Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had his first news conference of spring training on Tuesday, and it was chock full of key updates and information.
Here are the most important notes…
The second base plan, which includes Brett Baty
With Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Pete Alonso back — meaning Mark Vientos will stay at third base instead of sliding across the diamond — the Mets have one infield spot that is at least a bit undecided as camp begins.
Mendoza would not declare Jeff McNeil the starter at second base, but strongly hinted it was his job to lose, noting that “Jeff is pretty much right there” as far as being the regular at second.
However, there will be lots of different players getting reps at second base in camp, including Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña — who will both also get time at third base.
Jett Williams will also get some time at second base, in addition to the outfield.
Speaking about Baty specifically, Mendoza said that while he might play some outfield during the spring, he would mainly be on the infield.
“We’re gonna keep him in the dirt as much as possible,” Mendoza explained. “We’re gonna give him some exposure at second base as well. This is a position where when he went down to Triple-A, he played a lot. We want to see it ourselves.”
If Baty is able to handle second base in addition to third base and perhaps corner outfield, he could be in the mix for one of the final spots on the bench, though the competition there will include Nick Madrigal, who Mendoza said will get some looks at shortstop during camp. If Madrigal can handle it, that could give him an inside track as a backup infielder, since the Mets — unless they carry Acuña — wouldn’t have another player on the roster capable of backing up Lindor.
Which spots are for the taking?
Mendoza highlighted the bullpen, the utility infield role, and the rotation as things that aren’t fully defined.
In the ‘pen, it’s likely that six spots are already filled as long as everyone is healthy (more on that in a bit) — which would leave one or two slots open in a competition that would include Sean Reid-Foley, Tyler Zuber, Danny Young, and others.
As far as the utility infielder, Madrigal is perhaps the most sensible option given his versatility.
Then there’s the rotation, which has five locks (Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas, and David Peterson), but room for more. That’s because…
A six-man rotation is the plan
Kodai Senga said on Tuesday after arriving at camp that he’s “not worried at all” about his health following a 2024 season that was mostly lost due to injuries.
And Mendoza said that if Senga remains healthy, “there’s a good chance” the plan will be to use a six-man rotation.
“We got options. We got depth,” Mendoza said.
It’s fair to believe that the main competitors for the sixth spot in the rotation will be Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill, the latter of whom will be stretched out to start and is not viewed as an immediate option for the bullpen.
Later on in the season, it’s possible top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat could be a rotation option.
Jose Butto will be a reliever
Not part of the aforementioned rotation battle? Butto, who will work as a reliever, with the idea being for him to be able to throw around 40-to-45 pitches per outing if needed, Mendoza said.
Butto was a serious weapon for the Mets last season, with a 2.55 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 74.0 innings (23 relief appearances and seven starts).
He appeared to tire a bit late in the season and into the postseason, but with an entire spring training to prepare to be a full-time reliever, he should hopefully be able to navigate it a bit easier.
With Butto expected to be in the bullpen, he should join a group that includes Edwin Diaz, A.J. Minter, Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek, and Dedniel Nuñez.
Health updates on Ronny Mauricio and A.J. Minter
Mauricio is running, fielding grounders, and taking batting practice, but the expectation is that he won’t play in spring training games until the middle of March, Mendoza said.
The infielder hasn’t played in a game since tearing his ACL playing winter ball this offseason.
And since he likely won’t play until spring training is nearly over, it’s almost certain he’ll start the season in the minors.
As far as Minter, he is recovering well from offseason hip surgery, and is “in a good spot.” Mendoza said Minter is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session at the end of February, with the goal being for him to be ready for Opening Day.
Read the full article here