PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — With injuries to second baseman Jeff McNeil and catcher Francisco Alvarez, there are additional openings in the New York Mets roster since our previous Opening Day projection a few weeks ago.
As the Mets have just four spring training games remaining, here’s a glimpse into how the roster is shaping up for the season opener in Houston next Thursday:
Rotation (5)
Clay Holmes
Tylor Megill
Griffin Canning
David Peterson
Kodai Senga
The Mets have not finalized their complete starting rotation plan yet, so Canning, Megill, and Paul Blackburn are still competing for the last two spots. However, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed on Thursday that Peterson and Senga will remain behind when the team travels to Houston to pitch in minor-league games on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, delaying their season debuts to the second series against the Miami Marlins. This aligns with earlier reports indicating the Mets intended to start with two right-handed pitchers alongside Holmes in Houston, likely Canning and Megill, both of whom have performed well. Megill has a minor-league option, which can complicate decision-making since teams typically try to maintain depth early in the season.
Strategically, the Mets aim to give Senga more time to prepare for the season. They prefer to pitch Peterson against Miami rather than Houston, given the Astros’ lineup will feature eight right-handed bats, and their only lefty, star Yordan Alvarez, performs exceptionally well against left-handed pitchers.
The Mets will kick off the season without Sean Manaea (oblique) and Frankie Montas (lat).
Bullpen (8)
Edwin Díaz
Ryne Stanek
Reed Garrett
José Buttó
Danny Young
Anthony Gose
Max Kranick
Paul Blackburn
A.J. Minter, a left-hander, and righty Dedniel Núñez are the two wild cards in the bullpen race. Throughout spring, Minter had a slight edge over Núñez, who recently pitched for the first time on Monday and anticipates being ready for Opening Day. If both are fit, they secure two spots, though the Mets have been cautious with their situation, so a conservative approach would not be surprising. If they do end up on the injured list, spells should be brief.
Potential replacements for Minter and Núñez consist of Kranick, Gose, Huascar Brazoban, Tyler Zuber, and Génesis Cabrera. Kranick has been chosen here due to his impressive performance this spring and versatility. Gose remains a consideration due to club officials’ admiration for his fastball, although another lefty may not be necessary.
Catchers (2)
Luis Torrens
Hayden Senger
With Alvarez unavailable at the start of the season, Torrens steps into the starting catcher role, while Senger, a minor-league veteran with the organization since 2018, is likely to be the backup. The Mets value Senger’s defensive skills and familiarity with the pitching staff over bringing in a veteran catcher new to the team like Jakson Reetz. Nevertheless, the Mets are still open to acquiring a catcher from another organization before Opening Day, so keep an eye out for veterans potentially omitted from their teams’ major-league rosters.
Infielders (5)
Pete Alonso
Brett Baty
Francisco Lindor
Mark Vientos
Luisangel Acuña
Due to Jeff McNeil’s oblique strain and Nick Madrigal’s fractured shoulder sustained earlier in camp, two more spots are now available than initially anticipated. A team source indicated that Baty and Acuña are likely candidates to fill those spots.
Baty has performed consistently well during spring training, arguably his best stretch to date and has held his own at second base. McNeil’s absence provides the Mets a chance to evaluate Baty against major-league pitching right from the start. Acuña’s offensive performance has not been as strong this spring, but his defensive reliability at second makes him a suitable option off the bench.
Outfielders (6)
Juan Soto
Brandon Nimmo
José Siri
Tyrone Taylor
Jesse Winker
Starling Marte
This segment of the roster has remained unchanged throughout spring training. After a near two-week hiatus due to right knee soreness, Nimmo has returned in the past week, first to hitting and then to playing left field, and he’s expected to be ready by Opening Day.
Neither Siri nor Taylor has excelled offensively in Florida. Siri should lead in center field playtime at the start of the season, although the Mets exhibited flexibility in this area last season when Taylor usurped Harrison Bader’s position by October.
Winker and Marte are planned to serve as platoon designated hitters. Nimmo’s injury allowed Winker more opportunities in left field, an arrangement that might continue throughout the season. Marte has yet to play in the outfield this spring, but that remains a goal for the remaining days.
