Taking A Look At The Mets’ Projected 2026 Infield

The New York Mets made their biggest free agent signing of the offseason on Saturday as they agreed to terms with infielder Jorge Polanco. Polanco, a career middle-infielder, is reportedly set to play some first base for the Mets. With that being the case it appears at least a portion of Pete Alonso‘s reps have been filled. This also means that the Mets 2026 infield is likely set.

As it stands, Polanco is slated to play first base, Marcus Semien at second base, and returning Mets, Francisco Lindor and Brett Baty, at shortstop and third base, respectively. This unit is much different looking than the Mets’ 2025 Opening Day roster. That unit, from left to right, was Mark Vientos, Lindor, Luisangel Acuña, and Alonso.

The Mets’ 2026 infield should project much better defensively. Below are how each performed at their respective positions, in terms of outs above average (OAA) and defensive runs saved (DRS), in 2025:

• Brett Baty: +4 DRS, +2 OAA
• Francisco Lindor: -1 DRS, +5 OAA
• Marcus Semien: +5 DRS, +7 OAA

The only missing piece of the above captioned is the newest Met, Jorge Polanco. Interestingly enough, Polanco has not spent anytime at first base in his major-league career. His middle infield defense has historically been extremely poor, hopefully, moving him to one of the easier positions in the diamond will help spark his defensive play. Not to mention, replacing Alonso sets a relatively low bar defensively. Last season, Alonso was arguably the worst fielding first baseman by several metrics. Specifically, he had a negative-nine DRS, negative-nine OAA, and negative-eight fielding run value.

However, the other positions in the Mets’ infield project to all be comfortably above average. This exactly fits president of baseball operations, David Stearns, desired to construct his team prior to the offseason.

Offensively, in 2025, three of the four infielders had an OPS above .745. Two of them had an OPS above .811. Lindor, Polanco, and Baty should all perform at above-average offensive rates in 2026. Meanwhile, Semien, who has had a rough go of it the last two seasons (.699 OPS, .669 OPS), still has a make-up at the plate that profiles well. He does not chase, does not whiff, and has strong walks rates. He is also only two years removed from posting an OPS above .800 himself.

The Mets have had a relatively quiet offseason, however, one thing that seems pretty set is their infield. Surely, the team may decide to add another first baseman given no one on the roster has consistent play at the position. However, the everyday group, especially to begin the season, appears to be set.

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