Prior to the game on Sunday, the first cuts of spring training were revealed. These 10 players won’t be included on the New York Mets Opening Day roster.
There are no surprises here. Only two of the players on the list are actually part of the 40-man roster. Kolton Ingram and Luisangel Acuna were already outside of everyone’s predicted 26 at the start of the season. While Ingram seems to fit best as an optional reliever they can stash in Syracuse until needed, Acuna will need some seasoning in Triple-A.
If these names are among the first cuts, fans who were hopeful that any of the prospects would make the club out of camp may be let down. Will an injury result in any changes? It is not something to rely on.
In his first-ever Mets spring training match, Brandon Nimmo participated.
To maintain his fitness and freshness for the entire season, Brandon Nimmo intends to ease up on his spring training regimen. That explains why we haven’t seen him since Sunday. Nimmo hasn’t been an injury risk for the past two years, so it appears that the plan was successful. He is, in fact, by far the most resilient of the anticipated starting outfielders.
Nimmo was hitless during his two plate appearances; his best moments were when he was mic’d up.
The Mets and leadership have been the subject of numerous offseason discussions. These moments are presented in a way that feels far more like a coach than a teammate. No one ought to be hurrying to add a “C” to his jersey. Rather than because it’s required of him, the man leads because he’s naturally good at it.
Luke Voit can choose not to
Will Luke Voit make use of his preference? Mets supporters won’t be worried about him leaving due to a poor spring performance. There could have been two reasons for him to return to the Mets on a minor league contract and receive an invitation to spring training. His bat’s rust would have accumulated even more if he had stayed outside longer. He should, at the very least, be prepared to start the season for a Triple-A team.
The Mets could easily substitute Trayce Thompson for Voit if we decide to value spring training performances above what they truly are. Even though he is not a true DH and has far less experience in the majors, calling him up to the majors to take Starling Marte’s place, for example, and letting the right fielder for the Mets DH, is one option if the situation called for it.
Voit’s chances of making the Mets roster were never very good. Nothing he’s displayed this spring contradicts that.