5 former NY Mets players named as top MLB Opening Day roster darkhorse candidates

MLB.com published a list of darkhorse candidates for every team to make their club’s Opening Day roster. For the New York Mets, Mike Tauchman got the nod. He was a completely fair choice and someone who’ll be one of the most important players to watch over the next few weeks.

Other considerations could’ve been Carson Benge, Craig Kimbrel, and any of the other depth additions not currently on the 40-man roster who could potentially replace Francisco Lindor in case of an injury. Along with the Mets intrigue, several former Mets or prospects we recall made it onto the list for their team.

Every former Mets player listed as a darkhorse Opening Day roster candidate

Angels - Jose Siri

If he plays good defense, why not? Jo Adell was horrific in center field for the Los Angeles Angels last year. Jose Siri should at least be able to save some runs and maybe pinch run. The Mets never got to use him much at all last year due to his lengthy IL stint and late-season DFA. He’s still intriguing and a team like the Angels who shouldn’t fool themselves into thinking they can contend should take some risks on players like Siri.

Brewers - Coleman Crow

It’s probably going to take someone getting hurt for Coleman Crow to make the Milwaukee Brewers roster. Even so, there’s a really good chance he has some significant innings for them this year. Crow was the player traded by the Mets to Milwaukee for Adrian Houser and Tyrone Taylor. They acquired him in 2023 as part of a two-player package from the Angels for Eduardo Escobar. Oft-injured, he never actually played a game for the Mets in the minors.

Phillies - Genesis Cabrera

A clever minor league signing by the Mets last year, Genesis Cabrera ended up DFA’d early and bounced around with a couple of teams after. He pitched his best with the Mets and will now try his left hand at playing time in the majors with the Phillies. The Philadelphia bullpen has often been a point of contention. Even in years where it has been good, they’ve found a way to blow it either by giving up home runs or fielding a ball.

Rangers - Mark Canha

Signed to a minor league deal, this is probably Mark Canha’s last chance to play in the big leagues. He had a minor role with the Kansas City Royals for a part of last year. His power has been vacant for a good year and a half. The Texas Rangers being a little too left-handed is the best case for him to make the club.

White Sox - Jarred Kelenic

He’s back and this year he’s with the Chicago White Sox. After a failed stint with the Atlanta Braves which saw him spend a large part of last season in the minor leagues, the former Mets prospect will give cracking the White Sox roster a try. If Jarred Kelenic fails to make the team out of camp it’s not a failure. What’ll be the biggest story is if he never gets significant playing time there. As improved as the White Sox may be, Kelenic can’t let another year go by where he rides the minor league bus.