Mets Opening Day Roster 2024: Final Cuts, Position Battles & Bullpen Updates Under Mendoza

 

 

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Carlos Mendoza Tight-Lipped as Mets’ Opening Day Roster Decisions Loom

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is keeping his Opening Day roster plans tightly guarded, leaving several players in limbo as they board the team’s flight to Houston for Thursday’s season opener against the Astros.

“We still have three more games here, and a lot can happen,” Mendoza said ahead of Saturday’s spring training matchup. “It’s not an easy situation for the players. We’ve been honest with them—they’ll be on the plane, but final decisions are coming.”

Mendoza did clarify that right-handed pitchers Chris Devenski, Genesis Cabrera, and Jose Ureña, catcher Jakson Reetz, and infielder Donovan Walton will not make the 26-man roster. These cuts narrow the competition for remaining spots, with key battles unfolding at second base and in the bullpen.

Baty, Acuña Emerge as Front-Runners for Second Base

With Walton optioned to the minors, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña are the top candidates to fill in for injured second baseman Jeff McNeil (low-grade oblique strain). Baty, 25, has been a spring standout, launching his third homer Friday while batting .354/.415/.708. After losing his third base job to Mark Vientos last season, Baty’s defensive adaptability at second and offensive surge have reignited his MLB hopes.

Acuña, meanwhile, has impressed with his versatility, adding third base to his toolkit despite a sluggish .500 OPS at the plate. His speed (team-leading three steals) remains an asset.

“They just need to keep being themselves,” Mendoza said. “Control what they can control: prepare, compete, and let the game speak.”

Bullpen Uncertainty: Minter, Nuñez Race Against Time

Two bullpen spots hinge on the health of A.J. Minter (hip surgery rehab) and Dedniel Nuñez (right flexor strain). Nuñez allowed a two-run homer Saturday but hit 97 mph with his fastball, showing promise in his second Grapefruit League appearance.

Minter, meanwhile, tossed a flawless seventh inning (10 pitches, one strikeout) and is slated for a critical back-to-back outing Monday. If either isn’t ready, Max Kranick or Huascar Brazoban could snag a roster spot. Mendoza confirmed Reed Garrett, Jose Butto, and Danny New have secured bullpen roles.

Rotation Battle Heats Up: Megill, Blackburn, Canning Vie for Spots

With Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea sidelined, Tylor Megill and Paul Blackburn strengthened their cases Saturday. Megill overcame tough luck (three earned runs, four infield singles) to fan five batters, finishing spring with a deceptive 4.24 ERA.

“I’ve thrown all my pitches for strikes and kept walks low,” Megill said. “That’s the key.”

Blackburn logged 82 pitches in a minor league game, while Griffin Canning (0.90 ERA in 10 innings) will start Sunday vs. Miami.

Senger Gains Edge for Backup Catcher Role

With Reetz cut, Hayden Senger is the frontrunner to back up Francisco Alvarez (broken hand). Senger’s defense and familiarity with the pitching staff align with Mendoza’s priorities—and his solo homer Saturday didn’t hurt.