The New York Mets signed off at Citi Field for 2026 in typically frustrating fashion.
In what was the final home series of the year, the Mets split with the Phillies, with both teams winning two games apiece. Some inconsistent pitching didn’t help.
As a result, the Mets finished the 2026 season 36-45 at home, which sums up just how disappointing this season has been. The team also bid an emotional farewell to iconic Hall of Fame broadcaster Howie Rose.
On that note, let’s recap everything from the Phillies series in the latest edition of 3 Up, 3 Down…
Carson Benge by Roberto Carlo
3 UP
FAREWELL, HOWIE
The Mets got a chance to say goodbye to a franchise icon over the weekend. Howie Rose, the beloved Mets broadcaster, put it in the books for one final time on Sunday. Despite the fact that Howe’s retirement ceremony was postponed because of bad weather, fans and players were still able to show their appreciation to Howie. As much a part of the fabric of the Mets as anyone, Howie deserves all of the love and adulation he’s currently getting. It will be strange not to hear him on the radio broadcast anymore.
HOMEGROWN DELIGHT
Mets fans have a new homegrown stud to cherish. Carson Benge continues to show why he could be the future of this team. The outfielder is having a dream rookie year, which was on full display over the weekend. Benge became the Mets’ new rookie hit king after tallying his 156th hit of the year on Saturday. Furthermore, Benge hit his 19th homer of the year. As a result, he is now one homer short of joining the 20/20 club. Benge looks every inch a potential future franchise player for the team. If that wasn’t enough, he plays the game the right way and is incredibly easy to root for.
EYE ON THE FUTURE
All four of the Mets’ young starters got the ball in this series. Three of the young arms really stood out. It started on Thursday when Nolan McLean allowed just one run with five strikeouts over six stellar innings. Zac Thornton flashed his toughness on Friday by striking out four over six innings of two-run ball. Then, on Saturday, Christian Scott allowed three runs but struck out seven over 4.2 innings in a laugher of a win for the Mets. All in all, the Mets got an encouraging glimpse at their future with their three young starters all impressing.
Jonah Tong by Roberto Carlo
3 DOWN
SCARY MOMENT
Some things are bigger than baseball. That was the case on Thursday when Jared Young was carted off the field following a collision with Nolan McLean. The infielder was taken to the hospital and underwent tests following what was just a really scary scene. Thankfully, while he has a concussion, Young has since been discharged from the hospital and has full motion in his arms and legs. He is also able to walk. However, it was still a really scary moment and a tough way for Young’s exceptional season to end.
KILLER BLOW
The Mets were down by just two runs in the series finale on Sunday, with a chance to still play spoiler. However, Kodai Senga came in and gave up a three-run triple to Justin Crawford, putting the game out of reach. While wins and losses don’t matter, it still would have been great if the Mets could have taken the series. Plus, it raises fresh questions about Senga’s future role with this team.
MISSTEP
Speaking of players needing to impress, Jonah Tong suffered a slight setback over the weekend. The young pitcher struggled, allowing four earned runs and four walks over 4.2 innings. Tong didn’t have his best stuff, and he faced a lot of traffic. Now, while it was just one start, finishing strong was always going to be important for Tong as he looks to force his way into the rotation in 2027.
