Mets Roundup, Oct 12: Stearns' Pitching Choices, 2026 Shortcomings, Extension Caution

[Grand Central Mets]

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis from around the internet. The pieces cover David Stearns' pitching decisions, the impact of a salary cap, the 2026 team's struggles, Nate Lavender and Kodai Senga's performances, and lessons from the Braves' contracts.

• How David Stearns’ pitching choices have defined his bumpy Mets tenure — and what could be next (New York Post $$$). Argues that David Stearns' early success in acquiring Luis Severino and Sean Manaea was a key factor in the Mets' NLCS run, but his subsequent struggles in the pitching market have contributed to the team's playoff drought since 2021.
• How would a salary cap hamstring the Mets? What kind of team can they build at different budgets? (The Athletic $$$). Projects how a salary cap would limit the Mets' ability to build a competitive team, noting their current preference for aggressive, short-term deals.
• Don’t blame NY Mets hitting or pitching for 2026 shortcomings, condemn them both (Rising Apple). Argues that both the 2026 Mets' hitting and pitching were equally responsible for their poor performance, noting they scored 699 runs while allowing 731, ranked 20th in runs scored and 17th in runs allowed, and showed inconsistent improvement throughout the season.
• 2026 Report Card: Nate Lavender, RP (Metsmerized Online). Notes the 2026 performance of Nate Lavender, who made his MLB debut in August 2026, posting a 1.66 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and 21 2/3 innings, and was graded an "A" for his effective relief work and resilience after multiple injuries and a Rule 5 draft stint.
• 2026 Report Card: Kodai Senga, P (Metsmerized Online). Notes the poor 2026 performance of Kodai Senga as a starter, including a 10.08 ERA in 27 2/3 innings, but highlights his improved results as a closer with 8 saves in 9 opportunities and a 5.34 xERA.
• These Braves contracts are proof the NY Mets need to be careful about early extensions (Rising Apple). Argues that the New York Mets should avoid early extensions for young players like Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, and A.J. Ewing, citing the Atlanta Braves' problematic deals with Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Spencer Strider, Austin Riley, and Sean Murphy, which were undermined by injuries and poor performance.