Mets Star's Defensive Flaws Create Roster Headache

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza's plan for first base will be a major talking point heading into the 2026 season. After losing superstar Pete Alonso during the offseason, it was clear that major changes were coming to the position. Despite this, it was a significant surprise when the organization opted to bring in Jorge Polanco to help replace Alonso. Alonso has been widely regarded as one of the best first basemen in baseball for years. Polanco, on the other hand, has never played an inning at the position during his professional career. Instead, the now former Mariner has mostly been deployed in the middle infield. Nevertheless, Polanco is fully expected to be New York's starting first baseman on opening day. Mendoza has tried to get Polanco used to the new position throughout spring training. The slugger even nearly made it through the preseason without committing an error. He, however, made a throwing error during a game against the Houston Astros on March 21. According to ESPN statistics, Polanco was successful in all 46 of his putout chances throughout spring training. The error was the first and only throwing attempt he had in the month, though. After the game, Mendoza claimed that he was actually glad Polanco committed the error. As a result, the new first baseman can use the incident as a "learning opportunity" moving forward. Despite the optimism, there is a concern that the veteran committed a throwing error in his lone preseason attempt. SNY has even labeled the precarious situation as one of the top storylines for the club heading into 2026. Polanco is perhaps under even more pressure to handle first base, considering who his infield teammates are. Like the veteran, Bo Bichette is also undertaking a new position in 2026. Typically a shortstop, Bichette has moved over to third base. On top of learning a new role, the former Blue Jay was already not exactly a stellar fielder at short. In fact, Bichette committed 12 errors a season ago, including six throwing errors. Francisco Lindor, the Mets' starting shortstop, also had six throwing errors throughout 2025. Only six other Major League Baseball players at the position committed more throwing errors on the campaign. Not only does Polanco have to learn a new position at the age of 32, but he could also have to bail out his teammates quite a bit in 2026. If things go south for Polanco, the Mets do not currently have a ton of options at first base. The versatile Brett Baty has also filled in at the position at times throughout spring training. Baty, however, has also never played an inning at first base in his professional career. As a result, Mets management could eventually look to the trade market to address the situation. Nevertheless, Polanco is attempting to boost his chances of success by receiving advice from Keith Hernandez. The current Mets commentator was previously one of the best defensive first basemen in the game. Before hanging up his cleats, Hernandez collected 11 Gold Glove awards at the position. New York will start their 2026 season on March 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.