Get ready, baseball world, because 29 former Mets players are officially gearing up for the 2026 postseason. That’s more than a full roster’s worth of guys, with 18 pitchers and 13 hitters, all chasing that World Series title. From key pieces dealt at the trade deadline to recent Mets postseason heroes, even a former Rookie of the Year and an NL MVP favorite are in the mix. With the Wild Card Series kicking off tomorrow, let’s take a look at some of these ex-Mets, particularly those with the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays.
Peralta’s Postseason Push with the AL’s Best
The Tampa Bay Rays, the American League’s No. 1 seed, look like a force, and a big part of that is former Met Freddy Peralta. While he hasn’t quite hit his incredible 2025 numbers, the Rays’ pitching gurus clearly worked some magic with him after his early-season Mets stint. Peralta has been on an absolute tear lately, posting a ridiculous 0.94 ERA across 28.2 innings in his final five starts. He’s locked in and is set to be either the No. 2 or No. 3 starter for the Rays in the playoffs. Talk about finding your form at the perfect time!
Matz and Mullins Bring Veteran Savvy
Another familiar face on the Rays is Steven Matz, still spinning it at 35, over a decade after his memorable Mets debut. After bouncing around with the Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Red Sox, Matz signed with Tampa Bay last offseason. He started in the rotation but moved to the bullpen in early June, finishing with a 5.49 ERA in 80.1 innings overall. He might not be Jacob deGrom or Zack Wheeler, but sustaining a big league career into your mid-30s? That’s a win, especially when Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard can’t say the same.
And then there’s Cedric Mullins. His bat this year has been a mild upgrade from his 2025 second half with the Mets, but his defense? That’s where he shines. Mullins racked up 11 outs above average and a fielding run value of 10, tied for seventh among all outfielders. Despite a 75 OPS+, he still brings a unique power-speed combo with 15 homers and 21 stolen bases. He’s one of only three players, alongside Randy Arozarena and Trea Turner, to pull off six straight 15-homer, 15-steal seasons. Plus, Cole Sulser, a right-hander who only pitched four games for the Mets in 2024, was acquired by the Rays after his brief New York stint.
It’s wild to see so many former Mets spread across playoff rosters, all vying for that ultimate prize. With the Wild Card Series kicking off tomorrow, it’s going to be exciting to track these guys and see who can make the deepest run towards a World Series title. The baseball world is about to get a whole lot more intense, and these ex-Mets are right in the thick of it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Amazin’ Avenue.
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