Forecasting Brett Baty, Mark Vientos And Others On The Mets

2025 Performance Review

Brett Baty has shown steady growth as a hitter over the last four seasons, culminating in a 2025 second-half OPS of .829. Overall in 2025, he slugged .495 against fastballs and his 17 HR in 432 PA established the arrival of his power. His bat speed registered in the 86th percentile according to Statcast and he’s shown a knack for putting the ball in play. The Mets are already confident in his ability to play second and third base, so he’s been getting reps in right field and at first base this spring to groom him for a super utility role.

Projections for 2026

ZiPS is projecting a .251/.318/.427 season with 59 R, 61 RBI, 19 HR and 5 SB over 471 PA for Brett Baty. Given his weak platoon splits against left-handed pitching, most of his at bats will likely come against right-handers. He is likely to be eligible at 1B, 2B, 3B and OF in fantasy baseball play as early as June. That versatility makes him a useful addition as a reserve and late draft choice.

Mark Vientos: 1B/3B/DH Platoon with Power Upside

2025 Performance Review

After a breakout 2024 season, Mark Vientos took a step backward in 2025, registering a .233/.289/.413 season with 17 HR in 463 PA. While there wasn’t much change in his contact rate, his quality of contact regressed and he barreled fewer balls. He was slightly better during the second half after missing a month with a hamstring strain but his overall performance was disappointing.

Projections for 2026

The spring training alignment of all the players added to the Mets roster appear to leave Mark Vientos as the odd man out. Since he hits left-handed pitching better it appears he could be on the short end of a platoon at DH along with occasional use at 1B and 3B to spell Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette. This reduction in playing time makes him waiver wire fodder in fantasy baseball. The power upside is there, but he’ll only be worth a pickup if he shows some of the skills he exhibited in 2024.

Luis Robert Jr.: CF Addition for Speed/Power

2025 Performance Review

2025 was another disappointing season for Luis Robert Jr. His .223/.297/.364 mark with just 52 R, 54 RBI, 14 HR and 33 SB just doesn’t match up with his skill profile. He hits the ball hard but he doesn’t square up and barrel the ball well, and his habit of swinging at pitches out of the zone doesn’t help.

Projections for 2026

A change of scenery with new coaches and batting in a much better lineup could help Luis Robert Jr. return to the kind of output he had in 2023, when he blasted 38 HR and stole 20 bases with a .264 BA. However, ZiPS has him at .238/.302/.409 with 59 R, 69 RBI, 18 HR and 24 SB for 2026. He’ll be the everyday CF for the Mets, so let’s call that projection his floor. He’s worth drafting for his speed/power upside but don’t be surprised if he disappoints again.

Carson Benge: RF Rookie Debut Prospect

Prospect Forecast and Performance

Carson Benge plowed through three levels of the minors in 2025, posting a .281/.385/.472 season with 15 homers and 22 steals. He struggled at Triple-A, albeit in a small sample, but the Mets appear poised to hand him the job in right field, with Juan Soto moving over to left. Scouting reports like his bat speed and ability to barrel the ball throughout the hitting zone. He may be vulnerable to high fastballs but he is expected to be a solid offensive contributor.

Projections for 2026

ZiPS has Carson Benge batting .246/.326/.399 with 72 R, 65 RBI, 13 HR and 11 SB, making him a potential OF option in deeper fantasy baseball leagues. Prospects can have difficulty adjusting to Major League pitching and there is no guarantee that Benge will make the team out of Spring Training. The Mets also have Mike Tauchman and Tyrone Taylor in camp. Monitor the news as the spring progresses and if you draft him, it might be best to start him out on your bench to see whether he’s going to stick.

Jorge Polanco: Primary 1B with Flex

2025 Performance Review

As the primary DH for the Mariners, Jorge Polanco had his best season in years with a .265/.326/.495 mark, 64 R, 78 RBI, 26 HR and 8 SB. He had a torrid March/April before going cold in May and June. From July on he found some consistency and finished the second half with a .867 OPS.

Projections for 2026

The Mets seem intent to start the season with Jorge Polanco as their everyday first baseman. ZiPS is projecting a more modest .253/.327/.446 with 56 R, 69 RBI, 21 HR and 4 SB. That’s more in line with Polanco’s production over the past three seasons. The added eligibility at 1B makes him a good late-round addition in fantasy baseball since you can slot him in at multiple positions. He makes the most sense at second base.

Fantasy Outlook

Overall, you may have to see how the season unfolds once the real games begin to get a true sense of how the playing time will shake out with Brett Baty, Mark Vientos and Carson Benge (assuming he makes the team). Brett Baty probably has the best upside in the super utility role. Don’t overpay in draft capital for any of these players. Luis Robert Jr. has some upside in OF and Jorge Polanco’s versatility will be an advantage in most leagues.

People Want to Know More About Fantasy Projections For The Mets For The 2026 Season

What is Brett Baty’s projected role in 2026?
Brett Baty is projected to receive regular at bats in a DH and super-utility role, potentially reaching around 500 plate appearances.

What is Mark Vientos’ projected role in 2026?
Mark Vientos is expected to operate in a power-oriented platoon or bench role with time at first base and DH.

What is Luis Robert Jr.’s projected role in 2026?
Luis Robert Jr. projects as the Mets’ everyday center fielder, contributing speed, power and middle-of-the-order potential.

What is Carson Benge’s projected role in 2026?
Carson Benge could open the season as a starting corner outfielder if he wins the job during spring training.

What is Jorge Polanco’s projected role in 2026?
Jorge Polanco is likely to begin the season as the Mets’ primary first baseman while rotating around the infield.

How does the Mets lineup affect fantasy value?
The deeper lineup should boost run and RBI opportunities, but playing time distribution may limit counting stats for some players.