3 NY Mets players who deserve to return next season, but only as minor league depth

If you can throw a baseball, the New York Mets want to see you in action before the 2026 season is over. They’re testing out a variety of pitchers. Some are ones who were here before the season was over. Others are getting their first look these past weeks. As easy as some choices are for the Mets, like signing Juan Soto, there are these smaller choices where a pitcher’s performance can win extra games or cost you them, too.

A couple of these late-season performances have earned themselves a realistic shot at making the club in 2027. How can you not love Nate Lavender? Then there are those who seem to have a clear limitation and aren’t worth the roster spot. See Jefry Yan for more.

What about those guys who have no business being on the MLB roster but can provide the Mets with some added minor league depth? These three players currently on the 40-man roster deserve an invitation back for next season but only in a smaller capacity where they’re minor league depth.

These Mets players are welcome back in 2027 but only as a minor league depth piece

1) Austin Warren

Austin Warren wasn’t meant to have a significant role on the Mets roster this year. There’s a real chance he completes the season with the most innings pitched of any reliever still with the team. Currently, his 41.1 frames is tied with Brooks Raley and trails only Huascar Brazoban and Luke Weaver.

Warren was a success for the Mets in limited action in 2025, pitching to a 0.96 ERA in 9.1 innings. They wisely kept him around, taking advantage of a minor league option left. This season has been more what we would expect. Warren now has a 4.79 ERA. His 10.5 K/9 rate is solid and as a depth piece who can give you 2 innings sometimes, the Mets should handle him exactly the same way. Warren hasn’t been optioned to the minor leagues at all this season so not much has changed in how to utilize him.

2) Robert Stock

Unless Robert Stock decides to retire and put his mind toward the sport like he’s bound to do, he’s welcome back in 2027. Does he accept it? The only way he fits in is as a minor league free agent signing, the same way he arrived to the Mets this year. He’ll turn 37 in November. For the love of the game, he has the kind of personality to have the desire to pitch until his arm literally falls off.

We can hardly even look at Stock’s numbers to justify calling him back. A 5.81 ERA isn’t good. However, it’s that 5.1 innings, 5 hits, and 0 runs allowed against the Tampa Bay Rays in his most recent appearance that should earn him an extended look. The Mets could use an outing like that in the stretch run of a good season against one of the best teams in baseball. It’s a shame his brilliant performance ends up forgotten instead.

3) Xzavion Curry

We know how much David Stearns adores relievers who can give them length. Xzavion Curry has done a wonderful job of it. The 28-year-old has a 3.44 ERA this season in 8 appearances spanning 18.1 innings. Low strikeout numbers, which has always been the case, he’s definitely a disaster waiting to happen but the ship hasn’t crashed yet.

All of the underlying numbers about Curry tell us an implosion is coming. He’s a fly ball pitcher that doesn’t strike batters out. Curry won’t have any minor league options moving forward. The only way he belongs is if the Mets pass him through waivers or re-sign him on a minor league deal after non-tendering the useful righty. There isn’t an incredible upside, but for the lone purpose of saving some bullpen arms, Curry is a commodity.

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