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Mets players who could earn bigger roles for next year’s team

By Tim Boyle |
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Andres Gimenez #60 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 14, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Andres Gimenez #60 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 14, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 02: David Peterson #77 of the New York Mets delivers the pitch in the first inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 2, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 02: David Peterson #77 of the New York Mets delivers the pitch in the first inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 2, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

These three members of the 2020 New York Mets can help themselves earn a bigger role for the 2021 season.

The 2020 MLB season isn’t just about competing for a World Series with a debated asterisk next to it. For those on the New York Mets roster, it’s also a chance to show they have what it takes to earn more playing time in 2021.

We know of a few guarantees for the 2021 roster. There are multiple players who aren’t going to get traded or lose playing time regardless of how this year goes. Other members of this organization are on the rise, possibly set to see many more innings next season.

These three Mets have already gotten some chances early on in 2020. How they perform this season could have a big effect on how much more we see of them next year.

David Peterson

It’s fairly obvious to add David Peterson to a list like this. Peterson began this season as the team’s fifth starter due to Marcus Stroman’s place on the IL. He pitched well in his first two outings, giving hope that he may be the prized prospect many believe he is.

Peterson is already a top candidate to join the 2021 Mets rotation. Considering they have three free agent starters and another coming off of Tommy John Surgery, I would fully expect the Mets to hand at least one rotation spot to a guy on a rookie deal.

Peterson is a fine choice for that job and how he performs in 2020 will say a lot about how the Mets plan to use him in 2021.

The full verdict on Peterson’s future will have to wait until we get a full offseason. The Mets could always go out shopping for veteran help.

However, based on the payroll situation, I feel like a rotation spot in 2021 is already Peterson’s to lose.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 25: Andres Gimenez #60 of the New York Mets defends at second base against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on July 25, 2020 in New York City. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Braves defeated the Mets 5-3 in ten innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 25: Andres Gimenez #60 of the New York Mets defends at second base against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on July 25, 2020 in New York City. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Braves defeated the Mets 5-3 in ten innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Andres Gimenez

Exactly how the Mets plan to use Andres Gimenez in the future is tough to pinpoint. He’s playing all over the field in 2020 which works out well with the current situation. As a rookie, it’s only natural for him to get eased into more playing time.

Long-term, especially if Gimenez plays great baseball, the club will need to find a way to get him more at-bats. If the DH sticks around for 2021, there’s an obvious solution: Gimenez starts on the infield.

The Mets would also have two options. Robinson Cano could move to the DH spot and they can either simply plug in Gimenez at second base or move Jeff McNeil there and allow Gimenez to take over at third base. One reason why we might want to see Gimenez at the hot corner instead of second base is because McNeil could be more comfortable at the latter. Since it’s his natural position, I wouldn’t be shocked if this is what the Mets end up doing.

The only issue with Gimenez at third base is I’m not sure how much offense he can supply them. It’s typically a spot reserved for one of the better hitters on the team. Gimenez has a long way to go before he can fit the bill as a prototypical third baseman with some pop.

We can worry about this in the future when Gimenez has done enough to prove he deserves a starting role.

Whether or not we see Gimenez penciled in as a regular in 2021 doesn’t matter right now. This year is all about him proving he deserves any spot on the 2021 Opening Day roster.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 22: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Drew Smith #62 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 22, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 22: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Drew Smith #62 of the New York Mets in action during an intra squad game at Citi Field on July 22, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Drew Smith

Good relief pitching is hard to find. It’s a fact all Mets fans will agree on. Fortunately, Drew Smith may turn into one of those bullpen aides we’ve been waiting for.

Smith is getting chances to pitch for the Mets in 2020 and should add himself into the mix for an equal or bigger role next year. After missing all of 2019 due to injury, he has found himself back with the big league club for 2020 and in some big early innings.

Finding your way into the Mets’ bullpen isn’t the hardest task. Based on the results, all one must do is get odds consistently.

It’s easier said than done. Just ask anyone who has warmed up in the home bullpen at Citi Field over the last few years.

At 26-years-old this season, Smith is still a relatively young pitcher. He’s not a prospect anymore but has age on his side as far as a future goes.

The Mets desperately need to grow a few pitchers out of their minor league system and watch them turn into solid big league arms. I don’t foresee Smith becoming a closer candidate or even a setup man right out of the gate next year. A favorable performance in 2020 can, however, secure him a spot on the Opening Day roster with potential for growth.

Smith still has a lot to show before anyone can trust him. Can you blame Mets fans? After the last three seasons, it has become increasingly hard to watch the starter exit the mound.

Next. 3 reasons the Mets should extend Marcus Stroman

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Which Mets do you think will earn themselves more playing time in 2021 with how they do in 2020?

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