6 NY Mets players who failed to take advantage of their spring training opportunity

Spring training isn’t just a time for the starters to get in baseball shape. It’s an opportunity for players on the fringes of the roster to showcase what they have against a mix of upper and lower level talent. Double-A players face future Hall of Famers for maybe the first time in their career. The New York Mets provided ample opportunity for prospects, veterans vying for big league playing time, etc. to break free and take full advantage of playing alongside some of the game’s best.

Unfortunately, not everyone took advantage of their time between the lines. These six players received ample opportunity to make their plea to the Mets (and other teams out there) that they’re ready to have a big season ahead.

1) Jakson Reetz

Jakson Reetz strutted into Mets camp in a competition for third-string catcher. Don’t overlook the role. Throughout a major league season, just about every team will at some point need to put one of their catchers on the IL if not rest him for a couple of days and call up a third-stringer. Reetz gained another opportunity. Upon the injury to Francisco Alvarez, he became a realistic favorite to begin the year on the MLB roster. This won’t happen. Reetz was one of the latest Mets roster cuts. He’ll head to Syracuse to await a future opportunity.

So what happened? Going just 2 for 18 at the plate didn’t cut it for Reetz whose grand slam was his one crowning achievement. An additional 8 strikeouts and only a single walk did nothing to push him ahead.

Reetz is probably the best balance of defense and offense the Mets could go with behind Luis Torrens. However, because he hasn’t distinguished himself ahead of Hayden Senger, we can make a case that he has failed to take advantage of his opportunity.