In the final month of the offseason, the New York Mets front office made major inroads to fill in the last few holes in the team’s roster.
With high-profile moves to bring in Freddy Peralta, Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. in the span of a week, the 26-man roster came clearer into focus. Yet there could still be a few transactions with about a month and a half until Opening Day.
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As the Mets head down to Port St. Lucie, Florida, for the start of spring training this week, here is how the roster looks with the first workouts right around the corner:
Mets projected starting rotation (6)
New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea (59) reacts during a spring training workout at Clover Park on Feb. 15, 2025.
Injured notes: RHP Tylor Megill (elbow)
In the conversation: RHP Jonah Tong, RHP Christian Scott
Roster longshots: RHP Justin Hagenman
Summary: The Mets front office solidified the top of their starting pitching unit when they brought in Peralta, a two-time All-Star, in a trade with the Brewers late last month. With three straight seasons of at least 200 strikeouts, the 29-year-old right-hander provides this year’s team with a standout No. 1 option.
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Beyond that, the unit largely remains the same, with McLean poised to step into a bigger role after a standout performance in his first eight major-league starts late in 2025.
The question with this unit is whether they will lean on six starters to begin the season, with Senga looking to bounce back after crumbling following a midseason injury and Holmes in his second full season as a starter.
The Mets should be able to count on their depth to fill in as needed, with Scott poised to return from an elbow injury and Tong lurking after his rapid rise in 2025.
Mets projected bullpen (7)
Mar 4, 2025; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Devin Williams (38) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth inning during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Injury Notes: LHP A.J. Minter (lat), RHP Reed Garrett (elbow), Dedniel Nuñez (elbow)
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In the conversation: RHP Craig Kimbrel (Non-roster invite), RHP Carl Edwards Jr. (NRI) RHP Austin Warren, RHP Dylan Ross
Roster longshots: RHP Jonathan Pintaro, RHP Robert Stock (NRI), RHP Alex Carillo
Summary: The club’s bullpen has been largely overhauled following Edwin Diaz’s departure to the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal. The Mets had already signed Williams before Diaz’s exit and countered that move by adding Weaver shortly thereafter on a two-year, $22 million deal.
The Mets could begin the season with only one left-handed reliever as Minter will be deliberate in his return from a torn lat muscle.
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Myers might have appeared to be a throw-in piece in the Williams deal, but he could be a highly valuable long-relief option or potential starting depth piece. Plus, he’s under team control for the next four seasons.
One of the lingering questions heading into spring is who could grab the last two or three middle-relief roles. It could begin with the experience of Garcia and Alzolay, with neither possessing minor league options. But some other intriguing prospects to watch include Ross and Pintaro.
Mets projected infield (7)
Feb 15, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts during a spring training workout at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Injured list: N/A
In the conversation: N/A
Roster longshots: Vidal Brujan
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Summary: Heading into the season, the Mets have two different players playing off their natural positions in Polanco at first base and Bichette at third base. The way each of those players progresses at those spots will be something to watch throughout the spring.
David Stearns touted the unit’s athleticism, with four natural shortstops on the infield dirt, as a means to a smooth transition.
Behind the team’s starters, Baty lingers as a versatile piece who could play third and second base at a high level. He could also begin to get reps at first base and left field this spring. Vientos could play either corner spot but seems to be more valuable as a right-handed designated hitting option.
With so many options, other teams might covet Baty, Vientos or Mauricio in a trade before Opening Day.
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Mets projected outfield (4)
Feb 17, 2025; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) reacts during a spring training workout at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Injured list: N/A
In the conversation: Carson Benge
Roster longshots: Jared Young
Summary: For a while, the Mets had a major hole in the outfield following the trade of Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers.
The front office plugged that gap in late January by bringing in Luis Robert Jr., an exceptional glove and high-ceiling bat, in a trade with the White Sox. That deal pushes Tyrone Taylor back into a reserve role and could mean he logs time in left field, as well.
They also reportedly added Melendez on a split deal on Sunday, offering a potential stop-gap in left field to begin 2026.
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Baty could be an option there, as well, if he’s able to show a handle on the position this spring. Top position prospect Carson Benge will contend for an Opening Day spot if he can impress this spring. It could be a tall task, with just 24 Triple-A games under his belt, but the organization likes his skillset.
Mets projected catchers (2)
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) talks with pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) during Spring Training activities on Feb. 13, 2025 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Injured list: N/A
In the conversation: Austin Barnes (NRI)
Roster longshots: Hayden Senger
Summary: There are no surprises here as the team’s top two backstops from a season ago will return for 2026.
Alvarez, who saw a monthlong demotion last season, will be looking to build off his strong finish to the season. In the second half, he slashed .276/.360/.561 with eight home runs, 21 RBI and 22 runs in 41 games.
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Torrens comes in as one of the top defensive catchers in baseball after he was a finalist for the NL Gold Glove in 2025.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets projected Opening Day 2026 roster as spring training arrives