5 belated holiday gifts NY Mets fans will gladly accept from David Stearns

3) A satisfying Brandon Nimmo replacement in left field

Does Austin Hays satisfy as the starting left fielder? If you’re going to buy into this, you’re probably believing the Mets have plans for Carson Benge to become a regular at the position quickly in 2026. Benge should have an opportunity to compete for an Opening Day roster spot. More practically, he gets a chance to heat up in the minors if he’s unable to hammer pitching in spring training.

The Mets have replaced a lot of Nimmo’s production at the plate with the addition of Polanco. The two project to have eerily similar numbers in 2026.

Outfield is easily the weakest grouping for the Mets at the moment. They only have one legitimate starter, Juan Soto.

Some fans may not be satisfied with anything but Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker. Players like Hays would require an additional and impactful move. Otherwise, the subtracting of the offense the Mets let walk away could become too great.

Try to keep an open mind about whatever the Mets may do in left field. With the way many of their top prospects are performing, going lighter with a player like Hays isn’t unwise as long as they give us many of these other presents we’re asking for.