Projecting Mets’ 2024 Opening Day Roster 2.0

Once the first batch of spring training games were underway, I projected what the Mets’ Opening Day roster would be. These projections are never certain, given injuries, surprises and more. However, with just ten days to go until the Mets open their season against the Brewers, let’s do another projection based on how spring training games have transpired thus far.

Starting Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo, LF
2. Starling Marte, RF
3. Francisco Lindor, SS
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
5. Jeff McNeil, 2B
6. Francisco Álvarez, C
7. Mark Vientos, DH
8. Brett Baty, 3B
9. Harrison Bader, CF

Not much has changed from my first projection, with the exception of the DH. In my first projection, DJ Stewart cracked the starting lineup on Opening Day. However, both Vientos and Stewart haven’t had the best springs. Stewart is just 5-for-30 through eight games, hitting .182/.280/.182/.462 this spring. Vientos, on the other hand, is 9-for-45 but has clubbed four home runs and two doubles. Alarmingly, he’s struck out 14 times and walked only twice.

Vientos seems like the choice as of now to start against the Brewers on March 28, but chatter surrounding J.D. Martinez to the Mets remains high.

Starting Rotation

10. José Quintana, LHP
11. Luis Severino, RHP
12. Sean Manaea, LHP
13. Adrian Houser, RHP
14. Tylor Megill, RHP

The rotation remains the same, barring any injury. While Mets pitchers lead MLB in ERA thus far into spring at 3.09 ERA, things haven’t been going as swimmingly for them in recent days. Quintana, Houser and Megill all gave up at least four runs in their last starts, which is not something you want to see as you inch closer to Opening Day.

Severino, however, has looked fantastic, posting a 1.00 ERA through three starts. He only allowed one run, a home run and has struck out eight through nine innings of work.

Bench

15. Ji-Man Choi, 1B/DH
16. Tyrone Taylor, OF
17. Omar Narváez, C
18. Joey Wendle, INF

The bench looks a little different this time around. Stewart starts the season in the minors (he has one option remaining), and Wendle returns from shoulder soreness. Once again, the bench and position players both feel set heading into the season. That’s not to say the Mets’ can’t and shouldn’t add to beef up their roster and credibility as a playoff-contending team. However, compared to 2023, the infield and bench are already an upgrade, with the team acquiring versatile players.

Choi is the player who sneaks into the Opening Day roster this time around. The lefty is 6-for-27 this spring with one home run, two doubles and four RBIs.

Bullpen

19. Edwin Díaz, CL
20. Adam Ottavino, RHP
21. Brooks Raley, LHP
22. Drew Smith, RHP
23. Jake Diekman, LHP
24. Michael Tonkin, RHP
25. Sean Reid-Foley, RHP
26. Jorge López, RHP

While bullpen spots are very much up for grabs right now, competition seems to be dwindling. Shintaro Fujinami struggled mightily in his last appearance, unable to record an out, all but confirming he’ll begin the season in Syracuse. Reid-Foley reported some minor arm fatigue, but manager Carlos Mendoza noted he expects the reliever to be ready for Opening Day.

Like the starting rotation, the bullpen has had somewhat of a regression as spring comes to a close. Diekman and Lopez have had both good and bad days, recording perfect innings or struggling to get through an inning of work. On the flip side, Díaz returned in his 2022 form, striking out the side in his first appearance, and Smith and Raley have yet to allow a run.

Near Misses

27. DJ Stewart
28. José Buttó

Of course, not everyone can make the team right out of the gate. Stewart and Buttó will see time in Queens this season, just maybe not to start the year. Buttó has been stellar this spring, delivering a 0.90 ERA through 10 innings of work. However, with the rotation set and Megill nabbing the final role, Buttó finds himself a depth piece once more. That can all change relatively quickly, especially if the Mets pivot him to the bullpen.

Stewart, meanwhile, is the shocker on this list. Because of his poor spring, I believe the Mets let him get reacquainted at the minor league level first, and hope last year wasn’t a fluke. However, Choi right now seems like the best option heading into the season for the team depth-wise, as McNeil can play outfield too.