Reese Kaplan -- A Strong Bench in 2019?

"Benchwarmer" is often used as a derogatory term for the players deemed not quite good enough to earn a starting role on their team due to perceived performance insufficiencies, managerial preferences or simply they don't earn as much money as the guys paid to start.  In the past the Mets have had some rather putrid players occupying these roles but going into the 2019 season it appears for once that the former position of weakness may actually become something of a strength.

Infielders

Hopefully the somewhat off-key swan song following David Wright's departure really did spell the end of Jose Reyes in a Mets uniform.  Why they kept him around for as long as they did either spoke to loyalty, the Wright Day festivities or simply the fact it's easier to do nothing that it is to do something.  We can also hope the Ty Kelly types are no longer in the running.

This year there are many contenders on the infield for backup roles, including the long forgotten Gavin Cecchini.  The former first round pick was off to a solid start with the bat before a major foot enjury ended his season.  He's versatile enough to fill in at 2nd, SS or 3rd while not embarrassing himself with the bat.  

The man with the reputation for slick fielding has been anythiing but in his brief trials at the major league level.  Also, the last thing the Mets need are more left handed batters, but the diminutive Luis Guillorme rallied to finish with a season's batting average north of .300 and has hit .287 for his minoor league career.  If only he could remember how to field...

The Tommy John Surgery-afflicted T.J. Rivera was Jeff McNeil before there was a Jeff McNeil.  He hit at every level and put together terrific ABs, albeit without much power.  Assuming his arm is good to go once again he is someone in the mix for 2B/3B.  

Fan favorite Wilmer Flores is likely on his way out the door with Pete Alonso threatening to knock it down.  The need for a right handed power bat may be met by the far less expensive Alonso, thus rendering the man without a position also looking for a job elsewhere.  If he does return, he's a potent bat with many late inning heroics on his resume.

With semi-regular playing time towards the end of the year Dom Smith started showing offensively and defensively (at 1B) why he was so well regarded in the minors.  One would assume he's the starting 1st baseman on opening day at least until they deem Alonso worthy of a promotion.  

Outfielders

Also pretty much forgotten is the now very expensive Juan Lagares who will earn as much money as will Todd Frazier.  If he can manage to stay off the DL, he's a very valuable fielder and the early indications last year was that his revamped swing was working.  Right now you'd have to figure the all lefty outfield is slated to start -- Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Jay Bruce -- making Lagares a quality reserve.  

Unfortunately after Lagares the Mets don't have much.  No one in the upper minors who is a true outfielder is on the 40-man roster, so unless you think Dom Smith or the injured Phil Evans can man a 5th outfielder role, they're likely looking to the outside to bring someone in who can fulfill that need.

Catchers

Once again this year we saw flashes from Kevin Plawecki showing what he could do.  At this point I'm perfectly fine with him as a backup and I'd like to see Tomas Nido get challenged to hit some more at the new home in AAA in Syracuse.  I really think that if the Mets can't swing a reasonable deal for one of the many catchers who are rumored to be on the market (or available as free agents) they may simply go back to the well one more time and offer the job to Travis d'Arnaud (assuming his already lackluster throwing has not diminished even further).  

Conclusion

As I see it, the only bench job up for grabs is the role of 5th outfielder (asssuming no surprising trades of starting players take place).  Then again, consdering there is no GM hired and the GM Meetings are taking place in about two weeks, I can't foresee that happening either.