Benge and Kimbrel Become Focus Points, New York Mets Face Three Major Uncertainties at the End of Spring Training

The New York Mets have three Grapefruit League spring training exhibition games left, along with one intra-squad scrimmage. Before leaving the spring training camp, most regular players will play in three of these four games.

Although the team's preparations in Florida are almost finished, several crucial decisions are still pending:

1. Can Carson Benge secure a spot on the Opening Day roster?

At present, it seems very probable. While the team's management is still evaluating, Benge has performed excellently in spring training, boasting a batting average of .412 and solid defense, making it difficult to exclude him. Manager Carlos Mendoza seemed to hint at this on Friday—he positioned Bo Bichette at shortstop. The Mets would only need Bichette to play shortstop if Francisco Lindor were sidelined long-term, or... if the team does not carry a true backup shortstop.

Earlier this week, the Mets assigned Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A Syracuse, leaving Lindor and Vidal Bruján as the only two genuine shortstops on the roster. How does this relate to Benge? If the Mets do not take Bruján, both Benge and Mike Tauchman could join the team. If Bruján is included, a choice must be made between the other two.

Including Bruján makes sense; he is one of the fastest players in camp and, besides backing up Lindor, can serve as a valuable pinch-runner. However, Tauchman can also fill a pinch-hitter role, and if the Mets do not place him on the Opening Day roster by Thursday, he might be claimed by another team. Overall, it appears most likely that both Benge and Tauchman will be on the Opening Day roster.

Do not forget, MLB's rookie incentive policy also provides extra motivation for the Mets to start Benge on Opening Day. If Benge is on the Opening Day roster and (A) wins the NL Rookie of the Year Award, or (B) finishes among the top three in MVP voting in any of the next three seasons, the team will receive a supplemental draft pick.

2. Can Craig Kimbrel join the bullpen?

Currently, it seems unlikely. Although opposing scouts have praised the life on Kimbrel's pitches, some even believe this former closer could still succeed if he consistently throws high in the strike zone, his spring training results are hardly impressive. Kimbrel has allowed five walks and two hit batters over six innings, conceding runs in three of his six appearances, with his top velocity around 93 mph.

Kimbrel's minor league contract includes an opt-out clause, which he could have exercised today, but he did not. The Mets have also not offered him a roster spot yet. According to sources, the team still wants to continue evaluating Kimbrel, and if he does not make the roster, he might not accept a minor league assignment; the Mets could still release him before Opening Day.

If Kimbrel does not make the team, Bryan Hudson is the most likely replacement, having caught management's attention with his excellent extension and improved velocity. However, Hudson's Grapefruit League performance has not been strong; another left-hander, Richard Lovelady, remains in camp and could take the spot. Meanwhile, Mets management remains open to external options. Many players will be placed on waivers just before Opening Day, and some veterans with contract upgrade clauses are already opting out.

3. How will the Mets arrange their rotation?

Only two spots are confirmed: Freddy Peralta will start the opener, and Nolan McLean will start the third game. Based on discussions with team management, the second game is likely to be started by David Peterson, but the team has not officially announced it.

The real intrigue lies in the second series. Although the Mets plan to begin the season with a six-man rotation, they want Peralta's rest days to be closer to the regular five-day cycle. This likely means Peralta would get an extra day of rest before starting the second game of the road series against the Cardinals on April 1. Precisely for this reason, the Mets had Peralta pitch a minor league game in the final spring training outing instead of continuing his Grapefruit League starts.

If the Mets start Peralta, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga in some order during the series against the Cardinals, the question arises: When exactly will Sean Manaea pitch? The Mets could have Manaea start the season's seventh game on April 2 against the Giants on the road, giving others an extra rest day. If the team feels Manaea needs more time to regain his velocity, might they push him back further? Time will tell.

Regardless, the Mets cannot send Manaea to the minors. In the first few games of the season, he could potentially begin from the bullpen.