So, you’re looking at the calendar and realized it's mid-January. If you’re asking who's pitching for the mets today, the short answer is: officially, nobody. We are currently in the deep freeze of the MLB offseason. Citi Field is quiet, the mounds are covered, and the only thing throwing heat right now is the hot stove of free agency.
But don’t check out just yet.
While there isn’t a box score to refresh today, January 13, 2026, is actually a massive day for the Mets' pitching future. We aren't looking at who is taking the rubber in a game, but rather who is taking the rubber in the 2026 rotation. David Stearns is in the middle of a high-stakes game of roster Tetris.
The Projected 2026 Rotation Right Now
If the season started this afternoon, the rotation would look a lot different than the one that finished 2025. Honestly, the departure of some familiar faces like Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz—who both moved on in December—has shifted the entire team’s gravity.
Here is how the starting five is shaking out as of this morning:
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- Kodai Senga: The undisputed anchor. When Senga is healthy, that "ghost fork" is still one of the most unhittable pitches in baseball.
- David Peterson: He’s transitioned from a "maybe" to a "must-have" lefty presence.
- Sean Manaea: Back and ready to eat innings.
- Nolan McLean: This is the name everyone is talking about today.
- Clay Holmes: Wait, the former Yankee closer? Yeah, the Mets have him projected as a starter/hybrid in the rotation mix for 2026.
Why Nolan McLean is the Guy to Watch
If you want to know who's pitching for the mets today in terms of organizational hype, it’s Nolan McLean. MLB Pipeline just dropped their 2026 right-handed pitching prospect rankings yesterday, and McLean is sitting right at the top.
The kid is 24. He’s got a sinker that touches 95 mph and a curveball that makes professional hitters look like they’re swinging at ghosts. Last year, he had a brief 48-inning cameo where he posted a 2.06 ERA. That isn’t just good; it’s "ace-in-the-waiting" good.
He didn't hit the 50-inning threshold last year, which means he’s still rookie-eligible for 2026. He is a legitimate frontrunner for NL Rookie of the Year. When spring training kicks off in Port St. Lucie next month, all eyes—and I mean all eyes—will be on his first bullpen session.
The Framber Valdez Factor
There is a massive "if" hanging over the Mets' rotation today. The rumors are swirling that Steve Cohen is about to flex the wallet for Framber Valdez.
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Valdez is 32, but he is a ground-ball machine. He threw 192 innings last year. The Mets desperately need that kind of durability. Right now, the rotation has high upside but a lot of "if" factors regarding health. Valdez would change the math completely. Chris Landers over at FanSided recently predicted the Mets would land him on a high-AAV, short-term deal. If that happens today or tomorrow, the answer to who's pitching for the mets today (at least on paper) gets a lot more expensive and a lot more intimidating.
Beyond the Top Five: The Depth Chart
Baseball is a war of attrition. You don't just need five starters; you need ten. Behind the main guys, the Mets are looking at:
- Jonah Tong: Another top-10 RHP prospect who is rising fast.
- Brandon Sproat: High velocity, high ceiling, still refining the command.
- Tylor Megill: Likely starting the season on the IL, but a vital piece for the summer stretch.
- Christian Scott: A steady hand who can fill in when the inevitable "arm fatigue" hits in May.
What Happens Next?
The Mets' first actual game of 2026 isn't until Saturday, February 21, when they host the Miami Marlins at Clover Park for the spring training opener.
If you are planning a trip to Port St. Lucie, that's when you'll finally see these guys in action. Between now and then, the "pitching" is happening in the front office. Stearns is trying to find one more veteran arm to bridge the gap between Senga and the kids like McLean and Tong.
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Keep a close eye on the waiver wire and the late-market free agents. The Mets have already been active, claiming guys like Joey Gerber and José Castillo to beef up the bullpen, but the rotation still feels one piece short of being a World Series contender.
Actionable Insights for Mets Fans Today:
- Track the Valdez Rumors: If the Mets sign Framber, the rotation moves from "promising" to "powerhouse."
- Mark February 21: This is the first date you'll get a real answer to who is on the mound.
- Watch the Rookie Rankings: Nolan McLean is currently the #1 RHP prospect for 2026; his development over the next six weeks determines the Mets' ceiling.
- Check the Spring Schedule: Tickets for Clover Park games are already on sale, with the Yankees visiting on March 8—always a sellout.
The 2026 Mets are in a total transition phase. Gone are the days of relying on Alonso’s homers alone. This year is going to be won or lost on the mound. Whether it's Senga’s veteran craftiness or McLean’s raw power, the rotation is finally starting to look like a David Stearns masterpiece.