Reese Kaplan -- The Final Roster Cuts Won't Be Easy to Make

As the New York Mets Spring Training soon draws to a close there are roster decisions that still need to be made.  No one knows for sure how the last 4-5 roster assignments will be made but it was interesting this week to hear from Carlos Mendoza that he was announcing that relief pitcher Huascar Brazoban is coming north as part of the Opening Day bullpen.  Some seemed surprised by that proclamation while others felt that his more on than off production is more than serviceable. 

The next big question mark remaining is Carson Benge.  Hitting .406 with a very high on base percentage and few strikeouts, the rookie is making decision making rather difficult.  Some advocate that you ride the hot hand while others feel he needs more seasoning in AAA.  At this point if you took a poll among Mets fans and media types he’s the starting right fielder.  No one should really have an issue with that, though the Mets have not been big on giving rookies starting assignments in the past few years unless injuries forced their hand.

Now is where it gets interesting.  If you assume left to right you have Juan Soto, Luis Robert, Jr. and Carson Benge then who gets  assigned as the spare outfielders?  One would thank that Tyrone Taylor’s speed and defense make up for his lackluster hitting and the long relationship between he and David Stearns would seem to make that move a foregone conclusion.  That is four outfielders.

Contracts always get in the way of sometimes rational roster decisions and one they need to evaluate more closely is journeyman Mike Tauchman who has had a very hot spring with the bat despite never having done so before in the majors.  He’s in his mid 30s so it’s not like he’s suddenly going to morph into an All Star type of player.  He’s on a minor league deal right now with the day before the season starts he has an opt out he can choose to use. 

The flip side of contracts often concern player options and that is where MJ Melendez despite having a nice Spring is likely finding himself heading to Syracuse.  His split contract allows him to be farmed out at a lower salary level.  He’s not a superstar in the making either but he’s still young enough to show consistent improvement.  However, they need a roster spot and having an option puts him at a distinct disadvantage.

The other outfielder who caught many people by surprise is slick fielding Cristian Pache who is also swinging the bat effectively this Spring.  He gives you the stellar defense the team is seeking though he’s never before shown a solid stick.  His contract is also of the minor league variety like Tauchman so he’s fighting an uphill battle for a roster spot.

On the infield Vidal Brujan has also hit surprisingly well but he’s not known for his offensive ability.  With Francisco Lindor due back Opening Day by most accounts the need for a spare infielder is mitigated with Bo Bichette also capable of playing shortstop in a pinch.  Ronny Mauricio is hitting far better and is a known commodity in New York  There’s no clear answer here.

We’ve already gone over the Mark Vientos situation.  He’s continuing to fail to get on base and with a possible Benge promotion to the roster that leaves lefty hitting Brett Baty as the primary DH.  What does Vientos then provide to the team?  It’s not glove work and not base running.  So if he’s not hitting then you might starting counting his end of days in blue and orange.

The bullpen is the final piece.  Borderline lefties Dickie Lovelady and Bryan Hudson are not exactly the level of pitcher that makes anyone feel confident in them doing anything much more than mop up duty. 

Right now you have Luis Garcia, newly minted reliever Sean Manaea, Tobias Myers, Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams.  If you start with this group of six relievers there are not that many spare openings.

The other big opt out candidate is Craig Kimbrel.  He’s got a low ERA but has walked quite a few resulting in a poor WHIP and his velocity appears to be down.  In an ideal situation they’d probably want to stash him in Syracuse but he’d have to agree to that assignment.  If that’s not happening then you have to fish or cut bait.

Setup specialist AJ Minter is going to be on a short term IL stint to begin the year.  Being a lefty, it’s possible the Mets would muddle through with just Raley as an active southpaw knowing it’s only temporary. 

It will be an interesting late March as more and more cuts will need to be made.