The 2026 Mets Are Getting Healthy at the Right Time
The Mets are 34–41, sitting 13 games behind first place in the NL East and five and a half games out of the second National League Wild Card spot. After a dreadful start to the season, they now enter a crucial stretch of the schedule against some of the NL's top teams, including several clubs ahead of them in the Wild Card race. Injuries have played a major role in their struggles, as key offensive contributors Francisco Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, Luis Robert Jr., and Jorge Polanco have missed significant time during the first 75 games of the season. However, the Mets have begun playing better baseball and are finally getting healthier. Alvarez returned on June 9th, and Lindor is expected to rejoin the lineup by the end of June, providing a much-needed boost as the team attempts to climb back into playoff contention.
The Mets posted a 16–12 record in May and are 8–8 thus far in June, but their offense has shown noticeable improvement against stronger competition, including the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and the Philadelphia Phillies. The remainder of the month features matchups against the Phillies, Cubs, and the Toronto Blue Jays, making it a critical stretch for the Mets as they attempt to gain ground in both the Wild Card race and on the division-leading Braves. With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching on August 3rd, the Mets have an opportunity to influence the direction of the season.
A strong performance over the next few weeks, especially before July, to stay in the postseason hunt could give the front office reason to be buyers rather than sellers at the deadline, which is where many projections currently place them. The team is also set to receive a major boost with the anticipated return of superstar shortstop Lindor, who has been sidelined since April 22nd, whose return is significant for several reasons. He provides Gold Glove-caliber defense at one of the most important positions on the field, giving the Mets stability and playmaking ability at shortstop. Offensively, the 32-year-old lengthens the lineup as a switch-hitting threat who can impact the game from both sides of the plate. Beyond his on-field production, his leadership is invaluable to a roster that features several young players. The five-time all-star’s experience and presence in the clubhouse help guide the next generation of Mets talent as the team pushes toward the postseason.
Manager Carlos Mendoza will also have interesting lineup decisions to make upon Lindor's return. Mendoza could move the five-time all-star back into the leadoff role, where he has enjoyed success throughout his career, or he could keep rookie Carson Benge at the top of the order after his strong performance this season at the top spot. Either option is a positive development because it highlights the versatility and depth Lindor brings to the lineup. With the 32-year-old getting back on the fold, the Mets can feature five productive hitters at the top of the order, including Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, Lindor, Benge, and AJ Ewing. Lindor’s return also strengthens the bottom half of the lineup, where veterans Marcus Semien, Jared Young, and Alvarez can provide quality depth in the sixth through ninth spots, making the Mets' offense more balanced and dangerous from top to bottom.
