Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Speaks Ahead of Spring Training Game
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the media ahead of Thursday’s spring training game, providing insights into the team’s plans and expectations for the upcoming season. With a roster brimming with potential and a few key injuries to manage, Mendoza’s comments shed light on the team’s approach to player development and strategic depth.
What Mets Need to See from Drew Gilbert
Drew Gilbert, one of the Mets’ top prospects, has yet to make an appearance in spring training games. Following a minor league season that saw him limited to just 62 games due to injuries, Gilbert’s path to the big leagues has been fraught with challenges. Mendoza emphasized the importance of Gilbert’s health and readiness, stating, "Be himself, go out there — he’s a gamer. He plays the game hard, he goes and gets it in the outfield, he impacts the baseball, he runs the bases. I think it just starts with being healthy and being on the field." Gilbert’s minor league performance last season was modest, with a .685 OPS, but he showed promise in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a .783 OPS and hit four home runs in 92 plate appearances over 21 games. Gilbert is expected to start the season with Triple-A Syracuse, but his potential for a quick promotion to the big league club remains high if he continues to perform well.
Gilbert’s Journey and Development
Gilbert’s journey to the big leagues has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite the setbacks, his strong showing in the Arizona Fall League demonstrated his ability to adjust and excel under different conditions. Mendoza’s words highlight the importance of allowing Gilbert to develop at his own pace, ensuring he is in the best possible shape before stepping into a competitive environment. "He’s another guy that missed time last year. That’s why he’s not in games yet. We’re gonna make sure we do this right, and he’s in a good spot before we start playing games," Mendoza explained. The Mets are committed to nurturing Gilbert’s talent and providing him with the support he needs to succeed.
The Plan for Jose Ureña
With injuries to starting pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, the Mets recently signed Jose Ureña to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp. Mendoza discussed Ureña’s versatility, stating, "This is a guy that can start for us. He’s gonna get stretched out — we gotta get with him and see where he’s at. He was pitching in winter ball, but the goal is to kind of get him stretched out. He can pitch out of the bullpen multiple innings." Ureña’s performance last season with the Rangers was solid, with a 3.80 ERA (4.62 FIP) and a 1.32 WHIP in 109.0 innings over nine starts and 24 relief appearances. His advanced stats in 2024 included well above average fastball velocity and an elite ground ball rate (50.6 percent), though he was about average in walk rate and barrel percentage, and slightly below average in hard hit percentage, average exit velocity, and pitching run value.
Ureña’s Role and Potential Impact
Ureña’s ability to work as both a starter and a reliever makes him a valuable asset to the Mets. While he worked exclusively as a starter in 2023, starting 10 games for the Rockies and White Sox, his recent experience in relief roles adds depth and flexibility to the team’s pitching staff. As things currently stand, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson are expected to begin the season in the rotation, with Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill, and potentially Ureña competing for the remaining spots. Ureña’s presence in the camp provides the Mets with an additional option to bolster their starting rotation or provide reliable innings out of the bullpen.
Conclusion: Balancing Health and Potential
Mendoza’s comments reflect the Mets’ balanced approach to player management and development. By prioritizing the health and readiness of prospects like Drew Gilbert and leveraging the versatility of veterans like Jose Ureña, the team is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. With a mix of experienced talent and emerging prospects, the Mets are setting the stage for a competitive and promising campaign. As the spring training games continue, the focus will be on ensuring that players are in the best possible condition to contribute to the team’s success.
