Lindor and Soto command top-25 rankings as the New York Mets' returning stars prove their enduring dominance and electrify the upcoming 2026 season.
The New York Mets added multiple stars to a roster that already had its fair share of star power this offseason. Despite bringing in some of the top talent this winter, the returning Mets stars will likely have the most productive seasons – at least according to a recent article.
In Bleacher Report’s list ranking the top 25 players in baseball, shortstop Francisco Lindor and left fielder Juan Soto both made the cut, while third baseman and free agent acquisition Bo Bichette just missed out. Lindor came in at No.16 on the list while Soto earned his spot at No. 6.
Lindor will be playing his sixth season as a Met in 2026, and he’s looking to continue his streak of excellence in Queens. The 32-year-old hasn’t had a season in which he produced less than 5.4 WAR in five years, including 5.9 WAR last season. He finished in the top 10 in MVP voting for the fourth consecutive season, even earning the fifth All-Star selection of his career.
As the heart of the Mets, Lindor has played at least 160 games in three of his last four seasons, leading the Mets to postseason appearances twice in that span. Now more than ever, the Mets need Lindor to continue his consistency as the Mets desperately need to return to the postseason. Ranked as the third-best shortstop in the game, it’s a safe bet to assume Lindor will continue to shine bright again in 2026 despite some new stars joining the club.
Soto signed with New York for $765 million in the 2025 offseason, and his first season in Queens was as promising as it could get. Putting up 6.2 WAR, winning a Silver Slugger award, and finishing in the top three in MVP voting, Soto was dominant in the first season of his 15-year contract.
It doesn't seem right that Soto is still just 27 years old despite already recording 42.6 career WAR, but the Mets will be happy to reap the benefits of Soto for the next decade or so. In 2026, Soto is bound for yet another ridiculous campaign.
He’s making a move to left field this year after playing strictly in right field in 2025, and the Mets hope that the move will hide the one flaw in Soto’s game: fielding. Aside from that, Soto is a freak of nature. Leading the league with a .396 OBP, 38 steals, and 127 walks last season, Soto is a nightmare out for every pitcher in the league. Only just entering his late 20s, there’s still room for Soto to hit another stride and help lead the Mets, along with Lindor, to the postseason for the first time in his career.