Projecting Mets’ 25-man roster for Opening Day 2016
New York Mets Infielder Matt Reynolds jumps in the air as he throws the ball to first base during a spring training game against the Cardinals on March 7, 2016. Credit: AP / Doug Murray
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — It’s 25-man roster projection season, so here’s what we have with the Mets.
Position player locks (10)
Curtis Granderson, David Wright, Yoenis Cespedes, Lucas Duda, Neil Walker, Michael Conforto, Travis d’Arnaud, Asdrubal Cabrera, Wilmer Flores, Juan Lagares.
Pitcher locks (10)
Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Bartolo Colon, Jeurys Familia, Addison Reed, Antonio Bastardo, Jerry Blevins, Hansel Robles (though he starts the season suspended).
Now, for the other five roster spots:
The Mets continue to debate the backup catcher spot. At issue: whether Kevin Plawecki would be better served getting more playing time in the minors. The early-season schedule brings plenty of off days and negates the need for the backup to play a ton.
Welcome to the club . . .
21. Johnny Monell
Because the Mets are off for three of the first five days of the season, manager Terry Collins has left open the possibility of taking one fewer reliever in favor of an extra position player. So that’s good news for . . .
22. Matt Reynolds
23. Eric Campbell
If the Mets carry six relievers (really five, because Robles is suspended but counts against the roster), they could take either Jim Henderson or Erik Goeddel. But we think the spot will go to a long reliever. Though it easily could be Sean Gilmartin, we’ll project . . .
24. Logan Verrett
Finally, plenty of things can happen near the end of camp, when teams have a clearer sense of their needs going into the regular season. And the Mets certainly could add to their catching depth or maybe, if the opportunity presents itself, snag a lefthanded-hitting third-base type. For now, it seems as if they see no pressing need to deal what was believed to be their most obvious trade commodity. They see a value in having a very good — though pretty expensive — veteran pinch hitter off the bench. So say hello to . . .
25. Alejandro De Aza
