Mets confident in roster that's virtually identical to '16 squad

MLB.com Mets reporter Anthony DiComo looks at who is in the running for the Mets' fifth-starter job as Spring Training approachesBut there are still a few roster battles that will unfold over the next several weeks and some jobs to be won. With that in mind, here's a look at the Mets' projected Opening Day roster heading into Spring Training.

Catcher (2): Travis d'Arnaud, Rene Rivera

The Mets eschewed an opportunity to sign Matt Wieters, who remains a free agent as camps open around the Majors. Put simply, the front office felt that d'Arnaud -- whose $1.875 million salary is a fraction of what Wieters is expected to make -- can produce superior numbers in his age-27 season. It's a gamble…