New York finalizes pitching staff ahead of Opening Day
The New York Mets are making final adjustments to their roster as Opening Day approaches, with a major decision in the pitching rotation. Tylor Megill has officially secured a spot in the starting rotation, while right-handed reliever Dedniel Núñez has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.
Megill Locks Down Rotation Spot
Megill’s promotion comes as no surprise, given the injuries to Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea earlier in spring training. The 28-year-old right-hander will slot into the second game of the season, following Opening Day starter Clay Holmes.
With Megill in the mix, the Mets’ rotation is set:
- Clay Holmes – Opening Day starter
- Tylor Megill – Game 2 starter
- Griffin Canning
- David Peterson
- Kodai Senga
The decision also means veteran Paul Blackburn will begin the season in the bullpen, giving the Mets added depth in long relief.
Núñez Sent to Triple-A—For Now
Dedniel Núñez, who was a breakout performer for the Mets last season, will begin the year in Triple-A as he continues to ramp up after dealing with injuries. The hard-throwing reliever posted a 2.31 ERA, 2.22 FIP, and an impressive 35.6% strikeout rate in 35.0 innings last year, making him a strong candidate for a quick return to the big leagues.
While his demotion may be temporary, the Mets will rely on their current bullpen structure to begin the season. If Núñez maintains his form in Syracuse, it won’t be long before he’s back in Queens.
Finalizing the Roster
As the Mets prepare for the 2025 campaign, these moves provide clarity on how the pitching staff will be structured. With Megill stepping into a key starting role and Núñez waiting in the wings, the team is shaping up for what they hope will be a strong season.