As pitchers and catchers report to Port St. Lucie, Florida, the New York Mets enter an intriguing 2026 spring training with nearly a third of their roster newly assembled. Key uncertainties surround outfield prospects, bullpen depth and starting rotation spots. Over the next seven weeks, the team will shape its lineup amid open competitions.
In Port St. Lucie, Florida, activity is already buzzing as many pitchers and catchers arrive, set to begin formal workouts this week. The Mets' winter roster overhaul, replacing nearly a third of the team, promises a dynamic camp where relationships form and the final 26-man roster takes shape.
A primary question is whether Carson Benge, the organization's No. 2 prospect, will secure a spot on the major league club. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has left left field unaddressed, giving the 23-year-old a clear opportunity to compete. Benge dominated at High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton last season but struggled in 24 games above Double-A. Alternatives include Tyrone Taylor, who posted a .598 OPS last year despite strong defense, Brett Baty—transitioning from third base after the signing of Bo Bichette—and Jared Young. Benge remains the preferred option.
The bullpen presents another puzzle, with a focus on veteran Craig Kimbrel. Signed in January to a minor league deal worth $2.5 million if he makes the majors, the 37-year-old boasts 440 career saves, second among active pitchers and fifth all-time, positioning him as a future Hall of Famer. However, since the 2023 postseason with the Phillies, Kimbrel has moved through five organizations, facing three designations for assignment or releases. His 2025 major league stint yielded a 2.25 ERA over 12 innings, but the sample is small. Locked-in relievers are Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley and Luis García, leaving up to four spots for Kimbrel, Huascar Brazobán, Tobias Myers, A.J. Minter (if healthy) and prospects like Dylan Ross, Ryan Lambert and Jonathan Pintaro.
Kodai Senga's return to the rotation is also in doubt. After a poor 2025 season leading to a minor league demotion and continued struggles at Triple-A Syracuse, the right-hander enters camp with $30 million owed over two years. The Mets have a solid starting core in Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes and David Peterson, plus contenders like No. 3 prospect Jonah Tong, Christian Scott and Myers. Senga could join a six-man rotation if he rebounds, but ongoing issues might lead to bullpen duties, a trade or a consent-based minor league assignment—options complicated by his contract.
