5 NY Mets players who won’t make the Opening Day roster but can have a huge impact

They won't be there for game one. It doesn't mean they're moot in 2026.Five
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jonah Tong (21) pitches a live batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Feb 13, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jonah Tong (21) pitches a live batting practice during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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4) Jack Wenninger

Originally I had planned to write about Dylan Ross here, but there’s still a chance he makes the team out of camp. He’s already on the 40-man roster. He’s an injury or two away from being the best choice. Plus, when considering how successful he has been in comparison to Jack Wenninger, I tend to lean toward Wenninger coming off of such a big year as a starting pitcher in Double-A has a greater chance to impact the Mets.

The Mets kept Wenninger in Double-A all of last season despite signs he should move up. It wasn’t really a problem. He got to prove himself in the Eastern League playoffs with a game-winning start in the championship round.

Not as overpowering as Tong, the thing to love about Wenninger is how much he has developed from a non-factor in the farm system to one of the next guys to be most thrilled to see. He has gotten better at every level and in every season. A 12-6 record and 2.92 ERA last year plus 135.2 innings tells us there isn’t a concern about him getting through a whole season.

Wenninger probably fits into the same role Blade Tidwell briefly had with the Mets last season. We’re hoping for better results, though. Wenninger’s next test will be to not fall apart in Triple-

A like many other Mets starting pitching prospects. Although the Mets never promoted him last year, we shouldn’t discount an earlier than expected spot start for him in 2026.

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