There's a clear choice for the last NY Mets bench spot if you listen to Steve Cohen

Spring training is officially underway, and while most of the New York Mets' roster is set, a fierce battle is brewing for the final bench spot. The Mets are looking to add a versatile infielder, similar to the role José Iglesias played last year, providing depth and flexibility.

Three players are vying for the position: Nick Madrigal, Luisangel Acuña, and Brett Baty, especially with Ronny Mauricio behind schedule in his injury recovery. One candidate appears to have an edge, thanks to his defensive versatility.

Who will claim the final roster spot?

Brett Baty presents an interesting, though seemingly less favored, option among the three candidates. He plays average defense at third base, and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has floated the idea of him playing some second base. While Baty might lack the physical mobility and range for a demanding position like shortstop, his bat could make a statement this spring.

The Mets signed Nick Madrigal with the intention of him competing for this very roster spot. Initially, he looks like a favorite given the team's desire for an Iglesias-type player. The former first-round pick showed promise in his initial major league stint, but has struggled to find consistency at the highest level.

Madrigal's profile is similar to Iglesias – a high-contact hitter with lesser power – but his defense isn't on par, with below-average ratings at both second and third base. His one-year split contract also gives the Mets roster flexibility; they can send him down to Triple-A if needed.

That leaves us with Luisangel Acuña. Acuña is arguably the perfect candidate for this role. He's an elite defender at second base and above-average at shortstop. Despite some offensive struggles in Triple-A last year, his brief taste of MLB action showcased his potential.

Ultimately, Acuña appears to be the frontrunner. He's the only one with the experience and ability to cover the entire infield, including shortstop. Madrigal has never played shortstop in the majors, and his defensive metrics at second and third have been underwhelming, particularly his lateral range to his right and arm strength.

The shortstop factor looms large here. Mets owner Steve Cohen recently spoke with Howie Rose about the organization’s interest in giving Francisco Lindor some rest during the season.

Lindor, who is entering his age-31 season, has been a constant presence in the lineup, but his age and the events of last season raise concerns about potential burnout. Having a capable backup at shortstop like Acuña is a crucial consideration for the Mets as they look to manage Lindor’s workload and keep him fresh for a potential playoff run.