4 NY Mets players with the most to gain with a strong 2026 finish

It’s not about how you start, but where you finish. This can only work to some extent in sports because the limited number of games means there comes a point where you’ll never catch up. In the final two and a half months, the New York Mets are playing more as individuals than a team. Some would argue this attitude is what doomed them in the first place.

A strong finish from these Mets players can reward them with starting jobs, more cash, or a roster spot.

These Mets have incentive to finish the year strong

1) Brett Baty

Brett Baty has something very clear to gain with a strong finish: a starting job. Baty was a planned utility player coming into the year and has fit the role nicely. The problem is he hasn’t hit much and with the high expectations still fresh in our minds, it’s hard to accept this might just be his peak. Both corner infield spots are a bit mysterious. Baty could fool the Mets once more into handing him a more regular gig at either one.

2) Zach Thornton

Zach Thornton has only appeared in three games and each start seems to go better. He’s a must-start after the trade deadline, likely to take the spot currently occupied by Freddy Peralta. Dazzle us enough and Thornton is an immediate contender for next year’s starting rotation. Some would argue he already is.

3) Clay Holmes

Is Clay Holmes even pitching for the Mets again this year? Possibly able to slot in one more start before the trade deadline, Holmes has a financial incentive. He is sure to opt-out of his contract and get something along the lines of a three-year contract worth $60-75 million. The larger numbers become more viable if Holmes ends the year on a high note. It might, however, occur in another team’s uniform. Rumors of a contract extension are already in the works.

4) Bo Bichette

Bo Bichette probably will finish the year with the Mets and an MVP-caliber conclusion can make a decision to opt-out easier. If he walks away from his deal with the Mets, he gets an additional $5 million and a chance to explore the open market for the second straight year. It’s risky to leve $42 million on the table for next year considering the unknown of the CBA. If Bichette is seeking long-term security, this is the offseason to do it. Even after a down year, he’ll be one of the more desirable players in free agency.

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