Overview
- The Mets defeated the Rangers 7-2 Wednesday after Marcus Semien hit a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth and Brett Baty followed with a pinch-hit grand slam in the ninth to seal the win.
- Rookie Nolan McLean made his final start of the season and allowed two runs over seven innings, finishing 2026 with a 3.16 ERA, 179 2/3 innings and 194 strikeouts, figures that strengthened his NL Rookie of the Year resume.
- Juan Soto provided early offense with a two-run homer in the third, and the Mets bullpen preserved McLean’s performance with quality relief from Devin Williams, Cionel Pérez and others.
- Before the game the Mets claimed left-hander Philip Abner off waivers from the Giants as a low-cost addition for pitching depth while the club evaluates rotation needs heading into the offseason.
- New York entered the series already eliminated from playoff contention and used late-season games in Arlington to test young players and identify roster priorities for 2027, while the loss worsened the Rangers’ tight late wild-card race.