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The New York Mets are bound to make at least one unpopular Opening Day roster decision. Looking at their potential options for 2025, we can already see a couple of directions they might end up going that’ll stir up the fans.
As, in retrospect, meaningless as the first 26 players selected can end up being, the symbolism of making bad calls to start the year can fester. Each win or loss matters. The Mets can’t afford to be silly with their decision-making. Pick the best players possible to make your team complete and refrain from making these four unpopular Opening Day roster decisions.
1) Pick Donovan Walton over Luisangel Acuna
This is how you start riots. Fans have wanted Luisangel Acuna up in the majors for far longer than he had an opportunity last year. Something about the Mets and holding back those young, exciting prospects is a constant theme every August. They did it with Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Francisco Alvarez in 2022. Then the same happened with Ronny Mauricio in 2023. Last year, it was Acuna’s turn.
When it comes to Acuna, it’s a case of “if not now, when?” With Jeff McNeil sidelined, the perfect opportunity for him to receive regular playing time alongside Baty is here. Platoon them at second base. Allow each to plug into the lineup in whatever way suits them best. Acuna can pinch run for just about anyone else on the team. Baty is the obvious candidate to replace Vientos at third base defensively.
Acuna hasn’t officially been confirmed for Opening Day. The Mets might turn to Donovan Walton instead. No. Thank. You. Walton is a rehash of failed infielders from past Mets teams. Having suffered through an Opening Day roster with Joey Wendle and Zack Short on it last year, the team needs to give us a break and not utilize a roster spot that’ll just be temporarily occupied by a player like Walton. It’s nothing personal. The Mets just can’t wait any longer with Acuna. Don’t burn through his final minor league option just for the sake of giving him added Triple-A playing time when he was already so hot last September.