As the weeks go by, more and more is becoming clear about how the Mets’ roster will look on Opening Day.
Within the last week, manager Carlos Mendoza made a declaration about his starting rotation and some noteworthy performances have moved the needle for certain players.
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 13, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 13: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 13, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets fields a ground ball during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 16, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) looks on during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) walks on the field during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (center) speaks to infielder Marcus Semien (left) and third base coach Tim Leiper (right) during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 19, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) poses for a photo during media day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 21, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) looks on against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 21, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) throws to first base but cannot retire Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) plays his position against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Astros at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) throws a baseball into the stands against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) returns to the dugout against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 11, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms-up during spring practice. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 11, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms-up during spring practice. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
The New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta throws during spring training on the back fields of Clover Park on Feb. 11, 2026, in Port St. Lucie.
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms up against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) looks on against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Marcus Semien #10 of the New York Mets looks on during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 16, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Marcus Semien #10 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Marcus Semien (10) walks on the field during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) returns to the dugout against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) tosses a baseball into the stands against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Mar 3, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) throws to first to retire Nicaragua right fielder Ismael Munguia (not pictured) during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Christian Arroyo (28) throws to first base to retire St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (not pictured) during the third inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 25, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets second baseman Christian Arroyo (28) stretches out his legs befor the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 22: Luis Torrens #13 of the New York Mets helps up teammate Christian Arroyo #28 after Arroyo made a sliding grab during the first inning of a spring training game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images)
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Christian Arroyo (21) fields a ground ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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Meet the new Mets in Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta and more. See photos
Feb 19, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Christian Arroyo (28) poses for a photo during media day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The World Baseball Classic, which began March 4 and will take more than a dozen players away from the Mets, could open some more opportunities for down-roster candidates to make the team or move closer to the bubble.
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With a little less than three weeks until Opening Day, here is our latest Mets Opening Day roster projection:
Mets starting pitchers (6)
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) works in the bullpen during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Injury notes: RHP Tylor Megill (elbow)
In the conversation: RHPs Jonah Tong, Christian Scott
Longshot candidates: RHPs Justin Hagenman, Brandon Waddell
Summary: Mendoza made a pair of assertions last week that helped clear up the picture for the club’s starting rotation. First, he named Freddy Peralta the team’s Opening Day starter. It will be the 29-year-old’s third appearance on the first day of the season.
Then, when asked about the possibility of using a five-man rotation, the Mets manager told reporters, “We have six starters.” That setup would aid Kodai Senga, who has long held a preference for pitching with extra rest dating back to his days in Japan. Sean Manaea is also coming off an injury-marked campaign, while Clay Holmes is entering his second season starting, and Nolan McLean has never thrown more than 113⅔ innings.
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As the Mets gear up for the 2026 season, Holmes and McLean are set to team up for Team USA. McLean has appeared to shake off “vertigo-like symptoms” to join the home nation in the international event.
Mets relief pitchers (7)
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Huascar Brazoban (43) pitches during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Injury notes: LHP A.J. Minter (lat), RHP Reed Garrett (elbow), Dedniel Nuñez (elbow)
In the conversation: RHPs Craig Kimbrel, Austin Warren, Dylan Ross
Longshot candidates: RHPs Carl Edwards Jr. (NRI), Adbert Alzolay, Jonathan Pintaro, Robert Stock (NRI), Alex Carrillo, Ryan Lambert, LHP Joe Jacques
Summary: Nearly a month into spring training, there appears to be plenty of jostling for the final two spots in the Mets bullpen.
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Craig Kimbrel brings a potential Hall of Fame resume, but he has allowed two earned runs in his first two Grapefruit League games as he looks to integrate a cutter into his repertoire.
While Huascar Brazoban holds one minor league option, he has strengthened his case for an Opening Day spot with five strikeouts in three scoreless innings of relief. He brings upside with his ability to go multiple innings and a deeper arsenal.
A question to be posed to Mendoza before spring training is done is whether he wants to carry two left-handers out of the gate as A.J. Minter works back from his torn lat. If he does, the door would likely open for Bryan Hudson, who is looking to regain his 2024 form when he posted a 1.73 ERA in 43 appearances for the Brewers.
Mets infielders (7)
New York Mets infielder Francisco Lindor (12) speaks to bench coach Kai Correa (50) during spring training on Feb. 17, 2026, at Clover Park.
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Injury notes: Francisco Lindor (hand)
In the conversation: Ronny Mauricio
Longshot candidates: Jared Young, Grae Kessinger (NRI), Jackson Cluff (NRI), Christian Arroyo (NRI)
Summary: Brett Baty has begun to showcase his versatility in Grapefruit League action with two games at first base and his first in right field on Thursday as he looks to prove his value on this team. So far, there have not been any hiccups.
After largely remaining on the back fields, Jorge Polanco made his first start at first base on Thursday, as well.
Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor continues to provide optimism about his intended Opening Day return from left hand surgery. The Mets shortstop has begun fielding drills and began his hitting progression on March 4.
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Vidal Brujan and Ronny Mauricio have seen a major share of the time at shortstop in Lindor’s absence. Early on, the Mets might be more inclined to roster the veteran Brujan rather than reduce Mauricio’s regular reps.
Mets outfielders (4)
New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge (93) chases a fly ball during spring training workouts on Feb. 18, 2026, at Clover Park.
In the conversation: Mike Tauchman (NRI), MJ Melendez
Longshot candidates: Cristian Pache (NRI)
Summary: For the first time this spring, we have penciled Carson Benge, the team’s top position player prospect, into the Opening Day roster.
The 23-year-old continues to showcase the tools that have him ranked as one of the top prospects in MLB, and he appears unfazed by the pressure-packed days of trying to make a major league roster. In early action, he’s 4-for-13 with two runs and a stolen base. He drove an opposite-field home run to left-center field against Israel in an exhibition on Wednesday.
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Benge has also flashed his glove with a nifty diving catch against the Cardinals last weekend and has kept opponents at bay with his arm.
Mike Tauchman might be the safe option to occupy the right field spot with his consistent production, but Benge’s upside might be too much to deny.
Mets catchers (2)
In the conversation: Hayden Senger
Longshot candidates: Ben Rortvedt, Austin Barnes (NRI)
Summary: Francisco Alvarez saw his first action behind the plate in Grapefruit League play last week as he caught four combined innings from Tobias Myers and Kimbrel against the Nationals. He also successfully challenged a ball call to draw a walk. Then, he upped his workload to five innings against Nicaragua on Tuesday.
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Luis Torrens, who appears locked into the backup role, is 3-for-10 so far this spring.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets’ Opening Day roster projection for 2026 season