David Stearns declared this offseason that the Mets will have a “pretty distinct advantage” on the infield in 2026.

With four players — Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette — boasting heavy shortstop experience, the belief is their skill and athleticism will help in the quest to improve the team’s run prevention.

The flip side of that, though, is that two of these infield starters are learning brand new positions.

Polanco, coming over from the Mariners, is now expected to be the team’s primary first baseman, while Bichette left the shortstop job in Toronto to take over third base in Flushing.