With the manager named and a front office honcho added, the Mets can now focus their attention on the many roster changes that need to be made. Rather than look at specific player additions and subtractions, instead let’s take a look generically about the issues facing the necessary revisions.
For many people the late season ascent to mediocrity under Andy Green and with the infusion of young talent the belief has emerged that a housecleaning is not needed but instead a refinement of the various needs after identifying what is and isn’t working with the players currently on hand. Some young veterans have indeed worn out their welcomes and it may be time to test out some new faces in their place.
Power
Obviously there is sufficient middle of the lineup run production from the $765 million man, but after that it gets a bit murkier. The club did see 20 HR power from Carson Benge, potentially 15 HR power from A.J. Ewing, 20+ HR power on average from Bo Bichette, Francisco Lindor and Francisco Alvarez, but after that it gets even less certain. Obviously Pete Alonso is not coming back but another 100 RBI type of bat would help immensely as home run power is scattered rather than concentrated.
Something encouraging during the 2026 season was the infusion of speed on the basepaths which had not really been a primary part of the team’s run production for quite some time. All three outfielders have impressive base stealing ability as does Lindor, but after that it’s a number of lead footed hitters. Will the emphasize this aspect of the offensive game?
One of the downsides of recent Mets lineups was a plethora of all-or-nothing swingers who racked up massive numbers of strikeouts at the expense of actually getting on base. With the high speed now seemingly becoming a core strength for the team the corresponding change to increased on base percentage would make a lot of sense and add value to the offense.
During the past off season there was a lot of narrative being spun about improving defense with an eye towards run prevention. Between slumps and injuries a great many players spent time on the field and several of them showed what great benefit could exist from having folks talented at fielding their positions. It was highly evident in CF and RF with occasional positive contributions from 1B, 2B and SS as well as backup catcher. There is room for improvement.
Here is where the Mets most definitely need to overhaul who backs up the starting players in the lineup. Too many AAAA retreads got way too much time in the lineup and contributed next to nothing substituting for the regulars. Disagreements will evolve regarding who should stay and who should go but it would appear that with 1B and 2B unsettled, 3B and C not solid at this point it should take David Stearns and Derek Falvey quite a bit of engineering to reinforce this aspect of the roster for 2027.
