at his heights). And playing a "good LF" means more than catching a ball. Having opponent player be able to run in front of him means your a DH and a 4th outfielder which is what he always was.
Acuna, has anyone made more of path to be on the Major league roster based on his name? all i ever hear about is his speed and defense, Please provide the defensive metric that rival a true defensive player like Ordonez, or Andrelton Simmons who truly made defense look brilliant. Or has he shown terror on the base paths that Reyes or Vince Coleman did? Or i his on base prowess on display where at any moment we can use him as a pinch hitter to get on ahead of a big bat?
No to all, so please lets trade this guy so we can finally stop the temptation of dreaming something he is not. he is not even a AAAA player because he has never dominated AAA.
since there was no comments on the Free agents I will refrain for another day...
Always a fan on the Mets and the members of the my favorite site... I love the banter...
thank you for topics to debate
Great stuff. I’m confident Vientos will finish strong and make your 2026 roster. Book it.
Post a Comment