BY MARK HALPERN
As we watch the World Series, it got me thinking on how the Mets need to improve and potentially get there. My last article (https://thesportsinsanitynetwork.com/2025/10/19/options-for-rotation-and-bullpen/) focused on the pitching side, so now let’s focus on the rest of the team.
Currently if the ball would roll to first there would be no Polar Bear to stop it. The Mets need to do right by First Baseman Pete Alonso after the year he had. Pete hit .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBI’S. Not to mention the .871 OPS he put up. Last year Pete had to settle this time they need to make it a top priority and sign Pete to a min 5-year deal at $200million. This would bring Pete to the end of his career and potentially make him the best position player in team history.
At Second Base you have Jeff McNeil who is getting up there in age but did have a solid season. The Mets have Luis Angel Acuna ready to take over that spot defensively but, not offensively he hasn’t bloomed yet. Brett Baty could be another feature for second base.
At Shortstop well we are not making changes for a long time as Fransico Lindor mans that position.
Third Base is where things become interesting. There is no secret that this was the weakest position on the team last year. Brett Baty did most of the time but spent time on IL and had some trouble defensively. Mark Vientos failed on both ends this year. He could not replicate what he did in 2024. There are trades that can happen but for me this is a chance to go and grab Alex Bregman. Bregman has opted out of his contract with the Red Sox after a resurgence year. He could solve some problems, but at his age what would the term look like? Another option could be Nolan Arenado. The Cards have been talking about trading him for a few years, maybe this is the Winter. The Mets could give up a contract and make it a contract for contract. If the Mets make one of these moves they could move Vientos, Baty, or someone for a starting pitcher.
At Catcher the Mets do have the right person there but he has spent a lot of time hurt. Francisco Alvarez has to prove why he belongs behind the plate, he is only 23 years old, but the last two seasons he has had injuries. If he can stay healthy, he could do big things in 2026. Luis Torrens is slated for arbitration for another year. While his offense isn’t great, Torrens has a cannon of an arm and handles the staff well.
In Left Field you have Brandon Nimmo who is cemented there and in Right Field you have Juan Soto who quietly had the best year of his career. Soto will not be going anywhere either.
Now In Center, we have no one and this isn’t a bad thing. The Mets have made it no secret that Jett Williams is going to be their starting Centerfielder at some point in 2026 but the Mets still need some experience and that’s when I turn to Harrison Bader again. Bader was solid when he played for the Mets. He would be a great mentor to Jett and could really be of help with experience to guide him in his first year.
There are more things the Mets can do at these positions but, this is just my current opinion on the matter. Look for a full Mets Recap here on the Network right after the World Series.
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