3 toughest NY Mets roster decisions to make before Opening Day

2) The Mets need to figure out which infielder(s) to carry for their bench.

Pete Alonso's return to the Mets solidified their Opening Day starting infield, with him, Jeff McNeil, Mark Vientos, and Francisco Lindor being the starters in the infield.

With Starling Marte platooning at DH and Taylor serving as a 4th true outfielder, in only really leaves one spot left, the backup infielder. Nick Madrigal, Luisangel Acuna and Brett Baty are the only three healthy backup versatile infielders on the 40-man roster.

Madrigal is currently the favorite to make the team because the team would want to ensure Acuna and Baty get playing time to help with their development. Madrigal would likely reprise the role he had with the Cubs of playing at either second or third base with the hope to see more results at the plate, as he hit just .221 last year with an upside of being a tough hitter to strike out.

With Acuna, it is hard to overlook the impact he made in his first action in the majors last season, demonstrating what he can do at the plate and in the field. The question will be, however, is if he will force his way onto the Mets roster by playing well this spring. If he does, that would open up several avenues for the Mets to construct their roster, such as trading Starling Marte or Jeff McNeil to reserve a spot for Acuna.

Ronny Mauricio and Jett Williams are probably reaches, despite perhaps being more talented than any of the above options. Mauricio is still recovering from the ACL tear he suffered in winter ball last year, and Williams has only played six games at Triple-A, and the Mets are not likely to bring Jose Iglesias back.