Recent NY Mets rumors suggest injured player might be on a short leash

In the early going of the season, one of the fan favorites for the New York Mets was Jose Siri. After being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league pitcher Eric Orze, he made a very good first impression. While his stats weren't much to write home about, he endeared himself to fans with his electric base running and how he did whatever it took to put the team in a position to win.

However, Siri's season took a hit when he broke his left tibia after being hit by a pitch. This injury has caused him to miss the last 31 games, and he is nowhere near a return. Because of this, the Mets are reportedly in the market for a center fielder, and many have reported they'll try to acquire one at the deadline. If the Mets do get a center fielder at the deadline, it would spell an end to Siri time in Queens.

Why Jose Siri future with the Mets is in doubt if a center fielder is acquired

For starters, any center fielder the Mets acquire at the deadline would become an everyday player. With names like Luis Robert Jr., Cedric Mullins, and Jarren Duran all reportedly being on the trading block, there is an abundance of starting-caliber players available. All three of these players are an upgrade over Siri and Tyrone Taylor, and are the kind of players that have to be in the lineup day in and day out. Because of this, Siri would lose the job he had before the injury.

The next best option for Siri would be the fourth outfielder. However, that's a role most likely to be filled by Taylor. His defense is the whole reason the Mets originally wanted to use a platoon in center field. Taylor currently ranks in the 93rd percentile of Outs Above Average and a Fielding Run Value in the 95th percentile. Sure, Siri has a good track record when it comes to defense, but it's unknown if he'll be as good coming off the injury. It makes no sense to replace a proven player with a question mark.

Sure, the Mets could always have both Taylor and Siri on the bench. However, that takes a roster spot away from the young players the Mets have. It seems like every night, Carlos Mendoza is trying to get some combination of Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuna in the lineup. Mark Vientos has also begun his rehab and should be back with the team soon. The team appears to put an emphasis on playing these prospects, and Siri would just take a roster spot away from one of them.

The only other option is if the Mets release Starling Marte. However, it's unlikely the Mets will be willing to eat Marte's contract. Marte has also been one of the vocal leaders in the locker room. He's been the one to carry on the home run posing tradition. It would be unwise to get rid of such a popular player in the locker room.

There is just nowhere for Siri to play that wouldn't hurt another area of the team. It would just be better for the Mets to cut their losses with Siri, rather than trying to shoehorn him onto the roster.