Who’s in and Who’s Out? Predicting the Mets 2025 Opening Day Roster
The Mets have had a pretty successful offseason, most notable signings being Juan Soto and A.J. Minter. There are still some holes to fill, but for the most part, the Mets do have a group of guys that can successfully compete in the loaded National League East. There are plenty of guys that are competing for roster spots at a multitude of positions, with certain spots up for grabs still. They have plenty of starting pitchers competing for rotational spots, as well as young guys trying to get out in the field.
The infield is pretty shaky currently, with truly only two guys having secure spots: Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Francisco Alvarez at catcher. The rest of the infield could go a bunch of ways. The Mets are still attempting to bring back Pete Alonso, but first base at this point in time is most likely Mark Vientos. Second base will likely be a lefty/righty matchup between Luisangel Acuña and Jeff McNeil. Third base was going to be Vientos if Alonso re-signed, but currently is a race between Ronny Mauricio, who is still recovering from a torn ACL, and Brett Baty, who has had his ups and downs with the team over the past two years. The outfield looks to be Soto, Jose Siri, and Brandon Nimmo from right to left, with Jesse Winker, Starling Marte, and Tyrone Taylor also looking for playing time. Winker and Marte will likely platoon the designated hitter role, and Taylor could be brought on in later innings as a defensive substitution. Luis Torrens will serve as the backup catcher, leaving the Mets with a decision on who to send to the minors: Baty or Mauricio. Barring that Mauricio is ready, I see Baty starting the year in Syracuse.
The rotation is relatively the same with returning starters Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, and David Peterson. The Mets signed Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, who both will be included in this year’s rotation. Many of the starters will benefit from the extra man in the rotation with the spot being decided between Paul Blackburn, a deadline acquisition of 2024, Griffin Canning, free agency signing from the Angels this offseason, and Tylor Megill, a guy who was in and out of the rotation last season. The Mets will likely turn to Blackburn, with Canning being used in long relief and Megill starting the year in the minor leagues. The bullpen is pretty cutthroat, with guaranteed spots to Edwin Diaz, Minter, Ryne Stanek, Dedniel Nuñez, Reed Garrett, and José Buttó. Sean Reid-Foley, Huascar Brazobán, and Danny Young could be seen used at different points in the season but will miss the cut. The 26-man roster will feature 13 pitchers: six rotational pieces and seven out of the pen.
