Potential Moves to Finalize Mets Roster For 2026
Editor’s Notes – 13:35
Shelby Miller received UCL surgery back in October of 2025. He is likely to miss the entire 2026 season depending on his recovery timeline.
Original Article
The Mets’ roster for 2026 took shape this week with three key moves.
The front office signed Bo Bichette to play third base, traded for Luis Robert Jr. to shore up their outfield, then made a blockbuster move for Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers to power up their rotation.
David Stearns and co. did some heavy lifting. And with less than a month before spring training, the roster looks ready to compete for a National League East title.
Still, with a month left and free agents still on the market, the Mets could add a couple more pieces to their roster. With the start of the season knocking on the door, here are a couple moves the Mets should make heading into the 2026 season.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
A Right-Handed Bench Bat
The Mets’ starting nine is formidable, but the bench could use some work. Mark Vientos and Brett Baty are respectable options to platoon and get playing time, and Luis Torrens is a solid option as a backup catcher. Yet somehow, the Mets’ bench still seems light heading into the season.
One bat that is still on the market and fits this roster like a glove is Miguel Andujar. Pun intended. Andujar had a resurgence last season with the Athletics and Reds, and can slot into multiple positions defensively for the Mets. He played third base, first base, and the outfield last season for the Reds as they made their playoff push. If the Mets need a corner outfielder, or if Bichette or Polanco gets hurt, Andujar could slide in.
Andujar also performed at the plate last season. He slashed .389/.409/.578 with four homers in 90 at-bats last season against lefties, which could provide the Mets with another strong option against southpaws. Andujar was also respectable against righties, batting .290 against with a .759 OPS.
An Arm for the Bullpen
You can never have too many arms. The Mets learned that the hard way last season.
With the backend of the bullpen set, along with the long relief options in Myers and Brazoban, the Mets could use a single, middle-inning reliever. The arm they should target is Shelby Miller.
Miller was fantastic last season for the Diamondbacks. He pitched to a 1.98 ERA in 36 1/3 innings with the Snakes, relying on a ghastly split finger that batters whiffed on 44.9% of the time. When moved to the Brewers, Miller struggled, allowing six runs in 9 2/3 innings. The sample size, however, was small. Miller could provide a bridge in the fifth or sixth inning for the Mets, giving another option to Carlos Mendoza.
One More Big Trade?
The biggest concern heading into 2026 for the Mets was starting pitching. Stearns fortified it by adding ace Peralta, but it could still use another option who could start in a postseason game.
One arm that is constantly talked about is Joe Ryan, the crown jewel of the Twins’ rotation. Ryan would be the obvious answer if he were on the trading block, but the Twins have been reluctant to move him. Hence, everyone should have their eyes set on another arm in the Minnesota rotation.
Pablo López has been one of the more reliable options in baseball the past three seasons. He posted 96 starts from 2022 to 2024, recording a 3.83 ERA and one All-Star appearance. He was on his way to another strong season in 2025 before tearing his throwing shoulder in June, putting him on the sideline with a 2.74 ERA in 14 starts.
If available, the Mets should absolutely consider trading for the Twins righty. Minnesota recently bought out minor investors in the franchise, and could be looking to get out of some contracts. López is owed $43.5 million over the final two years of his contract, which the Mets could absorb to lessen the prospect return heading toward Minnesota. López is also reportedly healthy and will be ready to pitch in spring training. There haven’t been any rumors surrounding a López trade, so take this as a wishful suggestion.
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