Mets Power Rankings: 5 non-roster invitees who deserve a 40-man roster spot

Making it onto the 40-man roster is the next goal for these five members of the New York Mets organization. They don’t have much security at the moment. Likely bound for Syracuse, there is a case to be made that each deserves a spot on the 40-man roster. Weeks before Opening Day, it’s these five who are most deserving because of what they can offer the big league team.

5) NY Mets Power Rankings: Why Tommy Hunter belongs on the 40-man roster

Tommy Hunter is going to pitch for the Mets at some point this year. Signed to a minor league deal this winter, his lack of a 40-man roster spot is only temporary. The Mets will need to keep a few other pitchers around through at least Opening Day before adding Hunter. He may end up as a better fit for the 40-man roster once the Mets are actually ready to call him up. Because he does lack minor league options, waiting until they need an arm long-term should be the plan.

4) NY Mets Power Rankings: Why Michael Perez belongs on the 40-man roster

The Mets only have two catchers on the 40-man roster, Omar Narvaez and Tomas Nido. Michael Perez will find his way there if either goes down with an early injury. The team is purposefully holding back Francisco Alvarez until deemed ready to hit and play defense. The team should refrain from adding him until absolutely necessary. There isn’t a serious need to carry a third catcher at the moment.

3) NY Mets Power Rankings: Why Jonathan Arauz belongs on the 40-man roster

Jonathan Arauz gets the nod over Jose Peraza because of his remaining minor league option. Neither is currently on the 40-man roster, but either would be an option if the team needed someone to help fill out the bench. Peraza is the long-term option. Arauz is someone the Mets would be more likely to promote for a shorter IL stint. A 10-day IL stint is more common, giving Arauz the slight advantage over the other utility infielder the team will have stashed on the farm.

2) NY Mets Power Rankings: Why Denyi Reyes belongs on the 40-man roster

Denyi Reyes isn’t just another arm the Mets could turn to for an emergency start. He’s someone the team should have patience with. He could, at the very least, become a bullpen option for them in the future. The Mets will need some unexpected innings eaten this year. Rather than toss Jose Butto to the wolves, let the more experienced Reyes do it and see what he can do in a game that matters.

1) NY Mets Power Rankings: Why Abraham Almonte belongs on the 40-man roster

Abraham Almonte is going to be the non-40-man roster player we see promoted whenever one of the outfielders is expected to miss a lot of time. He doesn’t have any minor league options remaining, however, he’s also a candidate to pass through the waiver wire if he is designated for assignment. Almonte can do much more than his fellow minor league outfielder, Tim Locastro. For any significant playing time, the Mets should turn to Almonte whose place with the organization became more important once Khalil Lee was designated for assignment. If there is an outfielder to add to the 40-man roster sooner than later, it’s this guy.