Mets Mull Key Polanco and Senga Decisions for 2026 Roster

MLB Mets Mull Key Polanco and Senga Decisions for 2026 Roster

By Ben Gale

September 4, 2026 • 6:04 PM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Mets Mull Key Polanco and Senga Decisions for 2026 Roster

If you’re looking for clarity on what the Mets’ 2026 roster will actually look like, you’re not the only one. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns laid it out before the Giants series: the puzzle pieces are there, but how they’ll fit is still unclear. He’s watching veterans try to bounce back, new faces seize opportunities, and pitchers adjusting to roles most never expected. If you want to bet on the Mets’ lineups, this is where it gets interesting—and tricky.

Jorge Polanco was penciled in as the everyday first baseman after being signed in the offseason. That plan? It’s barely made it out of spring training. Instead, injuries and surgery robbed him of all but 37 games, where he struggled to a .148 average with only two homers. The Mets aren’t sure where Polanco will fit defensively next year. Stearns was pretty honest, saying Polanco’s role is still “to be determined.” You don’t see that much in public comments unless there’s genuine uncertainty.

At the same time, Stearns and the front office have watched Jared Young step up. Given his first sustained shot in the majors, Young’s hit .265 with some decent pop, proving he doesn’t waste at-bats. Stearns called him a “good hitter” who “controls the strike zone well… he gives you consistently good at-bats. He understands game situations.” That’s real confidence in Young’s stick, something bettors should watch if you’re looking at Mets props in 2026. According to Yahoo Sports, this opens up real questions for Polanco’s path back to playing time, putting more value on how the team decides to split innings at first base next year.

Another talking point was Marcus Semien. The Mets grabbed him for defense, but his bat has just about disappeared—career lows in every basic stat. Stearns admits the team wants and needs more from Semien’s offense, but he values the leadership and consistency Semien brings. Those under-the-hood qualities don’t show up in box scores or betting lines, but they do matter if you’re projecting the Mets’ cohesion or win totals.

Jorge Polanco’s defensive spot for 2026 is uncertain after an injury-shortened, disappointing year.
Jared Young’s emergence at the plate gives the Mets a legit option at first base, tightening the race for next spring.
Marcus Semien’s offense continues to decline, making his off-field value more important in roster decisions.
Kodai Senga has been stellar out of the bullpen, but his long-term role is unsettled as key relievers return from injury.
Sean Manaea will remain a rotation piece, with Stearns emphasising the need for a strong offseason prep and leadership.

Polanco’s Unclear Defensive Role

The Mets brought Jorge Polanco to plug a hole at first, but after just three appearances there and a season lost to a wrist and ankle injury, everything’s in limbo. Stearns admits the team won’t know what Polanco has left until he’s healthy and back on the field next spring. That’s about as uncertain as it gets for a big-money signing.

Jared Young Forces His Way Into The Conversation

While Polanco was sidelined, Jared Young seized his chance. Across 91 games, Young’s delivered a .265 average with respectable power numbers. Stearns has been clear that Young gives the Mets professional at-bats and makes good in-game decisions. That means Young isn’t just holding the fort—he’s making a genuine case to keep a strong share of playing time even if Polanco is healthy next year.

Semien’s Bat Lags, But Leadership Counts

Offensively, Marcus Semien has hit a wall in 2026. He’s batting just .218 with career-worst OBP, slugging, and OPS. Still, Stearns praised Semien’s intangibles: “Marcus remains someone who can be one of those steadying forces on a team. He posts every day, he takes his craft incredibly seriously he works very hard,” Stearns said. For those betting on Mets futures, what you’re really watching is whether his defense and character will let the Mets keep him in the lineup even if his bat doesn’t bounce back.

Kodai Senga Thrives in the Bullpen – For Now

Kodai Senga’s second act as a reliever has paid off for the Mets. Since shifting to the pen in August, he’s racked up a 1.74 ERA and closed out every save chance he’s had. But with Devin Williams due back, Senga’s bullpen role could vanish overnight. Stearns credits Senga for embracing relief work, saying, “I think he prefers to start, but his investment in that role, the way he’s embraced that role, is a great example for his teammates.” For the betting public, Senga’s 2026 usage is a wild card, so pay attention to spring training news and roster updates.

Sean Manaea Set for a Larger Rotation Role

Manaea opened the year in the pen but eventually worked his way back into the starting rotation. His mid-season stretch was solid—four outings allowing two runs or fewer—but tailed off badly, giving up 19 runs in his last four starts. Stearns made it clear Manaea’s being counted on to be part of the 2026 rotation and wants him ready out of the gate. That’s something to consider if you’re projecting Mets win totals or rotation depth for next season.

Key takeaways

Don’t lock in Polanco as a first base starter for 2026 just yet. Health and competition from Young keep that role wide open.
Jared Young has earned more MLB playing time and could see his odds or prop markets improve next season.
Semien’s declining offense puts pressure on every other part of his game to justify everyday play.
Senga’s late-inning value is real, but with key relievers returning, monitor where he opens 2026—starter or bullpen.
Sean Manaea’s role is secure, but his consistency must return if the Mets want to contend or outperform projections.
Mets’ infield mix is evolving; look for underdog values in spring on whoever impresses in camp.
If you’re betting Mets win totals or lineups, flexibility will be your friend—roles are moving targets.
Clubhouse chemistry, cited by Stearns for Semien, could matter as much as stats given the roster transitions.

More coverage: MLB news coverage, MLB analysis and odds and MLB expert picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jorge Polanco’s defensive future for 2026 is uncertain. After missing most of the year due to injury, the Mets are waiting to see his health before deciding his role.

Jared Young has been impressive with increased playing time, hitting .265 over 91 games. He’s put himself in the mix to challenge for first base alongside Polanco.

Semien’s offense has declined to career lows across the board. While Stearns values his defense and leadership, both the team and fans want better offensive numbers.

Stearns hasn’t committed to keeping Senga in the bullpen, despite his recent success in the role. The decision depends on team needs and bullpen health entering 2026.

Manaea is expected to be part of the starting rotation. The club wants him to have a strong offseason and believes he can lead and contribute at a high level.

The Mets plan to include Sean Manaea, Nolan McLean, and Christian Scott in their rotation, with Zac Thornton also competing for a spot in 2026.

With roster roles unsettled, especially at first base and in the bullpen, bettors should be cautious and watch camp battles for edge on player props and season-long bets.