So much has changed over the last couple of weeks across MLB. Many of the big free agents finally signed new deals, allowing teams' roster construction to come more into focus with spring training right around the corner. The Philadelphia Phillies made their adjustments in hopes of defending their NL East crown after a 96-win season, but their division rival New York Mets have moved much closer to becoming a contender.
The Mets' offseason has been a master class in their upgrading of the roster as they look to bounce back from missing the playoffs in 2025 with just 83 wins. They were motivated to compete for the division, and now the Phillies have to stay motivated in order to still prove themselves as the top team. The Mets are looking to build around Lindor and Soto, and the roster is on its way to rival the rest of the division.
Mets will threaten Phillies for top spot in NL East
Mets ownership had one mission, and it could have been to cause the most chaos in one offseason. That wasn't the goal, but easily could have been after their flurry of moves in January. If there was any problem or hole found in the roster, Mets owner Steve Cohen has been more than happy to throw money at it. The Mets now currently hold the second-highest payroll in MLB with just over $371 million, while the Phillies rank third with roughly $325 million.
The Mets did an overhaul of their roster. They're clearly trying to jump start the club in 2026.
After losing first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz, the Mets answered furiously. So far, they've traded for second baseman Marcus Semien, center fielder Luis Robert Jr., and right-handed pitchers Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers. They've also gone out and added relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to their bullpen. What was once a weakness, now fills a massive hole.
To many Phillies fans’ dismay, shortstop Bo Bichette will also be an important piece of their club after the Mets stole him right out from under the Phillies' nose. Bichette was primed to be a member of the Phillies, until he declined signing a $200 million offer. Although his contract with the Mets can turn into a one-year deal with his opt-out, the division is more up for grabs than ever.
The Phillies may still have a slight edge, but the stagnant nature of their own offseason is a major concern. They re-signed designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and catcher J.T. Realmuto, but really failed to shake up much of anything in the eyes of the depth chart. The team still has the same core group of players since their window opened in 2022. Phillies managing partner John Middleton may not have the same kind of money that Cohen has, but there was a massive opportunity in front of them to keep the Mets trailing in the division.
The Phillies can potentially still do something before reporting to spring training next month, but it feels unlikely at this point. The Mets had a glaring weakness in their rotation and just made the massive move for Peralta Wednesday night.
A lot still has to go the Mets' way to win the NL East after 83 wins in 2025. The Braves still lurk, but the Phillies may still be their biggest challenge. The Phillies did what they thought was necessary, but sometimes erring on the side of caution can be risky in its own sense. The Mets look completely upgraded, but the Phillies will remain hopeful that their club still remains better in 2026.