The Mets are getting healthy and it’s going to push these players to the side.

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5 NY Mets on the Verge of Losing More Playing Time — or Their Job Entirely

Help is finally on the way. Both Francisco Lindor and Tyrone Taylor are scheduled to begin their rehab assignments on Friday. One return carries more weight than the other, but getting healthy bodies back could be exactly what the New York Mets need to get their season back on track.

The saying, “when one door closes, another one opens,” applies to many areas of life. In baseball, though, roster construction often works in reverse. As one door opens for returning veterans, another closes for those currently benefiting from expanded opportunities. Lindor and Taylor coming back will inevitably cost several Mets either playing time or perhaps even their roster spot altogether.

These 5 Mets are about to lose more playing time or their jobs

1) Zack Short

Zack Short is the most obvious casualty once Lindor returns.

A recent waiver addition who replaced Vidal Brujan on the roster, Short’s role will quickly disappear when the Mets get their star shortstop back. The team already has a built-in contingency plan with Bo Bichette capable of handling shortstop duties when necessary. The most likely outcome is the Mets attempting to sneak Short through waivers or possibly flipping him for cash considerations, much like they did with Boston in 2024.

2) Mark Vientos

Mark Vientos has already seen his opportunities shrink, and that trend may only continue.

Carlos Mendoza said before Thursday’s game that he wants to deploy Francisco Alvarez as the designated hitter more frequently while entrusting more catching duties to the defensively reliable Luis Torrens. Even a modest increase in Alvarez’s DH appearances would further squeeze Vientos’ role and push him farther down the pecking order.

3) Brett Baty

No one may feel Lindor’s return more directly than Brett Baty.

Baty has spent a significant amount of time at third base since Lindor landed on the injured list, but that avenue likely closes once the star shortstop is back. Bichette would slide back to third, leaving Baty’s role uncertain. He could see occasional action at first base, corner outfield spots, or designated hitter. Perhaps the Mets even experiment by giving him a full game at second base over Marcus Semien.

Because Baty swings from the left side and several of the defensive options he could replace do as well, he’ll need to maximize whatever limited opportunities he receives.

4) MJ Melendez

Lindor’s return won’t affect MJ Melendez much. Tyrone Taylor’s certainly will.

Melendez has received plenty of opportunities lately, including regular work in the field. Taylor’s return gives the Mets a more defense-oriented option who also bats right-handed. Since Melendez still has minor league options available, sending him down would be a relatively easy decision.

Taylor hasn’t exactly had a standout season either. While he could eventually become a trade candidate, continued struggles could just as easily put him in DFA territory down the road.

5) Eric Wagaman

Eric Wagaman has carved out a role for himself, but the bigger question is whether the Mets can justify keeping him around.

The obvious move when Lindor returns is designating Short for assignment. When Taylor is activated, however, the decision likely comes down to Melendez or Wagaman.

As another right-handed bat, Wagaman may not fill as pressing a need on the roster. Unless the Mets ultimately move on from Vientos, they may prefer to use him in the pinch-hitting situations Wagaman currently occupies.