Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Provides Spring Training Updates
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza held his first news conference of spring training on Tuesday, offering a wealth of updates and insights. The.splitext of the Mets’ roster and the plans for the upcoming season were at the forefront of the discussion. Here are the key highlights from the session.
The Second Base Conundrum
With Francisco Lindor firmly established at shortstop and Pete Alonso returning to first base, the Mets have one infield spot that remains somewhat undecided as camp begins. While Mendoza did not officially declare Jeff McNeil the starting second baseman, he strongly hinted that McNeil is the leading candidate. "Jeff is pretty much right there," Mendoza noted, indicating that McNeil has the inside track on the job. However, the manager emphasized that the competition remains open, with several players set to get reps at second base. Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, and Jett Williams will all see time at the position, in addition to their other roles. Baty, in particular, will primarily be on the infield, with Mendoza stating, "We’re gonna keep him in the dirt as much as possible." This move is part of the Mets’ plan to evaluate Baty’s versatility and potential for a bench spot.
Position Battles and Rotational Depth
Mendoza highlighted several areas where roster spots are still up for grabs. In the bullpen, it’s expected that six spots are already filled, leaving one or two positions open. Players like Sean Reid-Foley, Tyler Zuber, and Danny Young will compete for these roles. The utility infielder position is another area of contention, with Nick Madrigal being a strong contender due to his versatility. Mendoza also noted that Madrigal will get some looks at shortstop, which could give him an edge in the competition. However, the most intriguing battle will be in the rotation, where the Mets plan to use a six-man setup. Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill are the primary contenders for the sixth spot, with Megill being stretched out to start. Top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat could also enter the rotation later in the season.
The Six-Man Rotation Plan
Kodai Senga’s arrival at camp brought positive news, as he expressed no health concerns following his injury-plagued 2024 season. Mendoza confirmed that if Senga remains healthy, there’s a strong likelihood the Mets will deploy a six-man rotation. "We got options. We got depth," Mendoza stated, emphasizing the team’s flexibility. The rotation is expected to include Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas, and David Peterson as the five locks. The sixth spot will be up for grabs among Blackburn, Canning, and Megill. This setup provides the team with a cushion and the ability to manage pitcher workloads more effectively.
Jose Butto Transitioning to Relief
Jose Butto, who showed promise as both a starter and reliever last season, will focus on relief duties this year. Mendoza stated that Butto will be expected to throw around 40 to 45 pitches per outing, providing the bullpen with a versatile and reliable option. Butto’s performance in 2023, including a 2.55 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 74.0 innings, highlighted his value to the team. While he appeared to tire late in the season and during the postseason, the transition to full-time relief work, with an entire spring training to prepare, should help him maintain his effectiveness. Butto is expected to join a bullpen that already includes Edwin Diaz, A.J. Minter, Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek, and Dedniel Nuñez.
Health Updates
Mendoza provided updates on the health of several key players, addressing concerns about Ronny Mauricio and A.J. Minter. Mauricio, who tore his ACL playing winter ball, is running, fielding grounders, and taking batting practice. However, the expectation is that he won’t see action in spring training games until mid-March, likely leading to a minor league start for the season. Minter, recovering from offseason hip surgery, is in a good spot and is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session at the end of February. The goal is to have him ready for Opening Day, and Mendoza expressed optimism about his progress.
Looking Forward
As the Mets embark on spring training, the team’s depth and versatility are clear strengths. The competition for roster spots, particularly at second base, in the bullpen, and in the rotation, will be fierce but ultimately beneficial for the team. Mendoza’s strategic decisions, such as the six-man rotation and Butto’s transition to relief, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that aims to maximize the team’s potential. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the Mets are well-positioned to build on their recent success and compete for a championship.
