Amazin' Daily Briefing

Amazin' Daily Briefing: February 25th, 2025 - Mets Rotation in Trouble? Key Injuries Shake Up Spring Training

The Mets are facing early adversity in Spring Training with key injuries to their rotation and infield, forcing the team to adjust before Opening Day.

Early Injury Setbacks

The New York Mets' Spring Training has taken an early hit, as injuries continue to pile up, shaking the team’s once-promising depth. As day three of the Grapefruit League unfolds, the Mets find themselves scrambling to cover key roster spots ahead of the 2025 season.

Sean Manaea Sidelined

The biggest news out of camp surrounds starting pitcher Sean Manaea, who has been sidelined with a right oblique strain. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Manaea would be shut down from throwing for at least a couple of weeks. Manaea reportedly felt discomfort upon arriving at camp but attempted to pitch through it, participating in bullpen sessions and live batting practice. However, after continued discomfort, an MRI revealed the strain.

At best, Manaea will return by mid to late April, but his absence leaves a significant gap in the Mets' rotation—a gap that only widens with the ongoing absence of Frankie Montas. The Mets, once confident in their pitching depth, now find themselves maneuvering to cover these losses, with options like Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill emerging as candidates to step into the rotation.

Nick Madrigal’s Injury Complicates Infield Depth

The injury woes don’t stop there. Infielder Nick Madrigal has suffered a fractured left shoulder, an injury that stemmed from a dislocation during a game in West Palm Beach. An MRI confirmed the fracture, meaning Madrigal will be out for a significant stretch, further complicating the Mets’ infield depth. With his absence, the battle for a backup infield job intensifies, with players like Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty, and Jared Young now in contention for an increased role.

Mets Acquire Alexander Canario

The New York Mets have acquired outfielder Alexander Canario from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

Canario, a 24-year-old outfielder, appeared in 15 games for the Cubs last season, posting an impressive .280 AVG, .357 OBP, and .440 SLG. Originally acquired by Chicago in the 2021 Kris Bryant trade, Canario has flashed solid offensive potential and the ability to play all three outfield positions.

Blade Tidwell Shows Promise

On a brighter note, one of the Mets’ top pitching prospects, Blade Tidwell, had an eventful outing against the Cardinals. Despite surrendering three runs over two innings, Tidwell flashed some serious heat, hitting 99 mph on the radar gun. With the Mets’ pitching depth now appearing thinner than expected, Tidwell could push his way into consideration as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead

The Mets lost their Grapefruit League matchup against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Florida, but at this stage of Spring Training, the focus isn’t solely on wins and losses—it's about getting players ready for the long grind ahead. With Manaea and Madrigal now on the injury list, the Mets enter a crucial period of evaluation before Opening Day.

Nick Morabito: The Mets' Under-the-Radar Prospect Making Waves

The New York Mets may have struck gold with a relatively unknown prospect who is rapidly turning heads in the minor league circuit. Nick Morabito, a player who recently earned praise on SNY, is proving to be a name worth remembering.

A Promising Prospect

Morabito, drafted in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., is a 5’10”, 185-pound dynamo. Despite his relatively modest size, he brings something that can't be taught—grit, determination, and elite-level speed.

A Breakout 2024 Season

Starting the 2024 season at Low-A St. Lucie, Morabito wasted no time making an impact. His stellar performance earned him a quick promotion to Single-A Brooklyn, where he continued to shine.

His 2024 stats speak volumes:

2nd in the South Atlantic League in batting average among qualifying players
4th in on-base percentage
2nd in stolen bases (59 in the minor leagues)
Set a Cyclones single-season record for stolen bases
Set a record for hits (110) in just 94 games

Scouting Report: What Makes Morabito Special?

Morabito reminds scouts of players like Chad Curtis and Clint Frazier—compact but explosive. His biggest strengths revolve around his exceptional speed, bat-to-ball skills, and contact hitting abilities.

Key Attributes:

Elite Speed – He was given a “plus-plus” speed grade, making him a legitimate threat on the base paths.
Contact Hitter – A shorter, compact swing allows him to put the ball in play with consistency.
Defensive Flexibility – Originally a shortstop, he transitioned to center field due to his range and agility.

However, there are some concerns about his arm strength, which could impact his long-term defensive position. Additionally, while he excels against right-handed pitchers, his numbers against lefties (17-for-77 in 2024) indicate a potential weakness.

What’s Next for Nick Morabito?

The Mets plan to start Morabito at Double-A Binghamton in 2025, where he’ll face a significant test against better pitching. His development against left-handed pitchers and continued defensive improvements will be key factors in determining when, not if, he reaches the major leagues.

While some prospects are known for their raw power, Morabito brings something different—a combination of speed, defense, and high-contact hitting. He may not be a future slugger, but he has all the tools to be a valuable everyday contributor at the highest level.

Final Thoughts: A Future MLB Contributor?

Nick Morabito has already drawn praise from Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen and several analysts. While he may not be a superstar in the making, there’s little doubt that he has what it takes to be a significant part of the Mets’ future.

His journey from high school standout to potential major league contributor is one to watch. Will he continue to defy expectations and carve his path to Citi Field? Only time will tell.