This is the fourth part of a five-part Around the Horn series detailing the Mets’ roster heading into 2026. Next up: Infielders.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Nowhere did the Mets do more work this offseason than on the infield dirt.
Gone are Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, who spent years holding down the right side of that infield. New on the scene are Bo Bichette, a natural shortstop who’s shifting to third base; Jorge Polanco, another onetime shortstop who’s moving to first; and Marcus Semien, yet another natural shortstop who years ago made the shift to second.
Let the baseball world debate whether this version of the Mets’ infield is better. If nothing else, it’s clearly different.
On the 40-man roster: Francisco Lindor, Bichette, Semien, Polanco, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, Vidal Bruján
Injured: Lindor (recovery from left hamate surgery)
Notable departures: Alonso, McNeil, Luisangel Acuña
Non-roster invitees: Christian Arroyo, Jackson Cluff, Grae Kessinger, Jose Rojas, Clifford, Reimer
The projected starters
The only returning member of the Mets’ starting infield is Lindor, who has been the shortstop since 2021. He comes with his own set of question marks, given that he’s endured back, toe, elbow and now hand injuries over the past year and a half. Currently, Lindor is recovering from surgery to repair his left hamate bone. He’s hopeful of being ready for Opening Day, but it’s going to be close given his six-week return-to-play timetable. If nothing else, Lindor has demonstrated a clear willingness and capacity to play effectively through pain. At age 32, he remains one of the game’s best shortstops.
Beyond Lindor is where things get interesting. Semien, who came over in the Brandon Nimmo trade, has been one of MLB’s top defensive second basemen since switching to that position in 2021. But he’s 35 years old and hasn’t been much of an offensive force since 2023, when he smashed 29 homers and led the American League in hits. The Mets hope to unlock any potential that remains.
The other two starting infielders, Bichette and Polanco, are both learning positions they’ve never played in their professional careers. For Bichette, the move from shortstop may help cure the range issues that have hindered him throughout his career. The Mets are also banking on a big offensive year from Bichette, one of the game’s best pure hitters. For Polanco, who’s played every infield position but first base, the Mets are seeking steady production. Regardless of how well he handles his new position, Polanco may see additional time at DH, with Baty and Vientos filling in at first.
Any competition?
Assuming Lindor is healthy enough to go on Opening Day, not really. Baty will do his best to grab reps at first base; if he takes to the position, he could push Polanco into more of a full-time DH role. Vientos may also play a bit of first base against left-handed pitchers. Most other players in camp will need an injury to crack the roster.
If Lindor needs extra time, the competition to start in his place will be crowded, with Mauricio, Bruján, Arroyo, Cluff and Kessinger all involved.
What about the future?
Despite trading former top prospect Jett Williams, who once looked like their second baseman of the future, the Mets still have plenty of infielders coming through the pipeline. While team officials have particularly high hopes for A.J. Ewing, the No. 5 prospect will see the vast majority of his 2026 reps in center field, according to a person with knowledge of that plan.
As for the organization’s full-time infield prospects, Reimer fits a classic corner profile, with experience at both first and third. He slugged 17 homers and 32 doubles over two Minor League stops last season and, like Ewing, has a chance to reach Triple-A this summer if he continues to perform well. Both could be realistic options for the big club by 2027. So could Clifford, a power-hitting first baseman who’s the Mets’ best remaining prospect from their 2023 Trade Deadline haul.
Looking farther into the future, Peña possesses worlds of potential as one of the most hyped -- and expensive -- international signings in Mets history. Still just 18 years old, he will make his stateside debut in the Minors this year.