The New York Mets faced significant challenges with their starting rotation during the 2025 season, but pitcher Clay Holmes has expressed optimism that these issues will be resolved in 2026. As the team prepares for spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida this week, Holmes highlighted the potential of the pitching staff, particularly praising new ace Freddy Peralta.
Last year, the Mets finished with an 83-79 record but struggled with their starting pitching depth, ranking near the bottom in innings pitched and allowing a high number of walks. This strain forced the bullpen into heavy workloads, leading to one of the highest numbers of innings pitched and losses among relief pitchers in the league. Holmes believes the rotation’s talent has not yet been fully realized and is ready to contend more effectively this year.
Holmes Emphasizes Raw Ability Within the Mets’ Rotation
Mets fans hope the struggles that plagued the starters in 2025 will not carry over, and Holmes firmly trusts the capabilities of the five main starters. He shared with SNY that the team fell short of its potential last season despite having the necessary talent.
New staff ace Freddy Peralta joins Nolan McLean, who impressed last year as a strong contender with a 5-1 record and a 2.06 ERA across eight starts. McLean has positioned himself as a key member of the Mets’ rotation, frequently filling the role of No. 1A or No. 2 starter for the team.
In his first year both starting and with the Mets, Holmes led the team with 12 wins and logged the second-most innings behind All-Star David Peterson. This places Holmes and Peterson in prominent roles after Peralta and McLean, while pitchers Kodai Senga and Jonah Tong push for starting spots, signaling a more competitive and deeper rotation in 2026.
I think in the rotation, the talent’s three,
Holmes said.
I don’t think we pitched to what we’re capable of last year.
The starting rotation is like the engine of teams,
Holmes added.
“We know we need to be better, and it just makes everything go well.”
It’s exciting to get to work with these guys and see what we can do.
New Energy Brought by Freddy Peralta and Justin Willard
The Mets also welcomed a new pitching coach, Justin Willard, hired in November after serving as the Boston Red Sox director of pitching. Holmes appreciates the fresh perspective and positive energy both Willard and Peralta bring to the team as they focus on improving the rotation.
They have a great energy about them,
Holmes said when referring to Peralta and Willard.
Obviously with some new pitching coaches, [I’m] just getting to know them and see what they say. A fresh perspective on things is always good. I’ve just been taking those things in and kind of running with them.
Having faced Peralta during the 2024 National League Wild Card Series—with Holmes pitching for the New York Yankees against Peralta’s Milwaukee Brewers—Holmes respects the new Mets ace’s proven track record. Peralta posted a 17-6 record with a 2.70 ERA in 2025 and has struck out over 200 batters for three consecutive years, ranking among the top pitchers in the National League.
Holmes also noted the personal qualities that make Peralta stand out beyond his pitching.
Freddie’s obviously a special pitcher,
Holmes said.
[I’ve] heard his reputation as who he is as a person [and] as a teammate and the energy he brings to the field. It’s gonna be a lot of fun to pitch aside from him and to get to learn from him.”
Outlook for Mets’ Rotation Heading into 2026 Season
With a combination of rising talent, a solid core of proven starters, and new coaching influences, the Mets appear poised to stabilize their starting rotation after a difficult 2025. Clay Holmes’ confidence in his teammates and the incoming energy from Freddy Peralta and Justin Willard set an optimistic tone for the upcoming season.
Improving starting pitching depth could reduce the burden on the bullpen, which was heavily taxed last year, and ultimately contribute to stronger overall team performance. As pitchers and catchers gather in Florida, the Mets are preparing for a rotation that many hope will be a vital engine powering their success in 2026.
