As the 2026 MLB season is right around the corner, it’s time to project the New York Mets Opening Day lineup and how they will utilize certain spots on the field. After the recent acquisitions of Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets have a much-clearer picture among their position player group.
However, the question of how the designated hitter slot will be used is still up in the air. Brett Baty seems to be the frontrunner to be in the Opening Day lineup after escaping the trade market (to this point) and due to his strong 2025 season. However, New York still has players like Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio who will be vying for at-bats. So, what is the Mets’ plan at DH? Mets’ insiders Will Sammon and Tim Britton recently broke it down.
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The Mets Lineup Will Feature Plenty of Balance
Regardless of who gets the majority of the at-bats at the DH position, the Mets’ lineup will be deep with balance. New York has two switch-hitters in Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Ronny Mauricio. The left-handed hitters are Juan Soto, Brett Baty, and Carson Benge. And to round things out, the Mets have a solid cast of righties as well, with Francisco Alvarez, Bo Bichette, Mark Vientos, and Marcus Semien.
Here is what the Mets’ insiders believe will happen with the DH position:
GettyMark Vientos of the New York Mets
“Barring a move, the expectation is for the Mets to rotate players at designated hitter. One of the regulars taking a DH day is another way Baty can gain playing time. Mark Vientos, who can also see time at first base, is a DH candidate as well.”
So, does this mean the Mets will choose the platoon route? And have Vientos start against southpaws, and Baty see at-bats primarily against righties?
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Brett Baty and Mark Vientos Had Opposite 2025 Seasons
Brett Baty and Mark Vientos have seen opposite results from the 2024 season to 2025. Baty struggled mightily in 2024 (four home runs in 50 games), but really burst onto the scene in 2025 with 18 home runs in 130 games.
As for Vientos, he hit 27 home runs in his breakout 2024 season, but regressed to just 17 last year, and Vientos’ batting average dropped by nearly 30 points in ’25.
This will be one of the harder decision the Mets will have to make leading up to Opening Day, but another option could be trying Brett Baty out in left field, and then opting to go the platoon route with Mark Vientos and Carson Benge.
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Report: Mets Insiders Reveal Plans At DH Amid Uncertainty