Mets' roster moves may have common thread

The New York Mets offseason has been defined by the players they have lost.

First baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz departed in free agency, signing with the Orioles and Dodgers, respectively. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers, removing another long-time member of the organization. The exodus continued on Monday as the Mets traded utility man Jeff McNeil to the A's. While the Mets signed reliever Devin Williams and infielder Jorge Polanco and acquired second baseman Marcus Semien for Nimmo, those departures have overshadowed any additions.

However, these moves have a common theme aside from the Mets saving money. The Mets have prospects waiting in the wings to take over from those players, several of whom could make their debuts in 2026.

New York Mets clearing room for wave of prospects

It is possible that several of those prospects could crack the Mets' Opening Day roster. Jett Williams was a consensus top 100 prospect in 2024 and 2025, drawing praise for his solid all-around game and plus speed. Originally drafted as a shortstop, Williams also received playing time at second base and center in 2025. He could fill McNeil's former role while providing more upside, especially if he gets work at the corner outfield spots during spring training. Williams could also potentially fill the Mets' void in center with a strong showing in March.

Outfield prospect Carson Benge is another possible option, either in center or to take over for Nimmo in left. He rocketed through three levels in the minors in 2025, showing his strong batting eye and contact skills. Although Benge struggled during his 24-game stint in Triple-A, he is expected to make his major league debut in 2026 and could be a cornerstone moving forward.

The 2026 season could be a make-or-break year for infielders Mark Vientos and Brett Baty. Vientos had a strong 2024 season, posting a .266/.322/.516 batting line with 27 homers and 22 doubles over his 454 plate appearances, but was unable to replicate that performance in 2025. Baty, meanwhile, struggled in 2024 but showed flashes of his potential last year, posting a .254/.313/.435 batting line with 18 homers and 13 doubles over his 432 plate appearances. If both players falter, third base prospect Jacob Reimer could receive a look by the end of the season.

The Mets pitching staff could see an influx of youth as well. Top prospects Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong made their debuts in 2025. McLean, in particular, showed the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in New York. If Kodai Senga is traded, the Mets' youth movement could make an impact on the rotation as well.

The New York Mets have not had the type of offseason anyone would have expected. That may be by design as they look to build a sustainable contender with their homegrown talent.