When it comes to celebrity Mets fans, Jerry Seinfeld usually gets top billing. But he’s far from alone — and this week, another Hollywood voice stepped into the spotlight with some bold takes on the team’s 2026 outlook.
Sep 19, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; (L-R) Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg arrive at the 73rd Emmy Awards at L.A. Live. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY | Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY
Jon Hurwitz, best known for Cobra Kai and the Harold & Kumar series, is just as vocal about the Mets as he is about filmmaking. Recently, he shared a series of predictions for the upcoming season — some grounded, others far more ambitious.
As Opening Day approaches, it’s worth taking a closer look at which of those ideas feel realistic… and which may be a stretch.
Brett Baty takes over first base
This one feels less like a bold prediction and more like an inevitability.
With the roster construction as it stands, Brett Baty appears positioned to handle the bulk of the workload at first base. There simply aren’t many obstacles in his way, barring unexpected roster changes or underperformance.
If things go according to plan, Baty should lead the team in appearances at the position without much resistance.
Jorge Polanco drives in 90+ runs
This is where things start to get more complicated.
Polanco certainly has the opportunity. Hitting in the middle of a lineup that could feature names like Bo Bichette and Juan Soto ahead of him creates plenty of RBI chances.
But history suggests caution. He’s only reached the 90-RBI mark once in his career — and that required a power surge that may be difficult to replicate. Add in durability concerns, and this prediction starts to feel overly optimistic.
Clay Holmes reaches 15 wins
On paper, this doesn’t sound unreasonable.
Holmes won 12 games last season, so adding a few more doesn’t seem like a major leap. But in today’s game, reaching 15 wins is more difficult than it used to be. Only a handful of pitchers hit that mark each year, and it often requires both performance and favorable circumstances.
Holmes could have another strong season and still fall short of that total.
Carson Benge clears 15 home runs
If there’s one area where Benge still has something to prove, it’s power.
He didn’t leave the yard during spring training, and his minor league track record suggests that home run production isn’t yet a defining part of his game. While that could develop over time, expecting a breakout power season right away may be premature.
For now, the safer bet is that his contributions come in other ways.
Francisco Alvarez earns an All-Star nod
Projecting All-Stars is always tricky, and catcher is one of the toughest positions to predict.
Alvarez has the talent, but several factors could work against him. The Mets may manage his workload carefully, limiting his overall numbers. And with competition across the league — along with the All-Star selection process — even strong seasons can be overlooked.
It’s not impossible, but it’s far from a lock.
Devin Williams posts a better ERA than Edwin Díaz
This might be the most intriguing prediction of the group.
Williams has consistently delivered elite results, often posting ERAs below 2.00. Díaz, while dominant at times, has shown more volatility throughout his career.
If Williams adapts well to New York, there’s a realistic path for him to outperform Díaz in this specific category — even if it doesn’t necessarily mean he has the better overall season.
A Season Full of Questions
Predictions like these highlight just how many unknowns surround the Mets heading into 2026.
There’s talent on the roster, but also variability. Health, role clarity, and player development will all play a major role in shaping the outcome.
Some of these forecasts may age well. Others likely won’t.
But that’s part of what makes Opening Day compelling — the sense that everything is still possible, and that even the boldest predictions aren’t entirely out of reach.
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