9 Mets players on the 40-man roster who don't deserve a role in 2024

The New York Mets have wrapped up aruably the most disappointing season in franchise history having played a grand total of zero meaningful games in 2023. The Mets entered the season with World Series aspirations and wound up playing for higher lottery odds after selling at the trade deadline.

The 2024 season should be different. The Mets have a completely revamped farm system, have young players improving by the day, and a whole lot of money to spend while also already having a core with several all-stars. There's every reason to believe this team will be competitive next season, but they'll have to part with several players who are currently on the 40-man roster who should have no role.

1) Phil Bickford does not deserve a role on the 2024 NY Mets

The Mets were clear sellers at the deadline, parting with veterans like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Tommy Pham, Mark Canha, and others in exchange for prospects. They had their eye on 2024 and for good reason. One move the Mets did make that could be considered somewhat of a buyer move was acquiring Phil Bickford and Adam Kolarek in a trade with the Dodgers in exchange for cash.

One reason the Mets made this move was the team simply needed arms to get them through the season. The Dodgers were fine with parting with two experienced arms for nothing, so the Mets jumped at the chance. The other reason the Mets did this was to see if these guys were worth keeping around in 2024. The answer turned out to be no.

Kolarek was DFA'd in August after pitching well for New York, but Bickford has remained with the club. The right-hander has had some effective outings and his 4.81 ERA isn't atrocious when compared to other arms this team has rostered, but he's nothing more than a depth arm and considering the fact that he's out of options and is entering arbitration this offseason, there's no reason to keep him around. The Mets can certainly do better in free agency.

2) Carlos Carrasco does not deserve a role on the 2024 NY Mets

The Mets had every reason to exercise Carlos Carrasco's club option after he was so good for them in 2022, but it's pretty clear that the right-hander is just about done. He had a 6.80 ERA in 20 starts and 90 innings pitched, often not even giving the Mets a chance in games he started. Cookie had the fourth-worst ERA in the majors among pitchers with at least 90 innings of work.

Carrasco coming back for next season makes no sense regardless of whether the Mets attempt to win or rebuild. He clearly doesn't help them win by being one of the worst pitchers in the game and his 36-year-old age makes him nothing more than a guy you'd hope turns it around for one year. I think it's very possible we've seen Carrasco throw his last MLB pitch.

3) Michael Perez does not deserve a role on the 2024 NY Mets

Michael Perez actually appeared in two games for the Mets this season in mid-May and had four hits in seven at-bats. He had a four-hit game in his first start of the season. This was all we'd see from Perez who hit .204 with a .661 OPS for AAA Syracuse.

He's spent the last couple of years as the Mets third catcher but him appearing in two games this season tells you all you need to know about what the Mets think of him. The Mets have Francisco Alvarez solidified as the starter with Omar Narvaez as the backup. The Mets also have Tomas Nido under team control and young guys like Nick Mayer, Hayden Senger, and maybe even Kevin Parada looking to make an impression as well.

The Mets can easily move on from the 31-year-old Perez with many better options in the minors currently.

4) Jeff Brigham does not deserve a role on the 2024 NY Mets

Jeff Brigham was one player the Mets were excited about acquiring as an optionable reliever who'd seemingly provide quality depth when needed. This did not end up being the case in the slightest.

Brigham wound up making 37 appearances for the Mets, posting a 5.26 ERA in 37.2 innings of work. He pitched well at the start of the season but in June, like the rest of the Mets, faltered. He's another replaceable depth arm that the Mets can look to replace.

5) Jonathan Arauz does not deserve a role on the 2024 NY Mets

Jonathan Arauz was one of several players who were promoted when the Mets completed their firesale at the trade deadline. Arauz had appeared in 68 MLB games in three seasons before his time with the Mets and never showed much, but instead of promoting prospects, the Mets decided to just use Arauz as a temporary placeholder.

The switch-hitting infielder started most of New York's games in August but lost all of his playing time after the Mets decided to call up Ronny Mauricio and bring Brett Baty back. Overall, he slashed .136/.203/.288 with three home runs and nine RBI in 59 at-bats. If the Mets plan on being competitive next season, they can't have Arauz in any sort of backup role.

6) Anthony Kay does not deserve a role on the 2024 NY Mets

Anthony Kay was once a Mets first round draft pick who was later traded to the Blue Jays in the Marcus Stroman deal before he could appear in a game with the club. Kay found his way back to New York when the Cubs DFA'd him earlier this month and the Mets claimed him off waivers. This was a cool opportunity for Kay to finally appear in a game for the Mets.

He's allowed one run (so far) in three innings of work as that number can change if the Mets do complete their game with Miami. Cool story to see him back, but he had a 6.35 ERA in 13 appearances with Chicago this season and has a 5.51 career ERA in 44 appearances. He's another reliever who should never see the field for a competitive Mets team.

7) Danny Mendick does not deserve a role on the 2024 NY Mets

The Mets gave Danny Mendick a look this season after he had shown some promise in the 2022 season with the White Sox. That season was cut short after Mendick had appeared in just 31 games with Chicago after he tore his ACL. This was a worthwhile gamble to see if the Mets could get anything out of Mendick, but he struggled when given opportunities to play.

In 32 games with New York Mendick had a .513 OPS in 63 at-bats. That is simply not good enough. His .793 OPS for AAA Syracuse brings a bit of hope that Mendick could be better next season, but the Mets don't need to be the team taking the risk. Acquiring better depth should be something David Stearns takes seriously, and Danny Mendick can be upgraded rather easily.