Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña Make the Cut

Both Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña will be on the Opening Day roster, but their paths to securing a spot were quite different. Baty had an impressive spring, hitting .347 with six doubles, a triple, and three home runs. His defense also showed improvement, and with Jeff McNeil starting the season on the injured list, Baty is likely to see significant playing time at second base.

Acuña, meanwhile, had a quieter spring at the plate, batting .235 with just one extra-base hit. While his speed and defense remain strong, some concerns have been raised about his consistency. Mets captain Francisco Lindor suggested that Acuña may play with more intensity when the regular season begins, but his production will need to match expectations for him to remain in a key role.

Outfield Depth Leaves Alex Canario in a Tough Spot

With the outfield mostly set, Alex Canario appears to be the odd man out despite a strong finish in spring training. The 24-year-old outfielder posted a .314 batting average and an OPS over 1.000, capping off his spring with a three-hit game that included two home runs and a grand slam.

However, the Mets’ outfield already features Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo, Jesse Winker, Tyrone Taylor, and José Siri, leaving no room for Canario. Since he is out of minor league options, the Mets risk losing him to waivers if they attempt to send him down.

Final Bullpen Spots Decided

The Mets' bullpen competition was tight, with left-hander Danny Young and right-hander José Butto securing spots. Daniel Nunez, despite showing promise, was optioned to Triple-A to manage his workload.

The final bullpen decision came down to Max Kranick and Huascar Brazoban. Kranick had an excellent spring, striking out 14 batters in 11.1 innings while allowing just one walk. Brazoban, however, brings major league experience and a solid track record. The Mets ultimately must choose one to round out their relief corps.

Looking Ahead

With Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez beginning the season on the injured list, the Mets' Opening Day roster may look different in a few weeks. Baty and Acuña will have an opportunity to prove themselves, but once McNeil returns, decisions will need to be made regarding playing time.

The Mets enter the season with a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, aiming to stay competitive in a tough NL East. How Acuña and Baty perform early on could shape the team’s infield plans for the season.

What do you think about the Mets’ final roster decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments.

On This Day in Mets History