There is renewed optimism in New York right now as the Mets head into the 2029 season with a lot of new faces in the lineup. After what was a disappointing start to the 2028 season, the Mets saw an unloading of fan favorite players in exchange for prospects and cash. Despite this change, the Mets saw their statistically best months in August and September after the call-ups of many young players from AAA. The team will largely continue the youth movement this year with a lot of the veteran leadership coming from Sean Fisk and Brian Metcalf.
Additions
+ C Nick Buck (Signed 2 year x $2 million contract)
+ C Ken Walker (Signed Minor League Tryout)
+ SP Max Roberts (Signed 1 year x $2.5 million contract)
+ SP Freddy Magdelena (Signed Minor League Tryout)
+ RP Mike Pellack (Signed 2 year x $2.3 million contract)
The additions are small but meaningful for the Mets. Nick Buck was signed largely to act as the starting catcher for this upcoming season. The backup catcher spot will be held by fellow signee in Ken Walker who will act as a defensive specialist.
Two of the pitching additions should be familar to Mets fans. Magdelena returns to the team where he was drafted and spent 5 years in the rotation. He is expected to start the year as one of many pitchers fighting for the long reliever/alternate starter. Max Roberts comes back to the Mets after being a part of the Allen Thomas trade last season and spending the second half of the season with Colorado.
Subtractions
- C Samuel Ardans (Retirement)
- C Brandon Weber (Release)
- SS Juan Ganzalas (Release)
- 3B Prescott Yarr (Release)
- SP Dee Wright (Release)
- RP Chad Wheeler (Release, signed with Atlanta)
The off-season loss of Chad Wheeler is the most meaningful name on this list. Although he never had the reliability to take over as the closer for the Mets, he was an arm that helped out frequently in the bullpen.
Predicted Starters
Infield:
C Nick Buck
1B Robin Dyess
2B Dernest Johnson
SS Sean Fisk
3B Travis Cottingham
With the exception of Buck, this is the same lineup that started last year. Being the most consistent area on the team, they will be expected to provide solid defense and offense on a team that is extremely young elsewhere.
Outfield:
LF Joseph Binford
CF CC Armstrong
RF Todd Henry
Platoon: Jeff Albin
After the trading of Prescott Hill and Marc Graf, the Mets called up 3 outfielders and they will be expected to continue in their new roles. They will have to be on their toes though as if any of them seem to be going through sophomore growing pains, Jeff Albin is more then ready to step in.
Rotation:
Dave Sampson
Mathew Belovsky
Manny Bederra
Kyle Lenglet
Max Roberts
3 more young players lead the Mets in the 1-3 spots of the rotation. They will be backed up by veterans Kyle Lenglet and Max Roberts.
Bullpen:
Travis McCliverty
Jose Jimenez
Brian Metcalf
Mike Pellack
Dan Vanhouten
Brent Ruediger
The bullpen is largely the same but with Mike Pellack replacing Chad Wheeler. McCliverty starts his first full season in the closer role. Ruediger also begins his first year with the Mets after being a part of the Rockies for the past 5 seasons. He came over as a part of the Graf deal but was injured for the second half of last season.
Conclusion:
The Mets see a much lower payroll this season then in the past few. Mets ownership and management have purposely made the decision to lower ticket prices as a result. Tickets to a Mets game are now averaging $20 a ticket, down over 15% from last year. At those prices, I urge anyone in the New York area to go out and support the young Mets organization.
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