Opening Day is rapidly approaching for the New York Mets, but a few key decisions still remain unresolved.
With less than two weeks before the regular season begins, most of the roster appears largely set. However, the Mets still need to settle several bullpen roles, finalize their bench, and determine who will claim the starting job in right field.
That final piece could shape the roster more than any other decision.
When the Mets eventually break camp, the team could look something like this.
Projected Mets Starting Lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – 3B
Jorge Polanco – DH
Luis Robert Jr. – CF
Brett Baty – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
Francisco Alvarez – C
Carson Benge – RF
The top portion of the lineup appears fairly locked in.
Francisco Lindor will continue to anchor the offense at shortstop, while Juan Soto and Bo Bichette round out the core of the batting order. Jorge Polanco is widely expected to slot into the cleanup role as the team’s designated hitter.
The middle of the lineup offers some flexibility.
Manager Carlos Mendoza has spoken highly of Luis Robert Jr. throughout camp, which could lead to the dynamic center fielder batting fifth. Brett Baty’s left-handed bat fits well behind him, creating balance in the lineup.
Marcus Semien remains one of the most versatile pieces. Depending on matchups, he could realistically hit anywhere from near the top of the lineup to the bottom.
The Right Field Battle
The most intriguing competition remains in right field.
Top prospect Carson Benge has made a strong impression this spring and could emerge as the team’s starting option when the season begins. If that happens, it could significantly impact the role of Mark Vientos.
Vientos still holds value as a power bat off the bench, particularly against left-handed pitching. Early in the season, he could become a regular pinch-hitting option for players like Baty or Benge when favorable matchups arise.
Projected Mets Bench
Luis Torrens – C
Mark Vientos – 1B/3B/DH
Mike Tauchman – OF
Tyrone Taylor – OF
The bench construction appears relatively straightforward, though one spot still sparked debate.
Veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman has made a compelling case during spring training and appears more likely to earn a roster spot than Vidal Bruján. While both players could fill limited roles, Tauchman’s offensive profile and experience give him a slight edge.
Tyrone Taylor provides defensive flexibility and speed, making him a valuable late-game option. Meanwhile, Luis Torrens offers depth behind starting catcher Francisco Alvarez.
Projected Starting Rotation
Freddy Peralta
Nolan McLean
Clay Holmes
David Peterson
Kodai Senga
The Mets appear prepared to open the season with a five-man rotation rather than six.
Early-season off days will allow the team to manage workloads without immediately expanding the rotation. This approach also gives the coaching staff time to evaluate additional pitching options before making longer-term decisions.
Sean Manaea is expected to begin the season in a temporary relief role, likely serving as a bridge option behind starters such as Holmes or Senga.
Projected Bullpen
Devin Williams
Luke Weaver
Brooks Raley
Luis Garcia
Craig Kimbrel
Bryan Hudson
Tobias Myers
Sean Manaea (temporary relief role)
Most of the bullpen picture is already clear.
The final decisions appear to come down to two spots, with veteran Craig Kimbrel and left-hander Bryan Hudson currently projected to make the roster. Kimbrel’s experience and track record give him an advantage over other candidates competing for a role.
Huascar Brazobán may begin the season in the minors due to roster flexibility, but that situation could change quickly.
Once Manaea eventually transitions into the rotation, the Mets may look to add another multi-inning reliever to the bullpen. At that point, Brazobán could quickly return to the major league roster.
Final Decisions Still Loom
The Mets have reached the point in spring training where every roster choice carries real implications.
Some decisions will be driven by performance, others by roster flexibility. And in several cases, the margin between players is extremely thin.
By the time the Mets head into Opening Day, the remaining questions — particularly in right field and the bullpen — will finally have answers.
But for now, the final shape of the roster remains one of the last unresolved storylines of spring training in New York.
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