By Sunday 
Missed Chances: Mets Players Who Couldn’t Capitalize on Spring Training
Spring training is more than just a tune-up for established stars—it’s an audition for players looking to carve out a role on the Opening Day roster. Some use the opportunity to cement their place, while others fail to impress when it matters most.
For six New York Mets players, this spring was a crucial moment to prove their worth. Each had a legitimate shot at making the 26-man roster, but their performances didn’t rise to the occasion. Instead of securing a spot, they left questions unanswered and, in some cases, sealed their fate outside of the big-league club.
Let’s break down who fell short and why.
1. Jakson Reetz: A Big Opportunity Slipped Away
Catcher depth is crucial over a 162-game season, and Jakson Reetz had a chance to establish himself as a reliable third-string option. With Francisco Álvarez sidelined, the door opened even wider for him to step in.
But the bat didn’t cooperate. Reetz managed just 2-for-18 at the plate, striking out eight times while drawing only a single walk. His one standout moment—a grand slam—wasn’t enough to overshadow the rest of his struggles.
With his defensive skills still a factor, he’ll start the year in Triple-A Syracuse, waiting for another shot. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t do enough to make the decision difficult for the Mets.
2. Donovan Walton: A Veteran Overshadowed
Donovan Walton entered camp with a real chance to take over a key bench role, especially after Nick Madrigal’s season-ending surgery. Experience often gives veterans an edge in roster battles, but Walton couldn’t capitalize.
A 6-for-34 performance (.176 average) showed little promise, even though his .333 OBP (helped by seven walks) hinted at some discipline. His past MLB struggles didn’t help his case, as his career .174 batting average in 205 plate appearances offers little confidence.
The Mets ultimately opted to go with younger talent instead. Walton, a strong Triple-A performer, will have to wait for another shot—if one ever comes.
3. Luis De Los Santos: A Non-Factor at the Plate
Like Walton, Luis De Los Santos had a golden opportunity to claim an infield role. The Mets initially viewed him as a possible bridge while Luisangel Acuña gained more experience. However, he failed to make any impact.
Going 4-for-31 without an extra-base hit, De Los Santos simply couldn’t provide an offensive reason to keep him around. His .129 batting average and nine strikeouts sealed his fate early.
While his defensive versatility is valuable, the Mets need more than just a glove. With an unimpressive .228 batting average in Triple-A, it’s hard to justify giving him a big-league role.
4. Jared Young: No Power, No Roster Spot
Jared Young came into camp with some intrigue. He showed power in Triple-A (11 home runs, .506 SLG) and the KBO (10 home runs, .660 SLG) last year, making him an interesting depth option.
But in Mets camp? Nothing.
Young went 4-for-19, and all four hits were singles. The power that made him an attractive signing never showed up. While he remains a depth option due to his major league contract, he’ll need a serious turnaround in Triple-A to make an impact.
5. Austin Warren: Rough Spring, Rough Outlook
Relievers live and die by their small sample sizes, and Austin Warren didn’t get the results he needed. In six innings of work, he posted a 6.00 ERA, giving up a hit per inning and walking four batters.
As a ground-ball specialist, Warren’s lack of strikeouts (only three this spring) didn’t help his case. While his career 3.14 ERA in 48.2 MLB innings shows some promise, his lack of dominance makes him an easy player to stash in the minors.
He’ll likely be one of the first bullpen call-ups, but he needed a much stronger spring to be in the Opening Day conversation.
6. Génesis Cabrera: Early Hype Fizzles Out
When the Mets signed Génesis Cabrera early in the offseason, it looked like a steal. The hard-throwing lefty had big-league experience and nasty stuff, but control issues had always held him back.
Spring training didn’t do him any favors. His 8.31 ERA over 4.1 innings was mostly inflated by one bad outing, but that’s all it takes to be cut from a competitive bullpen race.
Cabrera’s strikeout potential remains intriguing, and the Mets may still try to develop him in the minors. However, Anthony Gose outperformed him this spring, pushing him further down the depth chart.
Final Thoughts
Each of these six players had a chance to make the Mets’ Opening Day roster. Some needed to hit better, some needed to pitch better, and some just needed to stand out in a crowded field. None did.
Instead, they’ll head to Triple-A Syracuse or wait for their next opportunity. In baseball, second chances always come—whether they make the most of them next time is up to them.