New arrivals and rising stars stand poised to ignite the Mets' resurgence, with these three players ready to shatter personal bests and lead the charge back to contention.
The New York Mets enter the 2026 season with several new faces who will play key roles in the club’s journey back to the postseason after missing out last season. With the shakeup the roster has seen, there are new, familiar, and young players to keep an eye on next season. Here are three candidates to have career seasons in New York this season:
Nolan McLean, RHP
McLean is the obvious choice among the club’s young guys, as he’s already excelled in his limited action at the major league level. Just 24 years old, McLean started eight games for the Mets in the final months of the regular season as the major league rotation suffered a brutal collapse. During that dark time, McLean was a huge bright spot to keep the excitement.
His 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP resemble those of a seasoned veteran, not a pitcher getting his first go at the game’s highest level. In his 48 innings, McLean struck out 57 batters and recorded five wins to one loss. Choosing him as a breakout candidate is hardly a risk given how his first stint went, but it’d be a brutal mistake not to include him as a breakout candidate in 2026. Mets fans already know what they have in McLean, but his first full season could establish him as one of baseball’s best arms if he picks up right where he left off.
Luis Robert Jr., OF
The Mets landed Robert Jr. in a trade in January, trading away two prospects for the former All-Star. Robert Jr. has seen a decline in his numbers over the last couple of seasons, but a bounce-back season seems in the cards for the 28-year-old. Though his OPS+ has dipped below 100 since 2024, he’s maintained his defensive prowess in center field.
He recorded seven outs above average in center last season, bringing some much-needed defense to the Mets’ outfield in 2026. If Robert Jr. can get his bat back above league-average levels, the trade could end up a steal for New York. He saw increases in his walk percentage, bat speed, expected wOBA, and expected slugging percentage last season. Perhaps moving to a contending team gives Robert Jr. the boost he needs to return to being one of the game’s best outfielders.
Mark Vientos, IF, DH
With all the new infield additions on the Mets’ roster, Vientos’ place is a bit up in the air. Bo Bichette signed to be the new third baseman, and Jorge Polanco signed to take over at first, leaving Vientos on the outskirts. The DH spot is still open for Vientos, where he made 44 appearances last season.
After a breakout 2024 campaign, Vientos saw his OPS dip back under league average last season and finished with a -0.2 WAR. Returning in 2026 without defensive responsibilities, Vientos has a chance to return to his previous levels at the plate. Despite his down season at the plate last year, he still finished near the top of the league in hard-hit percentage, barrel percentage, and average exit velo. He still has the tools to be a productive bat, and his new role as a DH may be the best opportunity to take advantage of them.