First baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz left in free agency, signing with the Orioles and Dodgers, respectively. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers, removing another longtime member of the organization. The exodus continued Monday when 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 beyond the fact that the Mets are saving money. The Mets have prospects waiting in the wings to take over for those players, several of whom could make their debuts in 2026.
New York Mets are making room for a wave of prospects
It’s possible several of these prospects could crack the Mets Opening Day roster. Jett Williams was a consensus top 100 prospect in 2024 and 2025, draw praise for his solid all-round 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 at center with a strong performance in March.
Outfield prospect Carson Benge is another possible option, either at center or taking over the left tackle position for Nimmo. He rocketed through three levels in the minors in 2025, showing off 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 for the future.
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 home runs and 22 doubles over his 454 plate appearances, but was unable to repeat that feat in 2025. Baty, meanwhile, struggled in 2024 but showed flashes of his potential last year, posting a .254/.313/.435 batting line with 18 home runs and 13 doubles over his 432 plate appearances. If both players falter, third base prospect Jacob Reimer could get a look toward the end of the season.
The Mets pitching staff could also see an influx of youngsters. Top prospects Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong debuted in 2025. McLean in particular showed the potential to be a top starter in New York. As Kodai Senga is tradedthe Mets youth movement could also have an impact on the rotation.
The New York Mets haven’t had the kind of offseason anyone expected. That may be because they want to build a sustainable competitor with their homegrown talent.
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