NY Mets Opening Day roster prediction by SNY is missing one important element

SNY’s Danny Abriano put together his prediction for what the New York Mets roster will look like on Opening Day. The roster includes three major moves by the Mets. They’ll re-sign Pete Alonso. Invite Jesse Winker to be their primary DH. In the bullpen, is Tanner Scott.

It’s a familiar team with the biggest changes from last year being in the rotation, the addition of Scott in the bullpen, and this guy named Juan Soto in right field. Abriano played it safe with the prediction. One thing is missing, though.

Between the three starting outfielders, DH, and bench, Abriano has six outfielders. That’s quite a lot especially when you’re carrying Jeff McNeil as well. He can more than make up for the absence of even a fifth outfielder. Jose Siri and Starling Marte are on his bench alongside backup catcher Luis Torrens and the lone infielder, Luisangel Acuna. Notably, Acuna is not a third baseman. So it’s Mark Vientos all day, every day at third base then?

The Mets are missing a steady defensive replacement at third base in this roster prediction

Annually the Mets had someone capable of playing a good third base on the roster—at least on paper. Luis Guillorme was that guy for several seasons. In 2024, with Guillorme gone, they had hoped Joey Wendle would be the one. He wasn’t. We were later rewarded with Jose Iglesias.

Iglesias started 11 games at the hot corner and made another 25 appearances as a replacement. His absence is already felt looking at this roster projection where Acuna is the lone backup infielder available.

It’s not a dire situation for New York without a utility infielder around. McNeil has played the position before, but it hasn’t been his strongest spot. He is less of a defensive replacement at third base than a player such as Iglesias.

We know the Mets value defense. We also know they’ll throw it aside in favor of outscoring the opponent. Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio each have experience and the skills necessary to play the position, but neither brings other abilities Acuna can. They aren’t as quick. Both can swing from the left side, something the Mets wouldn’t have available off the bench on days when Winker starts.

Acuna’s speed isn’t as necessary with Siri and even Marte available off the bench. As good as he was in the regular season, it’s his missing experience at third base that might be a tie-breaker. Mauricio’s positional flexibility, switch-hitting ability, and offensive upside makes him the theoretical frontrunner. He has proven he can play second base, shortstop, and third base. If you don’t want some immediate chaos, root for him to blow us away this spring.