Grading the first impression of all 8 NY Mets players new to the roster in 2026

We don’t have off from work today? If Opening Day isn’t a holiday, the day after should be. One game in the books for the New York Mets, we had our official first look in the regular season at what several newcomers have to offer. We understand there’s no full conclusion to draw, but in an 11-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, there is enough up and down evidence to hand out our first grades of the regular season.

A grade for every Mets player new to the team in 2026

Freddy Peralta - C

Maybe a little generous, 5 innings and 4 earned runs with three of them coming on Brandon Lowe home runs wasn’t the ideal way to start his Mets career. It was completely average for a player we’re counting on being more.

Bo Bichette - C-

Some good at-bats and a sacrifice fly to begin the first inning rally, Bo Bichette’s first impression included the closest attempt at wearing a golden sombrero as it could get. Only saved by the RBI and long at-bats, his hat trick of punchouts against the Pirates bullpen will be quickly forgotten.

Jorge Polanco - A-

He did everything he needed to. While some fans haven’t forgotten about Pete Alonso, Jorge Polanco had strong at-bats and showed everyone what a professional hitter looks like. He wasn’t the focal point of the game, but he had a good day regardless.

Marcus Semien - B

Let’s face it, Marcus Semien got lucky Oneil Cruz couldn’t cut it as a shortstop. That double along with another single was a nice way to start things off. For what it’s worth, Brandon Nimmo was 0 for 3 with a walk.

Luis Robert Jr. - A

Color me impressed. He had a hustle infield hit and played steady defense. Luis Robert Jr. looked more in control than his reputation. He struck out once but also walked. A lot has been made about other players changing the look of the lineup. Robert, as someone who could conceivably hit at the top, in the middle, or at the very bottom might carry the largest weight.

Carson Benge - A

The Mets rookie bounced back from two strikeouts and hit a home run. He drew a pair of late walks, too. Carson Benge is a work in progress despite the first impression.

Tobias Myers - B+

The Mets didn’t wait to use one of their more important pitchers. Tobias Myers carried them for three innings. Outside of a solo home run, he was solid with no walks allowed and a strikeout. Myers isn’t a major strikeout pitcher and will rely on the Mets defense behind for outs.

Luis Garcia - D-

When your team gives up 7 runs, someone has to get a bad grade on the pitching staff, right? Although Peralta was well below expectations, Luis Garcia received the brunt of the rough housing the Pirates offense had to offer. He gave up 2 earned runs in his one inning and magically managed to strike out a pair. Only because he didn’t let it get too messy is he able to avoid an F.