NEW YORK -- Carson Benge’s addition to the Mets’ Opening Day roster reduced any drama surrounding the final list, but the Mets still had a couple of late decisions to make regarding their bench and bullpen. They made those on Wednesday, resulting in the following group of 26:
Catcher (2): Francisco Alvarez, Luis Torrens
Over his final 41 games in a return from injury last year, Alvarez hit eight homers with a .921 OPS. That sets him up well to run with the starting job in what’s still his age-24 season. Torrens will reprise his role as Alvarez’s backup, with veteran Austin Barnes and defensive whiz Hayden Senger next on the depth chart.
First baseman (2): Jorge Polanco, Brett Baty
The man primed for the lion’s share of first-base reps is Polanco, who has never played a full professional inning at the position. But Baty should see plenty of time here as well, with Mark Vientos potentially drawing a start or two against lefties.
Second baseman (1): Marcus Semien
The Mets acquired Semien hoping he could defensively stabilize the right side of the diamond. The durable infielder has appeared in all 162 games three times, though at age 35, he may need some help this time around. To that end, the Mets are well covered; Baty can play second, as can Ronny Mauricio, who will start the season in the Minors.
Shortstop (1): Francisco Lindor
One of the game’s most durable players, Lindor has averaged 158 games per season over the past four years. The Mets will look for him to maintain that resilience at age 32 despite a hamate bone injury that briefly threatened his Opening Day status. They won’t carry a true backup shortstop, because they know they can rely on Bo Bichette in a pinch.
Third baseman (1): Bo Bichette
The Mets signed Bichette, a natural shortstop, to be their everyday third baseman. Assuming he stays healthy, Bichette should man the position almost every day.
Outfielders (5): Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr., Tyrone Taylor, Carson Benge, Jared Young
The Mets’ most pressing roster question was whether Benge, their No. 2 prospect, would make the team. Now that he has, Benge will start most days in right, with Robert and Soto playing center and left field, respectively. Taylor and Young should see time off the bench.
DH (1): Mark Vientos
While Vientos is the only DH listed here, he won’t be the only Met to receive reps at the position. Polanco, Baty and Young all figure to see some DH days, along with veterans such as Lindor and Soto. (That is, provided manager Carlos Mendoza can convince them.)
Starting Pitchers (5): Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Kodai Senga
The Mets will roll with these five starters to open the season, with Sean Manaea potentially set to join the rotation in mid-April. In the interim, Manaea will pitch out of the bullpen. But he’s not guaranteed a start, as the Mets have plenty of other depth with Tobias Myers, Christian Scott, Jonah Tong, Jack Wenninger and others all looking to make their mark.
Relief Pitchers (8): Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Luis García, Tobias Myers, Huascar Brazobán, Sean Manaea, Richard Lovelady
The Mets’ decision not to carry veteran closer Craig Kimbrel opened a spot for Lovelady, who will need to pitch well to maintain it. Of the pitchers in the Opening Day bullpen, only Myers and Brazobán have accessible Minor League options. Expect this grouping to change quite a bit over the first few months of the season.
Injured List (4): A.J. Minter, Tylor Megill, Reed Garrett, Dedniel Núñez
Minter is in the final stages of his rehab from the torn left lat muscle that cost him most of last season, but he probably won’t be ready until early May. Megill, Garrett and Núñez are recovering from Tommy John surgeries and should miss the entire season.