Mets vs. Phillies: Who Will Bounce Back First?

As the 2026 MLB season unfolds, both the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies entered with high hopes, only to find themselves mired in disappointing slumps. The Phillies have lost seven consecutive games, while the Mets are enduring a staggering 12-game losing streak, their longest since 2002. With the Mets sitting at 7-16, they currently hold the worst record in Major League Baseball, just behind the Phillies at 8-15.

The question on everyone’s mind is whether either team can turn their fortunes around, and if so, which fanbase has more reason for optimism. To explore this, we consulted a panel of MLB.com analysts for their insights.

Mike Petriello believes that neither team has much to look forward to, as both entered the season with significant flaws. However, he notes that both clubs are set to welcome back key players: Juan Soto for the Mets and Zack Wheeler for the Phillies. Petriello leans towards the Mets having a better chance of improving, citing the potential for Soto's return to spark the lineup.

Mark Feinsand, who initially predicted both teams would reach the postseason, gives a slight edge to the Phillies. He argues that their pitching staff is stronger overall and that their struggling stars are likely to improve. Feinsand also highlights the aggressive nature of Phillies' baseball operations chief Dave Dombrowski, suggesting he may make bold moves to strengthen the roster.

Anthony Castrovince expresses concerns about both teams but believes the Mets have a better chance of resolving their issues during the season. He points out that the return of Soto could significantly enhance the Mets' lineup, while the Phillies face challenges with an aging roster and the pressure on Wheeler to perform after surgery.

David Adler sees the situation as a toss-up, acknowledging the strengths of both teams. He notes that while the Mets have the best hitter in Soto, the Phillies boast a strong pitching lineup led by Cristopher Sánchez. Adler ultimately leans towards the Phillies, citing their recent playoff experience as a factor.

Thomas Harrigan highlights the difference in the two teams' situations, noting that the Phillies are experiencing a typical slow start, while the Mets appear to be in a genuine crisis. He points out that despite the Phillies' struggles, they have veteran stars performing well, raising questions about their offensive potential. In contrast, Mets fans can look forward to Soto's return and hope for a turnaround from their underperforming stars.

As both teams navigate these early-season challenges, the debate continues over which club is more likely to turn things around. With the season still young, fans from both sides remain hopeful that their teams can find a way to bounce back.