The New York Mets spent prospect capital and money to bolster their rotation over the last couple of years. With the National League East presumably running through the Los Angeles, the arms race becomes more important. Many teams enjoy strong batting lineups. However, pitching is another story. To place the Mets’ rotation into perspective, The Athletic ranked the rotation 30th overall.
“The most important acquisition the Mets made in the offseason was acquiring Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, giving them their No. 1 starter. He’ll be followed by rookie Nolan McLean, who made eight major-league starts to finish last season and looked like a true ace himself with impact tools. ”
To provide context on how Peralta joined the Mets by acquiring him from the Milwaukee Brewers, the team parted with two prospects: infielder Jett Williams and pitcher Brandon Sproat. In return, the franchise landed its ace. The 17-game winner turns 30 on June 4.
Focusing on Peralta’s skillset, he features a 95mph four-seamer that rises to the top of the strike zone, generating 23.5% of his strikeouts. However, it’s the curveball that generates the majority of the swings and misses. The Mets need Peralta to lead the staff, be the one to stop losing streaks, and start winning ones.
Freddy Peralta’s first spring training start with the Mets:
29 pitches (18 strikes)
3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K pic.twitter.com/DgWVOTuZ7g
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 27, 2026
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The X-Factor Looks to Solidify No. 2 Status
Turning to McLean’s potential, Nolan McLean, fresh off his strong championship game appearance in the World Baseball Classic, will be penciled in as the team’s second starter. McLean flashed staying power with a 5-1 rookie debut during the back end of last season. With six pitches, the 24-year-old could eventually become the ace. Right now, his curveball and sweeper combine for 70.3% of his whiffs.
“McLean has the swing-and-miss breaking balls, fastball and mound presence of a top-of-the-rotation starter. He attacks the zone and competes every pitch.”
GettyMets piutcher Nolan McLean pitch during late 2025 game.
Teams like the Phillies and Dodgers attack timidity, placing the pitcher at an advantage. Under those circumstances, pitching to batters will lead to broken bats and weak ground balls.
lmao Nolan McLean is disgusting, this pitch moved like 5 feetpic.twitter.com/1cVnqQkx0P
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) March 18, 2026
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Mixed Backend Shows Potential But Needs to Overcome Injuries
As for the back end of the Mets’ rotation, David Peterson, Kodai Senga, and Clay Holmes, as of right now, constitute the rest of the rotation. Peterson’s sinker/slider combination. As a result, he will feature both of those, offering more than anything else. Senga returns from a hamstring injury that hampered him upon his return.
Senga’s forkball is the pitch that he needs to produce and win games. While not thrown excessively hard (82.4 mph), the break of the pitch induces late or slowed swings. Holmes will start in the rotation, but veteran Sean Manaea looks to rebound.
GettyMets righthander Kodai Senga
“Manaea will begin the season in the bullpen but is expected to make some starts for New York this season. Even if they don’t bounce back, the Mets have good depth, led by Jonah Tong and Christian Scott.”
Manaea was not happy about what he perceives as a demotion. Yet, he will need to fend off the rookies in Tong and Scott. Manaea makes $25 million per year, but his velocity dropped in the spring, causing concern. How long he remains as a reliever is unknown. Tong struggled during camp but possesses sharp pitches. Scott returns after Tommy John surgery, which cost him the entirety of the 2025 season.
Jonah Tong’s 2Ks in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/NbIloQjYtn
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 25, 2026
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In summary, much of what the Mets want to accomplish this season hinges upon the rotation. While depth may not be an issue, can the starters produce enough to rest the bullpen?
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