MLB Rumors: 5 Mets Players Who Will Not Be Back Next Season
After blowing a postseason spot despite adding Juan Soto to an NLCS roster, the Mets are expected to overhaul their roster heading into 2026. Zachary Rotman of Fansided identified several names unlikely to return, and five stand out as the most likely to be on their way out of Queens.
Ryan Helsley
Acquired at the trade deadline to form a shutdown duo with Edwin Díaz, Ryan Helsley never lived up to expectations. The right-hander posted a brutal 7.20 ERA in 22 games, making him one of the deadline’s biggest flops across baseball. Even with a late push to lower his ERA, the Mets won’t bring him back after such a disappointing stretch.
SNY broadcast absolutely laying into Ryan Helsley pic.twitter.com/gF4M8Yj8SW
— Adam Weinrib (@AdamWeinrib) September 28, 2025
Cedric Mullins
The Mets needed stability in center field but Cedric Mullins provided anything but. He hit just .182 with two home runs in Queens and even cost the team defensively in key moments. With top prospect Carson Benge waiting in the wings, the Mets are expected to move on quickly from Mullins.
Gregory Soto
Gregory Soto initially looked like a solid deadline addition, but his September collapse sealed his fate. Allowing 10 runs in just over 11 innings during the final month, Soto’s inconsistency was too costly for a bullpen that badly needs a reset. He’ll be another reliever heading out the door.
Continuing my Overall Player Grades for the Season: Gregory Soto.
— Mets Batflip (@metsbatflip1) September 29, 2025
Season Stats📊:
👉 25 G
👉 24.0 IP
👉 4.50 ERA
👉 1.63 WHIP
👉 1-3 W-L
👉 26 K
Final Grade✍️: C- pic.twitter.com/swcCDiTJCp
Jesse Winker
After being re-signed on a one-year deal to serve as the designated hitter against right-handed pitching, Jesse Winker failed to stay healthy. Limited to only 26 games, he posted a .709 OPS and couldn’t provide the spark the Mets had hoped for. Injuries and underperformance make it unlikely he returns for 2026.
Mark Vientos
Once viewed as the third baseman of the future, Mark Vientos regressed badly on both sides of the ball in 2025. His poor defense and streaky bat left him with a negative WAR, and trade rumors swirled all season. With Alonso’s future uncertain and better options needed across the infield, Vientos looks like a prime trade candidate this winter.
Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
