Series Preview: Mets Look to Rebound Against Reds

Was the positive momentum for the Mets just a flash in the pan? That may very well be the case.

New York was swept out of Miami by the Marlins over Memorial Day weekend, and it was not a pretty showing on offense. Scoring two total runs in three games, the Mets looked lost and overmatched consistently. The pitching did all it could to save the day, but it was to no avail. By the end of the series, New York was firmly back in last place in the NL East.

A new series is on the horizon, though, as the Mets welcome the Cincinnati Reds to Citi Field for a three-game set. What awaits New York in these matchups? And can the Mets get back on track in the right direction?

It is time to find out, as another early-week series preview is here!

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Monday: Nolan McLean (2-3, 2.92 ERA) vs. Nick Lodolo (0-1, 7.20 ERA)

Nolan McLean, for really the first time in his career, is coming off a clunker. Facing the Washington Nationals, the right-handed pitcher allowed nine runs, with six of them earned, in 5.2 innings pitched. McLean allowed eight hits and walked two batters, but also managed to strike out five batters. If not for James Wood‘s inside-the-park grand slam, there is a good chance McLean can settle in and record a quality start. Outside of this past blow-up outing against the Nationals, the Mets’ ace has mostly shut down opposing lineups this season. McLean’s arsenal has been rock solid, as has his command outside of the sporadic walk. Returning home to face the Reds, this is an ideal rebound opportunity for the right-handed pitcher.
In three starts this year, Nick Lodolo has not been the successful, 20525 version of himself. Holding a 7.20 ERA, Lodolo has not allowed fewer than three runs in an outing in 2026. He has allowed barrels at a very high rate (19%) and is not missing bats at a high rate. The Mets have an opportunity to capitalize on Lodolo’s slow start and string together hits.

Tuesday: TBD vs. Chase Burns (6-1, 1.83 ERA)

New York has yet to announce its probable starter for the second game of this series.
Chase Burns has been one of the best pitchers in the sport in 2026, pitching to a 6-1 record and a 1.83 ERA in 10 starts. Burns has a strikeout rate of 28.2%, a whiff rate of 34.7%, and has induced a chase rate of 33.1%. Oh, and his slider alone has generated 44 strikeouts this year. Batters are mustering just a .186 BA against Burns’ fastball (.234 xBA) and a .137 BA against his slider (.148 xBA). Only Juan Soto has a positive run value against the four-seamer in 2026 (plus eight, .310 BA), with Brett Baty next at net zero and a .273 batting average against. Mark Vientos and Soto each have plus one run values against the slider, but are both hitting .231 and .235 against the pitch, respectively.

Wednesday: TBD vs. Andrew Abbott (4-2, 3.97 ERA)

As of the writing of this article, a starter has not been announced for Wednesday’s game for the New York Mets.
Abbott had a rough April (7.22 ERA in six starts), but he has been rock-solid in May. Through four starts, the lefty has a 3-0 record and has given up two total earned runs in 22 innings. He has 14 strikeouts in that time as well, using a four-pitch combination that relies heavily on a fastball and sweeper. The Mets have had their struggles against lefties in 2026, hitting just .223/.291/.357 in 42 games.

Carson Benge & A.J. Ewing by Berto Carlo

The Main Storyline

Ahead of this series, my main storyline is once again simple: Can the New York Mets’ lineup find its way once more?

Following a hot streak in the middle of May, the bats cooled off considerably against the Marlins; New York only scored two total runs in their three games in Miami. This quiet offensive performance was for a variety of reasons. Miami’s defense made countless plays, such as Jakob Marsee robbing Carson Benge of multiple extra-base hits.

However, New York’s batters did not execute in the vast majority of situations. They squandered a large number of runners on base and never looked quite comfortable with the strike zone.

The Mets’ pitching, even when they have given up a run here or there, has been rock solid overall. Rather, New York’s momentum has all but stalled due to the disappearance of any consistent hitting production.

There have been plenty of injuries to this roster, and in recent days, New York has dealt with an illness running through their locker room. But as unfair as it may seem, the rest of the team has to step up if New York wants any chance to have a truly good season.

Yes, that means A.J. Ewing will have to continue to be the spark plug. Yes, that means that Carson Benge will have to continue to get on base at a high clip. And yes, that means the likes of Bo Bichette, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos need to play at a high level.

Until some, or all, of those things happen, the Mets will continue to fall behind in the standings. And as a result, this is my main storyline of the week.

Player to Watch

In the latest early week series for the Mets, I am focusing on Carson Benge as my “Player to Watch.”

For the Mets to win multiple games in the series, Benege will have to continue to get on base at a high clip. He will also have to cut down on the strikeouts and make consistent contact against the Reds. Benge is a major piece of this lineup, and as unfair as it may be for the rookie, his performance will dictate a lot for this team against the Reds.