Mets spring bench competition includes four players fighting for the final roster spot

Until the New York Mets make another move, it looks as if the club will head into the 2021 season with a bench most likely consisting of backup catcher Tomas Nido, infielders Jonathan Villar and Luis Guillorme, outfielder Albert Almora, and first baseman/outfielder Jose Martinez.

It’s the consensus “favorite” lineup of five to break camp this spring and join the team for Opening Day. With a 26th man likely available yet again this year, we should see times when the Mets carry a sixth position player on the roster.

It’s those other additions or returning players I want to discuss here. Whether they are the 26th or 25th man is irrelevant. All we do know is that the five names mentioned above will have a little competition this spring and possibly some company.

Mets minor league addition, Brandon Drury

Brandon Drury signed with the Mets this offseason as one of their many minor league additions. The name may be familiar but the production isn’t.

Health issues in 2018 threw Drury’s promising career a curveball. He hasn’t been the same hitter he was with the Arizona Diamondbacks. A right-handed hitter with versatility on the infield, he’s a longshot to make the Mets this season outside of injury.

Drury can play multiple positions which is a great big fat positive for his MLB life. However, in his last full season with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019, he batted just .218/.262/.380 in a good 447 plate appearance sample size.

Prior to the Villar signing, Drury had a much better chance at making the Mets. Instead, I think he’ll need to prove himself in the minor leagues before he sniffs any major league action.