How Carlos Mendoza could fill out Mets’ lineup for Opening Day

So many new faces will mean more contemplation for Carlos Mendoza.

The Mets manager undoubtedly will use spring training as a laboratory to test various lineup combinations, removed from the muscle memory of inserting Pete Alonso in the No. 3 hole with Brandon Nimmo fifth. Now it’s about finding the right spots for Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr. while also trying to maximize Juan Soto’s productivity.

There are plenty of good combinations for Mendoza to consider. But here on Feb. 6 we take a stab at projecting the Mets’ Opening Day batting order:

Francisco Lindor, SS
Juan Soto, RF
Bo Bichette, 3B
Jorge Polanco, 1B
Francisco Alvarez, C
Brett Baty, DH
Marcus Semien, 2B
Carson Benge, LF
Luis Robert Jr., CF