5 Mets players who survived the non-tender deadline who could still get cut before Opening Day

5) Luis De Los Santos

A recent waiver pickup by the Mets from the Toronto Blue Jays, Luis De Los Santos falls into a similar category as some of those other minor additions from last year. There is a big difference between him and Zack Short, though. De Los Santos can and will be optioned to the minor leagues by any team that employs him.

A versatile defender with most of his minor league career spent at shortstop, De Los Santos gives the Mets an alternative on the infield in the form of depth. They’ve shown a desire to employ older players in multiple roles rather than test out some of the more coveted prospects. De Los Santos would be someone to help out on the infield if none of the younger players are deemed ready or the job would be to sit on the bench and wait for their moment.

Given the specificity of the role, why wouldn’t the Mets let him linger around? Last year’s team didn’t stash all too many position players in the minor leagues. Whenever possible, those spots went to a pitcher. There isn’t some grand ceiling for De Los Santos to reach. His .228 batting average through 425 plate appearances at the Triple-A level doesn’t suggest he’s a few swings away from earning a starting role.

Last offseason was full of short-term additions to the 40-man roster. Players would come and go before even getting a chance to put on a Mets jersey. Even those with minor league options were replaced. It’s a nothing to lose scenario.

Fans would definitely prefer to see players like Luisangel Acuna, Ronny Mauricio, or Luke Ritter take on the sort of backup role De Los Santos would have. Eventually, maybe. More likely, the job goes to someone a little more accomplished and De Los Santos ends up back on the waiver wire and either claimed by another club or he accepts a minor league assignment.