The Mets have announced several roster cuts including potential bench option MJ Melendez and promising rotation option Christian Scott.
With just a few spring training games left, the New York Mets are beginning to finalize their Opening Day roster.
The team made seven roster moves on Tuesday, highlighted by the decision to option outfielder MJ Melendez and right-hander Christian Scott to Triple-A Syracuse. In addition, pitchers Adbert Alzolay, Nick Burdi, and Daniel Duarte were reassigned to minor league camp, along with infielders Christian Arroyo and Jose Rojas.
Following these moves, the Mets now have 46 players remaining in major league camp as they work toward trimming the roster to 26.
Earlier, on Sunday, the team sent 11 players to minor league camp, including prospects A. J. Ewing, Ryan Clifford, and Jacob Reimer, along with pitchers Ryan Lambert, Carl Edwards Jr., and Joe Jacques.
The Mets have also already decided to option young pitching prospect Jonah Tong to Triple-A, where he is expected to begin the season.
Mets Make Several Roster Cuts
The decision to option MJ Melendez stood out among Tuesday’s moves, as it may hint at how the New York Mets plan to sort out their unsettled outfield competition. The 27-year-old, who signed a one-year split deal in February, impressed this spring by hitting .364 with two home runs and five RBI, positioning himself as a strong bench candidate.
Manager Carlos Mendoza explained that the move was largely about giving Melendez more opportunities at the plate, noting his limited playing time with Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic.
“He just needs at-bats,” Mendoza said, adding that with other players getting extended innings and multiple plate appearances in camp, there wasn’t enough opportunity for Melendez to stay in the mix. The plan is for him to head to Triple-A, stay ready, and put himself in position if the team needs him later.
Melendez had been firmly in the outfield competition early in camp, but his WBC absence likely kept him from making the Opening Day roster. That leaves the battle in right field likely coming down to Mike Tauchman and Carson Benge, with Tyrone Taylor and Brett Baty also in the mix. Tauchman’s March 25 opt-out gives the Mets a short window to decide, though it’s possible both he and Benge make the final roster.
Meanwhile, Christian Scott impressed during camp and will look to carry that momentum into Triple-A as he pushes for a future role in the big-league rotation. Now 16 months removed from Tommy John surgery, he was stretched out to 56 pitches in a recent outing and has recorded eight strikeouts with a 4.50 ERA over six innings this spring.
Mendoza expressed strong optimism about Scott’s future in comments to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, describing his arsenal as “electric” and “special,” while stressing the importance of keeping him healthy given his expected role in the team’s plans.
Although the Mets’ rotation is currently filled with veteran arms, there are still uncertainties. With Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea both carrying question marks regarding health and consistency, Scott could find himself needed in the majors sooner rather than later.
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