By Sunday 
Young Infielders Hold Their Ground as Opening Day Approaches
Spring training is more than just a warm-up—it’s a high-stakes audition where only the best 26 players earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. For the New York Mets, this year’s camp has been particularly competitive, with tough decisions being made as the deadline looms.
While several players received disappointing news this weekend, a few promising young infielders remain in the mix, keeping their big-league dreams alive—for now.
Another Round of Cuts
On Saturday, the Mets made another wave of roster cuts, with infielder Donovan Walton and catcher Jakson Reetz among those informed they won’t be heading north with the team. According to manager Carlos Mendoza, the door isn’t completely shut—there’s always a chance of a late addition if another team cuts a standout player.
Veteran pitchers Chris Devenski, José Ureña, and Génesis Cabrera were also optioned to Triple-A. They’ll stay in the system as depth options, ready to step in if injuries or performance issues force the Mets to adjust their pitching staff.
With these moves, Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña, and Hayden Senger remain in contention, but nothing is set in stone.
Baty’s Case for Second Base
Perhaps the most intriguing roster battle revolves around second base. Originally drafted as a third baseman, Brett Baty has been transitioning to second, and his efforts are paying off.
Learning a new position isn’t easy—imagine trying to write with your non-dominant hand. But through consistent reps, Baty has made noticeable strides defensively. More importantly, his bat is speaking louder than any fielding drills.
Baty has been one of the hottest hitters in the Grapefruit League, leading all batters with a blistering 1.123 OPS. His offensive production has made it nearly impossible to leave him off the Opening Day roster. If he does win the job, Acuña could serve as a platoon option against left-handed pitchers or take on a utility role.
The Waiting Game
While the Mets’ roster is taking shape, it’s not completely finalized. The front office is still monitoring the market, watching for players who could become available as other teams trim their squads.
For now, Baty, Acuña, and Senger have the inside track on making the team. Senger appears to be the favorite for the backup catcher role, though nothing is official yet. Until the final roster card is signed, anything can happen.
The final days of spring training will determine who stays and who goes—but for these young infielders, the dream is still alive.