The New York Mets have been well represented at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with 11 players participating across seven different national teams.
Even without star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who missed the tournament due to a broken hamate bone in his left hand, Mets players have made a noticeable impact during pool play. Several have thrived on the international stage, while others have faced tougher outings.
With the pool stage now complete, some Mets players will return to spring training in Port St. Lucie, while others will continue competing in the knockout rounds.
Here’s a look at how some of the Mets’ most notable representatives performed during the tournament so far.
Juan Soto (Dominican Republic)
One of the biggest stars in the entire tournament has been Juan Soto, who continues to prove why he’s one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters.
Appearing in his second World Baseball Classic, Soto has been a key part of the Dominican Republic’s powerhouse lineup.
Through four games, all wins for the Dominican Republic, Soto is slashing:
- .333 batting average
- .500 on-base percentage
- .733 slugging percentage
- 2 home runs
- 4 RBI
- 1.233 OPS
Both of his home runs came in crucial moments. One ended a game against the Netherlands via the mercy rule, while another gave the Dominican Republic a lead against Venezuela that they never relinquished.
Soto is coming off a 40-home run, 30-steal season and a third-place finish in NL MVP voting, and his WBC performance suggests he’s carrying that momentum into the 2026 MLB season.
Clay Holmes (United States)
Another Mets player making a strong impression is Clay Holmes, who pitched effectively for Team USA.
Holmes, who recently transitioned from the bullpen to the starting rotation, delivered a dominant outing against Great Britain, pitching three innings while allowing only one baserunner.
He also struck out six batters, including a stretch where he retired five consecutive hitters via strikeout.
Holmes’ expanded pitch mix has drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike, particularly since moving into a starting role.
Although he returned to Mets camp after pool play concluded, his performance helped Team USA advance to the knockout stage, and Mets fans will be encouraged by the form he displayed.
Nolan McLean (United States)
Rookie pitcher Nolan McLean was one of the most intriguing Mets players to watch during the tournament.
His start against Team Italy showed both the upside and growing pains of a young pitcher.
McLean opened the game in dominant fashion by striking out the side in the first inning. However, things unraveled in the second inning when he surrendered two home runs.
He ultimately finished with three earned runs allowed and was charged with the loss.
Despite the rough stretch, coaches remain confident in the 24-year-old’s talent. Team USA pitching coach Andy Pettitte even suggested McLean could potentially start a WBC championship game if the Americans reach that stage.
If the U.S. advances, McLean could get a chance at redemption later in the tournament.
Mark Vientos (Nicaragua)
Unfortunately, the tournament didn’t go nearly as well for Mark Vientos.
Playing for Team Nicaragua, Vientos struggled throughout pool play as his team went 0–4.
The 26-year-old third baseman managed just:
- 2 singles in 15 at-bats
- 6 strikeouts
After already enduring a difficult 2025 season, this performance won’t help his case for a bigger role with the Mets in 2026.
His future with the team already became uncertain after the Mets added Bo Bichette to play third base, and unless Vientos rebounds quickly, his value as either a contributor or a trade piece could decline.
Huascar Brazobán (Dominican Republic)
One of the most encouraging Mets performances came from reliever Huascar Brazobán.
Competing for a spot in the Mets bullpen this spring, Brazobán looked dominant in his two appearances for the Dominican Republic.
In his first outing against Nicaragua, he retired all five batters he faced, generating weak contact and recording a strikeout.
He followed that up with another strong outing against Venezuela, where he walked one batter but then struck out three consecutive hitters, including Ronald Acuña Jr.
If Brazobán can carry this form into the MLB season, he could become a valuable piece in a Mets bullpen that still has several unanswered questions.
Strong representation for the Mets
The World Baseball Classic has once again proven to be an exciting stage for international competition — and the Mets have had a strong presence throughout the event.
From Juan Soto’s superstar hitting to Clay Holmes’ dominant pitching and promising flashes from Nolan McLean, several Mets players have used the tournament as an opportunity to showcase their talent.
As the knockout rounds begin, some Mets will continue competing for a championship, while others return to Florida to finish preparing for the 2026 MLB season.
Either way, the Mets have already made their mark on the tournament. ⚾
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