Mets Spring Training Underway
The New York Mets are in the thick of spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with the regular season set to kick off in about three weeks against the Houston Astros. The Mets have assembled a deep and talented roster, which should help them weather some of the early-season injuries that have cropped up. However, the starting rotation has faced significant setbacks, and there are still questions surrounding several positions, notably in the bullpen and on the bench.
Regular Lineup Set
The Mets’ regular lineup for Opening Day is largely settled, with only minor adjustments compared to previous predictions. Catcher Francisco Alvarez, first baseman Pete Alonso, second baseman Jeff McNeil, shortstop Francisco Lindor, third baseman Mark Vientos, left fielder Brandon Nimmo, center fielder Jose Siri, and right fielder Juan Soto are all expected to be regulars. Jesse Winker, a left-handed hitter known for his success against right-handed pitchers, will likely be the designated hitter. Sylvan, who had a .788 OPS and 13 of his 14 home runs last season against righties, is a valuable asset in this role.
Jose Siri, a standout defender, has been getting a lot of playing time in center field during spring training, and his power at the plate is promising. If he can replicate his 2023 performance (.761 OPS) rather than the lackluster 2024 results (.620 OPS), the Mets could have found a hidden gem in the offseason. The lineup is otherwise a powerhouse, with MVP candidates Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto locked into the leadoff and second positions, respectively. The order for the other batters, including Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Vientos, will likely be fine-tuned as the season approaches.
Starting Rotation Shaken by Injuries
The starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries, with Sean Manaea (oblique) and Frankie Montas (lat) both out for the beginning of the season. Manaea is expected to return sometime in April, while Montas’ timeline is more uncertain, possibly returning in May or even June. Manager Carlos Mendoza has been cagey about whether the team will stick to their plan of a six-man rotation, but it seems likely they will open with a five-man staff given the current situation.
Clay Holmes, who has been performing exceptionally well during spring training, is expected to transition smoothly from the bullpen to the starting rotation. Kodai Senga, who missed most of last season due to injury, is also a key player, and his health will be crucial for the team’s success. Griffin Canning and Paul Blackburn, both out of options, are the frontrunners for the remaining two spots. Tylor Megill, who has a minor league option remaining, and recently-signed Jose Ureña are also in the mix, but it seems less likely that Ureña will make the Opening Day roster unless there are further injuries or surprises.
Brandon Sproat, a young pitcher who impressed with two dominant innings this past Friday, could also make an impact. However, he is more likely to start the season with Triple-A Syracuse unless the need arises early on. The Mets will need a strong rotation to compete, and the health and performance of these starters will be closely watched as the season approaches.
Bullpen Certainties and Contenders
The bullpen is one of the more settled areas of the Mets roster, with four locks for Opening Day: closer Edwin Diaz, relievers Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek, and Jose Butto. Dedniel Núñez is also expected to be on the roster if he remains healthy, and Sean Reid-Foley seems like a strong candidate to make the team. A.J. Minter, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, has thrown his first live batting practice session and is progressing well, but he may need more time to get game-ready.
If Minter is not on the roster at the start of the season, the door could open for lefty non-roster invitee Genesis Cabrera. Cabrera has shown promise this spring, pitching four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and a 0.75 WHIP. His potential and the fact that he is out of options make him a strong contender for the open spot. The final bullpen slot is likely to go to Max Kranick, who has been making a successful transition from starter to multi-inning reliever. Kranick has posted impressive numbers this spring, including 4.0 scoreless innings and a 0.75 WHIP, and his high-velocity fastball is a significant asset.
Bench Depth and Versatility
The Mets bench will need to provide depth and versatility to support the regular lineup. With infielder Nick Madrigal likely out for the season, Tyrone Taylor (or Jose Siri) and catcher Luis Torrens are the clear locks. Beyond these two, the team will need to decide on one backup infielder and one backup outfielder/DH option.
Brett Baty, who can play third base, second base, first base, and corner outfield, seems like the strongest candidate for the backup infielder spot. Manager Mendoza has mentioned giving Baty some reps at shortstop to prepare for emergency situations, which adds to his value. Alexander Canario, a left-handed hitter with speed, power, and versatility, is out of options and has been performing well this spring. If Starling Marte, who is dealing with a knee issue and has yet to play in any games, is unable to start the season, Canario could fill the final bench spot.
Injury Management and Contingency Plans
Managing injuries is a critical aspect of any team’s success, and the Mets are no exception. The absences of Manaea and Montas in the starting rotation, coupled with Madrigal’s injury, have forced the team to make some tough decisions and adjustments. The return timelines for these players are crucial, as their presence will significantly impact the team’s depth and performance. The bullpen, while mostly settled, will also need to adapt if Minter requires additional recovery time.
The team’s ability to handle these injuries and fill in the gaps will be a testament to their depth and flexibility. Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga’s transitions to the starting rotation, along with the potential contributions from players like Genesis Cabrera and Max Kranick, will be vital in maintaining the Mets’ competitiveness. The bench, with its versatile options in Brett Baty and Alexander Canario, provides a safety net that can help mitigate the impact of any further injuries.
Looking Ahead to Opening Day
As the Mets prepare for the regular season, they have a solid foundation in place, with a deep and talented roster that should be able to handle the rigors of a long season. The line-up is strong, featuring MVP-caliber players and solid depth. The starting rotation, despite the setbacks, has promising candidates to fill the void left by Manaea and Montas. The bullpen and bench are also well-stocked with capable players ready to step up when needed.
While there are still some uncertainties, the Mets are in a strong position to compete. The team’s depth and the performance of players like Jose Siri, Clay Holmes, and Genesis Cabrera this spring are encouraging signs. As Opening Day approaches, the focus will be on finalizing the roster and ensuring that all players are ready to contribute to the team’s success. The Mets’ ability to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by injuries will be a key factor in their performance throughout the upcoming season.
