NY Mets spring training non-roster invitee might be a different kind of depth

Among the many non-roster invitees the New York Mets have brought to camp, a few notable names stand out, from former Cubs relievers Adbert Alzolay and Card Edward Jr. to experienced MLB outfielders Jihwan Bae and Cristian Pache.

However, one in particular should grab fans' attention, though not for anything in his past. Instead, the Mets' classification of former New York Yankees utility man Jose Rojas certainly raised some eyebrows.

Rojas did play 44 games between first, second and third base for the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate last year, though the majority of his time came in the outfield corners (37 starts) and as the designated hitter (46). Soon to be 33 years old, Rojas isn't renowned for his glove, especially on the infield dirt, and the expectation has been that he'd ply his trade as a reserve outfielder if he gets any time on the big-league roster.

And yet, the Mets listed him as an infielder on their official NRI list. What gives?

Jose Rojas' versatility helps Mets in theory, but perhaps not in practice

To state the obvious: Rojas wasn't signed for his glove. He's smoked Triple-A pitching over the past two seasons after returning from a one-year layover in the KBO, and his 2025 campaign was something to behold. He slashed .287/.379/.599 (152 wRC+) with 32 home runs, 105 RBIs, and a 12.6% walk rate. For good measure, just like Juan Soto, he also displayed some newfound speed on the basepaths, swiping 15 bags (by far a career high in a single season).

If he's going to provide any value to the Mets in 2025, it'll be as a slugger, particularly on the strong side of a platoon. His 1.039 OPS against right-handed pitchers last year was a tantalizing proof of concept.

With Soto making the move to left field and Luis Robert Jr. planned to take over for Brandon Nimmo in center, there's a spot open in right field as spring training opens up. Top prospect Carson Benge appears to be the favorite for the job, and his steady glove would be a boon for a team that isn't exactly an on-paper defensive powerhouse.

Rojas would most comfortably take the right field job if Benge proves in need of more seasoning in the minors, though perhaps the Mets really do expect to coax some infield work out of him in 2026. Jorge Polanco's glove is a mystery at first base, and the Bo Bichette experiment at third base could blow up spectacularly. Having someone who can play at all of the corners — even if it's at a less-than-average level — is valuable enough in its own right.

Assuming, of course, that Rojas continues to hit as he did in 2025. Without his bat, nothing he does with the glove will impress the Mets.