The New York Mets are heading into the 2026 season with a clear mission. They want to rebuild, refocus, and finally deliver on the promise of their massive payroll.
After missing the postseason despite a $340 million roster, the team faces sweeping changes both on the field and in the dugout. Manager Carlos Mendoza needs to overhaul his coaching staff, while the front office scrambles to reinforce a star-studded lineup centered around Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.
From retaining key free agents to chasing powerful bats and frontline pitching, the Mets’ offseason feels like a make-or-break stretch that could define their immediate future.
Coaching Staff Overhaul Under Carlos Mendoza
Mendoza’s offseason doesn’t start with player signings. He’s got to rebuild his entire coaching corps first.
With most assistants out the door, it’s a chance to bring in fresh voices and try a different approach. This shake-up signals a push for stronger fundamentals, better clubhouse chemistry, and maybe a little more strategic flexibility in 2026.
The Importance of an Experienced Coaching Team
The right staff behind the manager is crucial for a ballclub with championship dreams. Coaches shape in-game decisions, player development, and the mood in the clubhouse.
The Mets’ new-look staff will have to get the most out of established stars, but also help young talent grow. There’s a lot riding on these hires.
Strengthening the Lineup Around Soto and Lindor
The Mets’ offensive strategy revolves around Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. These two can carry a lineup, no question.
Still, the front office knows they need better protection in the order if they want to rack up wins. You can’t expect two guys to do it all, right?
Targeting Kyle Schwarber for Power and Leadership
One big offseason target: Kyle Schwarber. He blasted 56 home runs and drove in 132 runs for Philly last year.
Schwarber isn’t just a power bat—he brings leadership and postseason experience, too. That could really change the Mets’ offensive vibe.
He’s projected as a designated hitter, but if Soto or Pete Alonso also need DH at-bats, things could get crowded. Some lineup shuffling might fix it, though. It’s a good problem to have, honestly.
Retaining Key Free Agents: Alonso and DÃaz
Keeping the team’s core together matters just as much as adding new faces. Both Pete Alonso and Edwin DÃaz are expected to opt out of their contracts, so the Mets will have to move fast to keep them around.
Pete Alonso’s Offensive Rebound
Alonso bounced back in 2025 with 38 homers, 126 RBI, and an .871 OPS. His power is still the heartbeat of the Mets’ lineup.
He’s reportedly looking for a seven-year deal, hoping to stay the franchise’s slugging anchor. Can you blame him?
Edwin DÃaz’s Elite Closing Ability
DÃaz is still one of baseball’s best closers. He locked down 28 saves, posted a 1.63 ERA, and struck out 98.
In a league where bullpens can make or break a season, the Mets can’t afford to lose him. Mendoza needs that late-game stability.
Solving the Starting Rotation Problem
The Mets’ biggest weakness these past two years? No true ace. Without a dominant starter, their postseason hopes have faded way too fast.
Fixing the rotation is the front office’s toughest job this winter. They can’t keep patching it with short-term arms.
Top Pitching Targets in Free Agency and Trade Market
Possible solutions? Sign a top-tier free agent or swing a trade for a controllable arm. The rumor mill links the Mets to:
- Framber Valdez – Durable lefty with postseason pedigree
- Zac Gallen – Emerging ace with a deep pitch mix
- Dylan Cease – Strikeout machine with serious upside
- Joe Ryan – Trade candidate, brings consistency and control
- Sandy Alcantara – Power arm, former Cy Young winner
- Edward Cabrera – Young talent with electric stuff
Landing one of these pitchers would immediately boost the Mets’ rotation and finally address their biggest need. In the NL East, you need all the help you can get.
The Road Ahead
For the Mets, this offseason isn’t just about roster moves. It’s about figuring out who they want to be as a team.
If they can blend elite offensive talent with bullpen strength, they’ll start to close the gap between potential and performance. Add in a stronger coaching staff and an ace-caliber starter, and suddenly things look a lot more promising.
Everyone’s watching New York right now. The choices they make in the next few months will shape whether 2026 finally becomes the year the Mets get real value from their massive investment.
Here is the source article for this story: 4 things the Mets must do this offseason
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