Dream NY Mets starting lineup for the 2026 season

The starting nine for the Mets in 2026 when we close our eyes.
Apr 4, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) and right fielder Juan Soto (22) and first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and left fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) stand for the national anthem before the Mets home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) and right fielder Juan Soto (22) and first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and left fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) stand for the national anthem before the Mets home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Batting eighth Brett Baty, 2B

So who’s the starting second baseman in your dream? It can’t be Gleyber Torres or Jorge Polanco. Down to the eighth spot in the lineup, we’re starting to wake up a little more and realize this is a dream. Bo Bichette signing with the Mets to be a second baseman seems too far out of reach. The Mets still have Brett Baty who proved he is capable of playing second base, at least to start the 2026 season.

Our dream lineup has Baty right there, holding down the position to begin the season. He can see some occasional starts at third base when Ramirez might need to rest. One of the more realistic choices in this lineup is for Baty to do exactly this. Bat him eighth, let him play second base.

You may have noticed by now the absence of some other key Mets players. Notably, Mark Vientos isn’t here any longer. The large difference between him and Baty is the defense. Baty’s 2025 season is his best offensively and yet it doesn’t even compare to what Vientos did in 2024. Nevertheless, because Baty is able to give them defensive versatility, we put a bias on the most recent season and invite him back.

It might not last for long, though. The idea of Jett Williams coming up and playing a lot of second base while giving the team a ton of speed is far too intriguing to give Baty any permanent role with the club.

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