2/26/26

Paul Articulates – Who stays? Part 6: The Finale


With a re-designed core and many new players and a deep reserve of prospects, this year’s spring training will become an intriguing competition for spots on the opening day 26-man roster.  

This series has looked at the players that are in position to compete for a slot on that roster but were not a lock.  After discussing them in position groups in the prior five posts, I now pull it together with my projected opening day roster.

Based upon MLB rules that allow only 26 players on the active roster from opening day through August 31st, and my belief that the Mets will use the maximum of 13 pitchers, this is what will be posted on the clubhouse door when the team heads towards game one of the 2026 season.

Infielders: Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette, Ronny Mauricio

Outfielders: Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr., Tyrone Taylor, MJ Melendez, Brett Baty

Catchers: Francisco Alvarez; Luis Torrens

Designated Hitters: Mark Vientos

Starting Pitchers: RHP Freddy Peralta, RHP Nolan McLean, RHP Clay Holmes, RHP Kodai Senga, LHP David Peterson

Relief Pitchers: LHP Sean Manaea, RHP Tobias Myers, RHP Christian Scott, RHP Luis Garcia, RHP Devin Williams, RHP Luke Weaver, LHP Brooks Raley, LHP Nate Lavender

That was a tough list to finalize this early in the spring without performance history from this year.  There are some notable absences from this roster that will be painful, last minute cuts if no one gets hurt before opening day.  As we head into March, a little bit of March Madness bracket terminology would help:

Last four in: Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, Christian Scott, Nate Lavender

First four out: Mike Tauchman, Carson Benge, Dylan Ross, Jonah Tong

Give me your thoughts on this roster in the comments!

4 comments:

Tom Brennan said...

Benge did have 3 hits yesterday. So he helped his case.

Tauchman/Melendez? I lean Tauchman.

I have Brazoban over Lavender. Alzolay? Could pitch great and make things tough.

Otherwise, all pretty much I agree with.

I am amazed they let Tong throw 50 pitches on February 25. Seems like a lot for the first time out, but maybe he proved he is already stretched out.

RVH said...

Tauchman has higher floor, plays all Of positions, is veteran & will ultimately mentor Benge.

Alozlay make it if he pitches well. Kimbrel as well - at minimum bridges veteran high leverage until minter comes back. See how much Kimberly has left in the tank

Paul Articulates said...

Alozay is an interesting pickup. He had closer ability before his injury. If he gets back to where he was, it would be a great add!!

JoeP said...

I would agree that Tauchman should make the team before Melendez. Perfect place holder until Benge is ready.

As for Alzolay, he has no options available. Don't expect to see him before June. If he falters early, they will lose him to waivers.

I wouldn't expect to see him until he throws some innings and is fully ready. If they lose him to waivers, they will have wasted money on his rehab.