Mets report card for 2026 season with our grades for every player

The 2026 New York Mets concluded their season with a disappointing 74-88 record, marking their worst performance since 2017 and their first last-place finish in the National League East since 2003. Despite a trade deadline sell-off, the team failed to make a significant playoff run.

Throughout the season, key injuries plagued the offense, which ultimately scored the eighth-fewest runs in Major League Baseball. While the team saw some improvement in their pitching rotation, key players underperformed, leaving the manager with mixed feelings as the season came to a close.

Looking ahead to the 2027 season, the Mets hope to address several roster issues. Carson Benge's breakout performance in the second half of the season earned him an A grade, with his 20-20 season and 86 RBI highlighting his impressive talent. Nate Lavender, who debuted in the bullpen, earned an A grade as well, with his ability to navigate late-game situations and control inherited runners.

Juan Soto continued to showcase his offensive prowess, earning an A- grade for his .275/.393/.515 season and 27 home runs. Despite his calf injuries, Soto's consistent performance made him a crucial part of the team. Nolan McLean, who proved to be a potential ace for the starting rotation, earned an A- grade for his 12-10 record and 3.14 ERA.

Some rookies provided hope for the future, including Zac Thornton, Christian Scott, Jared Young, and Luis Torrens. Thornton's rookie season was marked by his development and solid performances, earning him a B+ grade. Young's strong offensive numbers and defensive skills earned him a B grade, while Torrens continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess while contributing to the offense with a B grade.

The team also saw improvement in other areas, such as Austin Warren's stable bullpen role, Cionel Perez's serviceable performances, and Jonah Tong's refined secondary pitches. However, other players like Francisco Lindor, Brett Baty, Francisco Alvarez, Bo Bichette, and Sean Manaea struggled to live up to expectations, receiving C- to D+ grades.

Overall, the 2026 Mets season was a mixed bag, with some standout performances offset by disappointing results from key players. As the team looks to the future, they will need to address several areas and build on the success of their young players to improve their performance in the years to come.