As the New York Mets cross the 40-game mark of the 2026 season, the team finds itself at a crossroads. Despite a front office focus on pitching and run prevention during the offseason, injuries have decimated the lineup, leaving the offense as a glaring weakness. With only 169 runs scored—the second-fewest in Major League Baseball—and a league-worst team OPS of .628, the Mets are struggling to find their rhythm. Key players like Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. remain sidelined, with no immediate return in sight.
Every sign of progress has been met with setbacks. After snapping a 12-game losing streak with two wins against the Twins, the Mets were promptly swept by the Rockies. A brief resurgence, including series wins over the Angels and Rockies, fizzled as they dropped the final two games against the Diamondbacks, capping a modest 5-4 road trip. While the ship has steadied somewhat, the longest skid in over four decades has left the team in a precarious position midway through the second month. Here’s a look at who’s trending up and who’s pulling the team back.
Trending Up: Clay Holmes
The top of the Mets' starting rotation has been the team's anchor, and Clay Holmes leads the charge. Not only has he been the Mets' best starter, but he ranks among the National League's elite. With a stellar 1.86 ERA—second-best in the NL—Holmes has allowed more than two earned runs in none of his starts this season. Despite some tough luck in his last outing against the Diamondbacks, where he came within one out of completing six innings, he has delivered quality starts in three of his last four appearances. For a team in need of stability, Holmes has been a bright spot on the mound.
Trending Up: Carson Benge
The rookie outfielder has provided a much-needed spark in an otherwise quiet lineup. Over the nine-game road trip, Benge went 7-for-26 (.269) with one home run, five RBIs, and six runs scored. His standout moment came against the Rockies, where he broke up Tomoyuki Sugano's no-hit bid with a solo blast, then followed it up with two hits, two runs, and two RBIs the next day. Benge also delivered key insurance with an RBI double in the 10th inning, showing the clutch hitting the Mets desperately need.
Trending Down: Sean Manaea and Bo Bichette
On the flip side, left-hander Sean Manaea has struggled to find consistency, with an inflated ERA and command issues that have put the bullpen under pressure. Meanwhile, Bo Bichette, acquired to bolster the infield, has yet to find his groove at the plate, posting a subpar average and failing to drive in runs when it matters most. Both players will need to turn things around quickly if the Mets hope to climb back into contention.
As the season progresses, the Mets will rely on their pitching staff to keep games close while the offense searches for answers. For fans and analysts alike, the next 40 games will be critical in determining whether this team can overcome its early-season struggles.