5 NY Mets players who could get buried on the roster early in 2026

Only in a fort made of stuffed animals is getting buried pleasurable. It’s especially horrifying to get buried alive. Unfortunately for these five New York Mets players, there’s a good chance they have to punch their way out of a casket to ever get significant playing time.

Even before Opening Day arrives, there’s a chance these players could get demoted or passed over for regular playing time. Bring a bat and a shovel to the ballpark. They’ll need it.

1) Mark Vientos

A lot of the projected Mets Opening Day lineups heading into 2026 are without Mark Vientos. He’s a useful slugger, capable of filling in as another first base option but more so as the team’s DH. Hey, he can even be a solution at third base if injuries pile up.

As far as playing time goes, it’s hard to envision how he’ll immediately get the at-bats he has received over the last two years. He’ll play everyday against lefty pitchers. Versus righties, when all others are healthy, he’s going to be an option off the bench rather than someone who’ll get a chance to go all nine.

A bad start for Vientos in 2026 can doom him. Moreover, a strong performance out of others can help them lap Vientos on the depth chart.

There is reason for optimism. Vientos was too consistently good in 2024 for that to be a complete fabrication of reality. He posted strong numbers in July and August last year after coming off of the IL. August was incredibly impressive, slashing .278/.330/.658 with 8 home runs and 22 RBI. As the pitching was caving in, Vientos was getting hot.

He didn’t end the year well, putting up some bad September numbers and striking out 27 times in his final 84 plate appearances. The Mets either have faith in him being useful in 2026 or they just didn’t get the offer they desired in the offseason.