NY Mets Monday Morning GM: Second-lefty bullpen competition gaining clarity

We have yet to see A.J. Minter pitch in a spring training game, but the belief remains that he’ll be ready for Opening Day. Concern hasn’t risen quite yet, however, with more New York Mets players going down to injury, you’re not wrong for having some worries.

The Mets are well-equipped to have two lefty relievers in their bullpen this year, headlined by Minter and co-hosted by someone else. The tricky thing is none of the three best candidates have minor league options remaining. Only one is currently on the 40-man roster. What’s the latest on where this competition stands?

Danny Young hasn’t lost his roster spot quite yet

Just 2 innings of work for Danny Young so far this spring has yielded very little to go on as far as his roster status for 2025. The Mets have (wisely or not) given ample opportunity to guys we haven’t actually seen pitch for them in regular season games. Young had a bad first outing and a much better second one. The Mets would probably like to upgrade his spot on the roster (on the cheap). At the moment, the job should remain his until he does something to justify losing the gig.

Genesis Cabrera’s blow up might have cost him a chance

Genesis Cabrera was cruising this spring until Sunday. He gave up a run in his second-most recent outing, but it wasn’t until his appearance versus the Washington Nationals when we saw things truly come apart. Cabrera gave up 3 earned runs and another pair of unearned runs along with a walk. Control has been an issue throughout his career. It took him until his fourth appearance for us to realize exactly why a minor league deal was all he could get. If he doesn’t make the team out of spring, we should be satisfied with him sticking around as minor league depth. 

Anthony Gose can force a change

Then there’s Anthony Gose. One of baseball’s most unique stories of a failed outfield prospect who became a pitcher, he has thrown 4 scoreless innings of 2-hit ball. A pair of walks and 4 strikeouts thus far have helped him move well ahead of Cabrera on the depth chart. Gose has a chance to force himself onto the Mets roster before we get to Opening Day. It will take more stellar performances along with Young underperforming. The best case scenario remains for all three of these players to stick with the organization. However, a waiver claim on Young and potential opt outs in the contracts of Cabrera and Gose could always have this depth depleting quickly.

If Minter isn't ready for Opening Day, the Mets could always choose to carry two of these players in their bullpen to begin the season. The lack of a need for a sixth starter immediately will give them a little extra time to let things play out. The challenge for Gose is taking a 40-man roster spot altogether. Some bad early performances from righties such as Austin Warren can help