What the Mets look like on this approximately $320 million budget
There are some roster spots to debate and maybe even fill in. After they’ve made those moves, here’s a sample of what the Mets could look like and some thoughts on prospects no longer with the club. Some names have been filled in for a better picture.
Hitters (13)
Francisco Alvarez - C
Luis Torrens - C
Kazuma Okamoto - 1B
Jorge Polanco - 1B/DH
Marcus Semien - 2B
Brett Baty - 3B
Francisco Lindor - SS
Luisangel Acuna/Ronny Mauricio (whoever hasn’t been traded) - INF
Ramon Laureano - LF
Tyrone Taylor - CF
Alek Thomas or similar affordable player acquired via Kodai Senga/Jeff McNeil trade - CF
Juan Soto - RF
On-brand David Stearns waiver claim known for defense for added infield and outfield depth (Zack Short or maybe the next Ernie Clement if we're lucky)
Rotation (5)
Freddy Peralta
Nolan McLean
Nick Pivetta
Clay Holmes
Sean Manaea
Bullpen (8)
Devin Williams
Luke Weaver
A.J. Minter
Adrian Morejon
Brooks Raley
Huascar Brazoban
Added Depth Piece from one of the above trades/Dylan Ross/someone else
Longman (Cooper Criswell etc.)
The roster isn’t perfect but the commitments they’ve already made are imperfect anyway. This plan doesn’t have Carson Benge making the team out of camp, but prepares them for it. The Mets have the open space for him to push Laureano aside in left field or even allow Benge a chance in center field over Taylor and whichever other player they may add as well.
There are a couple of conclusions we can make from this. One is how difficult it will be to actually build a better team with such little space to add to the payroll even when we’re subtracting three players (McNeil, Peterson, Senga). It’s going to take some clever planning for the Mets to be better than last year with a reasonable payroll. A mix of trades and reliance on young players will be key.
