NY Mets roster projections for MLB playoffs as they fight to secure NL wildcard berth

The postseason has come into focus for the New York Mets .

After taking three out of four games from the Phillies over the weekend, the Mets are in Atlanta for a three-game series with an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot .

With a two-game lead over the Braves entering Tuesday, the Mets could grab the tiebreaker and the ultimate edge with two wins over the division rivals.

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"We have to enjoy the fact that we won this series against a really good team, enjoy the day (Monday), and then we'll be ready," manager Carlos Mendoza said. "I don't want to get too far ahead. We have to continue to take care of business, one game at a time mentality. Do whatever we need to do to get the job done."

That has not stopped us from thinking about what could be for the Mets in October.

Here is our first projection for what the Mets' 26-man postseason roster could look like during this final week of the regular season:

Mets' postseason rotation (4)

Sean Manaea, LHP

Luis Severino, RHP

David Peterson, LHP

Jose Quintana, LHP

Considered : RHP Kodai Senga

Analysis : The rotation has been the Mets' strong suit in the midst of their playoff push in the month of September.

Quintana continued to make a case for his inclusion with another seven scoreless innings Wednesday against the Nationals. He has a 0.28 ERA and is the Mets' hottest pitcher right now.

Peterson has been arguably the most consistent starter, with a 9-3 record, 3.08 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 20 starts.

With their experience, Manaea and Severino are likely to be assured a start. The question is who would draw that third start in a best-of-three series? Mendoza might have tipped his hand for his preference with Severino, Peterson and Manaea lined up to face the Braves.

Mets' postseason bullpen (8)

Tylor Megill, RHP

Edwin Diaz, RHP

Jose Butto, RHP

Phil Maton, RHP

Reed Garrett, RHP

Ryne Stanek, RHP

Danny Young, LHP

Huascar Brazoban, RHP

Considered : RHPs Kodai Senga, Adam Ottavino, Paul Blackburn; LHP Alex Young.

Analysis : Megill could have very well pitched his way into a postseason role with a 2-0 record, 1.78 ERA and 28 strikeouts in five starts since returning to the major leagues.

Kodai Senga will need to prove that he's capable of getting off the mound to be included after he experienced triceps tightness during his rehab start Saturday.

David Stearns fortified this group at the deadline with the additions of Maton, Stanek and Brazoban. The question is whether Mendoza could want two lefties for the postseason. Danny Young has struggled in recent games.

Mets' postseason infielders (6)

Pete Alonso, 1B

Jose Iglesias, 2B

Francisco Lindor, SS

Mark Vientos, 3B

Luisangel Acuna, SS/2B

Eddy Alvarez, 2B

Considered : Brett Baty

Analysis : As Lindor hit the shelf with back tightness over the last week, the opportunity opened for Acuna, who blasted through and announced his arrival with two home runs in his first five games.

Acuna may have secured a bench spot for his speed and pop in his first week in the major leagues. Lindor said Sunday that he will likely be playing through pain for the remainder of the 2024 season and he has yet to return despite receiving a facet injection on Thursday.

Alvarez provides another source of speed and a dependable glove in a bench role.

Brett Baty's availability is interesting down the line after he sustained a fractured left index finger last month. The 24-year-old returned before his original four- to six-week timeline and could have a week of work in before the postseason. He had an .826 OPS in August for Triple-A Syracuse before the injury.

Mets' postseason outfielders/DH (6)

Brandon Nimmo

Harrison Bader

Starling Marte

J.D. Martinez

Tyrone Taylor

Jesse Winker

Analysis : The strength of this unit has been the flexibility it provides Mendoza to play the matchup. The only sure thing right now is Nimmo's spot in the lineup.

Bader and Taylor bring the best mix of defense in center and right field. Taylor is currently the hottest bat — on a 12-for-29 streak (.414) in his last 10 games. J.D. Martinez is in the midst of his longest hitless streak of his career and could potentially concede at-bats to Marte or Taylor.

Jesse Winker provides the strength against right-handed pitching as a corner outfielder or DH.

Mets' postseason catchers (2)

Francisco Alvarez

Luis Torrens

Analysis : Alvarez could be figuring it out at the right time for the Mets. In the last four series, the Mets' young backstop is batting .257 with five home runs, 13 RBI and seven runs.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets roster projections for MLB playoffs as they fight to secure NL wildcard berth