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| Photo by: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images |
1. Juan Soto will be the first MVP in Met history:
First off, I still say David Wright was robbed of this in 2007, and in 1988, Darryl Strawberry had a better year statistically than that year's MVP, Kirk Gibson.
Francisco Lindor was the most valuable player to the Mets in 2024, more than, in my opinion, than Ohtani was for the Dodgers. But this isn't about rehashing past debates.
Juan Soto came in third place in the MVP voting last year, and if not for a slow start to begin the season, he might've won MVP honors. Soto is coming into his second season with the Mets. The adjustment period is over. The fans love him, he's been in New York for three years now, and he'll be 27 this season. On paper, the time is now for Soto to have his most monstrous season yet.
He's won a World Series, earned one of the highest-paid contracts in baseball, and has already collected over 200 home runs in his career. But, Juan Soto has yet to win an MVP. Being such a fierce competitor and winner, you have to imagine that that is his ultimate personal goal currently in his career. If he stays healthy and the Met lineup provides him with enough protection and RBI chances. If he starts 2026 the same way he finished 2025, Juan Soto should beat out even the almighty Shohei Ohtani and give the Mets their first MVP winner in their 64-year history. Hopefully, that won't be the only drought Juan Soto ends in Met land this season.
2. Carson Benge will be the Mets' starting right fielder on Opening Day
It's pretty clear early in Spring Training that the starting right fielder job is Benge's to lose. Juan Soto will be moving to left field, leaving right field wide open. When you look at the Mets' roster, there is a lack of depth in the outfield position. That's good news for Benge, who turned in a stellar 2025 in his first professional season. He dominated High-A and Double-A all summer long.
The only question mark around him, other than if he has a good enough Spring or not, is his lack of professional experience. As good as he was last year, that's the only sample size we have on him. But his potential future teammate, Juan Soto, came up at just 19 years old and hasn't looked back since.
Benge has risen to the challenge at every call-up on the professional level. He can hit for average, power, he's a smart hitter, able to take pitches and work a count. He can run too. I don't want to call him a five-tool player, but he has the potential to be. Not since Pete Alonso making his Met debut on Opening Day in 2019 has there been this much excitement around an offensive player in the Mets system.
I think Benge will crack the Opening Day roster next month, and if his history proves anything, he'll be with the big club for a long time.
3. The Mets will bounce back and into a playoff spot in October
Maybe not such a bold prediction, but hey, it's the Mets. Saying they're going to the postseason, no matter how good they look on paper, is always a risky move.
Maybe not such a bold prediction, but hey, it's the Mets. Saying they're going to the postseason, no matter how good they look on paper, is always a risky move.
They ripped apart their core this winter and improved a few of their weak points from 2025. The bullpen, despite the tough loss of Edwin Diaz, actually looks more rounded and deeper going into 2026. Devin Williams will be the closer, and Luke Weaver seems like a likely choice for the setup man. The Mets have a few guys who will be competing for the 7th inning spot this spring.
The lineup looks totally different, but on paper, it seems to gel a bit more. Defensively, they look better than last year. Lindor will miss some time on the IL, but it doesn't seem to be significant enough to completely derail the Mets' postseason aspirations.
The rest of the NL East is full of question marks. The Phillies have their own injury concerns with how healthy Zack Wheeler can be. Last year, Aaron Nola looked nowhere near the ace he once was. The Braves are always a threat, but don't seem as intimidating as they have in years past. The Marlins will be making noise this year, and I predict they'll be a .500 or better team.
The Mets roster matches up well with all their NL East counterparts, and outside of the Dodgers, no National League team looks poised to run away with it. The Mets are still in their competitive window. I predict 90 wins and the top Wild Card spot, where they'll host the Wild Card Series at Citi Field.
13 comments:
Soto MVP? I like it.
Benge will have to hit his way onto the opening day roster. So far, not so good. Tauchman might be better for a month or two.
Playoffs? Yes, if injuries are lesser than 2025.
No, no, no… no wild card. The Mets will win the division by seven games, at least.
Peterson will win 20 games and there will be bitching if they don’t sign him to a ten year, billion dollar contract to “make him a lifetime Met.” Mets always seem to score runs with Peterson on the hill.
Soto will be MVP and Luis Robert will be Comeback Player of the Year. Mendoza’s option will be picked up but no new extension yet. Bichette will opt in for another $42MM.
Soto has a lot of competition, but he could be up to the job. Let's hope he has a great season! As for Benge, I think the odds are not in his favor. He did not excel at the AAA level last year, so only a massive spring will keep him from "more development time" in Syracuse. He is being challenged for the starting job in right by a couple of MLB vets including MJ Melendez who I believe will be the opening day starter.
Melendez was 5 for 60 in 2025, and .206 in 2024. Tauchman puts up decent, normal numbers. I lean towards Tauchman.
Melendez is also a catcher. I would say both and not Young.
Mets playing for division title. That should be th goal & they will win it.
Benge 50/50 to start OD on Mets right now. Not bad odds IMO
Soto: time to find another gear. I think he will get there, especially with Bichette hitting behind him.
Whatever Robert does this year will be better than anything the Mets have had in CF in years.
I just wish Soto would stay quiet & just win the MVP. To have to state it upfront is a sign of relative weakness. Othani doesn’t say anything he just does it. Over & over & over again. The Mets need to STFU & Just Do It!
By the way I want to opt in for 42mil. also it works for me. I agree with RVH on the STFU and just do it unfortunately with social media there are way to many ways to put your foot in your mouth and clubs have no control over that. Trash talk when we've won only 2 WS in like 100 years or so it feels is just stupid.
The high price of an honest answer....
I wanted to say that the Mets will win the division, but I still think the Phillies have a better starting staff and bullpen. The Mets won't be far off from the division though, and I still think they'll lock up the top Wild Card spot over the Braves, Cubs, or Padres (other top NL teams imo)
I agree with Gus, Luis Robert will win comeback player of the year, and I also think that the Mets will win 100 games and run away with the division. Not so sure that Soto will win MVP, but a top 5 finish should be enough to keystone this lineup. I like Manaea for a comeback year of his own, Peterson to be an average or above #3, and Peralta to sign an extension before the Ides of March.
The Phillies lost Suarez and Wheeler won’t be ready for a while and they don’t know how long. Lozardo is inconsistent… Sanchez is a one man gang right now. That’s not enough
Don't sleep on the Braves. They have been down due to injuries, but are looking healthier this year. Plus they have a pitching coach named Hefner who knows every little detail about our staff.
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