The New York Mets have spent the offseason making significant moves, from small acquisitions to blockbuster signings. Now, with the roster sitting at a full 40-man, there’s little room left for more changes without some players getting the axe. The Mets are in a position where they have to make tough decisions, and several players currently on the 40-man roster could find themselves at risk of being cut. As the club adds new talent, it’s time to take a closer look at which players are in danger of losing their spots.
First up on the list is Jose Azocar, the outfielder who was added by the Mets late last season. Azocar’s main strength is his speed, which the Mets briefly utilized down the stretch. However, Azocar’s value is limited by his lack of options and his somewhat underwhelming big league track record. With a career slash line of .243/.287/.322 in 397 plate appearances, he hasn’t shown enough consistency to guarantee a spot. If the Mets decide to bring in another player or need to clear space on the roster, Azocar could easily find himself designated for assignment (DFA).
Azocar’s situation is further complicated by his lack of minor league options. He’s not in a position to be sent down without first clearing waivers, making it a lot more likely that the Mets will be forced to make a decision sooner rather than later. The team could DFA Azocar if they decide they don’t need the extra outfield depth, particularly if they have confidence in their other backup outfield options like Jose Siri or Tyrone Taylor. However, there’s always the possibility that they might choose to keep him around as a contingency plan, especially if they want an extra safety net for center field injuries.
Another player who could be in danger is Darin Ruf, a veteran right-handed hitter who was acquired by the Mets in 2022 to bolster their bench. Ruf has been disappointing since his arrival, struggling at the plate with a .152/.216/.197 line in his brief Mets career. While he has the potential to be a power bat off the bench, his inability to produce consistently could put him on the outs, especially with the Mets now looking to strengthen their roster in other areas. Ruf’s presence is now more of a question mark than an asset, and with roster space at a premium, he could easily be the next casualty.
The Mets also have a handful of pitchers who could be on the chopping block. One such player is Stephen Nogosek, who has been a part of the bullpen mix for a few seasons now but has yet to solidify a permanent role. While Nogosek has had flashes of success, his overall performance has been inconsistent, and there are several younger or more reliable options currently competing for bullpen spots. If the Mets decide to add another pitcher or go in a different direction, Nogosek could very well find himself squeezed out of the 40-man roster.
A similar fate might await Elieser Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher who was added to the Mets’ roster with the expectation that he would contribute to their pitching staff. Hernandez has shown some potential but has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries throughout his career. With the Mets already stacked with pitching depth, Hernandez’s chances of securing a permanent spot seem slim unless he performs at a higher level during spring training. His spot on the 40-man roster is far from guaranteed, and if he doesn’t impress early, he could be shown the door.
Another player at risk is Nick Plummer, the outfielder who was added to the 40-man roster last year but has failed to establish himself as a regular contributor. Plummer has shown flashes of power and speed in the minors but has struggled to adjust to big league pitching. With the Mets now having a crowded outfield, Plummer’s lack of consistent production could make him expendable. If the Mets decide to go in a different direction or add more depth, Plummer could be one of the players left out.
The Mets also have to consider their infield depth, and one player who could be on the bubble is Luis Guillorme. While Guillorme is known for his elite defensive skills and versatility, he has struggled to make much of an impact offensively. In a roster crunch, the Mets could decide that they need to prioritize more offensive upside, which might push Guillorme out of the mix. His strong defense might keep him around for now, but if another infielder or utility player with a better bat comes into the picture, Guillorme could find himself DFA’d.
Another potential cut is Brett Baty, the highly regarded third base prospect who has yet to fully prove himself at the big league level. While Baty has shown promise, his inconsistency at the plate and in the field could force the Mets to re-evaluate his role. If the team feels confident in their other infield options or sees a chance to bring in a more reliable veteran, Baty could find himself on the outside looking in, at least in the short term. His future with the Mets is still bright, but his place on the 40-man roster could be in jeopardy.
The competition for roster spots is fierce, and the Mets’ front office will have to make some tough choices in the coming weeks. Several of the players currently on the roster could find themselves in the unfortunate position of being cut as the team looks to strengthen its lineup and bullpen. The next addition to the roster could trigger a chain reaction, leading to several familiar faces being DFA’d in order to make room for new talent.
As the Mets’ offseason continues, the pressure is on for players to prove their worth. Spring training will be crucial for those on the bubble, as it will give them one last chance to impress the coaching staff and front office. For some, this could be a make-or-break time in their careers with the Mets, as roster decisions loom large.
In the end, the Mets will have to balance their need for depth with their desire for stronger production. Players like Azocar, Ruf, and others are well aware that their spots are far from secure. With the team now looking to make a push for contention, every roster move will be scrutinized, and the players who don’t measure up could soon find themselves on the chopping block.
As the 40-man roster stands, the Mets have created a situation where tough decisions are inevitable. Whether it’s trimming down the outfield, finding space for a new pitcher, or cutting ties with a veteran player, the Mets will need to navigate these decisions carefully to ensure their roster is optimized for success. As always, roster changes in baseball can happen quickly, and some of these players may be out of a job sooner than they expect.