Crumbl, the cookie shop phenomenon, has tapped into a clever strategy: every month, they introduce five or six new flavors, enticing customers to return and discover something fresh once the calendar flips. Think of this setup as analogous to a baseball roster. While the New York Mets have named their starting 26 players for the season, the dynamic nature of a roster means changes are inevitable. Just like that delicious red velvet cookie will soon be replaced by a waffle flavor doused in syrup, players are vying for their spot and must keep delivering to remain in the lineup.
As we dive into the current makeup of the Mets’ roster, let’s spotlight six players who made the cut but are far from guaranteed safety. Fast forward just a month, and their spots could be at risk for a variety of reasons.
1) Danny Young
Danny Young might be one of the few left-handed arms in the bullpen, but that distinction alone might not be enough to secure his long-term role with the Mets. His challenges go beyond this season, especially since he lacks minor league options that could keep him tethered to the team. He’s managed to stay on the roster, but only because no one else seized the opportunity to take the lead during spring training. Genesis Cabrera faltered, and Anthony Gose didn’t offer enough consistent major league results to push Young aside based on a handful of exhibition innings.
Looking back at Young’s 2024 season, he showed resilience and potential. He stepped up as a key piece for the Mets when they needed someone to fill the gap post-Jake Diekman. With a 4.54 ERA, Young’s overall numbers may not tell the whole story.
In July and August, he truly shined, notching 6.2 scoreless innings in July and a solid 2.45 ERA in August. During those months, he recorded more than a strikeout per inning, with opposing hitters managing batting averages of .160 and .158 against him. This performance positioned him as one of those under-the-radar gems that new Mets general manager David Stearns was able to uncover, initially signed to a minor league deal. In a year where several of these hidden acquisitions flourished, Young appeared poised to stand out.
However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse come September. A dismal end to the season and an uninspiring postseason led many to ponder whether Young would return in 2025. For now, he remains with the team, but as we saw from Stearns’ approach last year, he isn’t afraid to make swift decisions regarding players who underperform. The question is, will Young be able to prove himself worthy of keeping that coveted roster spot?
2. Max Kranick
This twist gives the Mets the chance to stockpile their bullpen with quality arms, and one name that has surged to prominence during spring training is Max Kranick. With a scintillating 1.46 ERA complemented by 15 strikeouts over 12.1 innings, Kranick has captivated fans and earned himself a more substantial role moving forward. His ability to stretch beyond the typical one-inning outing makes him a versatile asset, one that manager Carlos Mendoza could rely on for extended appearances.
However, as encouraging as Kranick’s spring has been, there’s a contrasting reality to consider—he’s only logged 43.2 innings at the big league level. Judging his potential based on those numbers can be misleading; nearly all of those innings came during a rough 2021 season when he posted a 6.28 ERA while serving primarily as a starter.
The stakes could be high for Kranick if the Mets determine they need a sixth starter or a fresh arm due to bullpen fatigue. In this scenario, it’s conceivable he could be activated for a spot appearance, only to find himself reassigned to Syracuse shortly thereafter. Yet, it’s worth noting that any demotion might be temporary as the Mets navigate their roster needs throughout the season.
For Kranick, the forthcoming weeks are pivotal. With the right usage and support, he has the chance not just to remain in the mix but also to carve out a lasting role within the Mets’ plans. Fans will be watching closely, as Kranick has shown glimpses of the potential that could make him a fan favorite and a critical part of the bullpen dynamic.
3. Huascar Brazoban
Huascar Brazoban has faced a tough transition since joining the Mets, with his early season performance raising eyebrows among fans who remember his solid stint with the Miami Marlins. In his time on the mound for New York, Brazoban struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with a 5.14 ERA over 21 innings. The numbers tell a sobering story: 14 walks paired with 17 strikeouts isn’t quite what the team envisioned when they welcomed him to the roster.
Looking back to his Miami days, it’s clear he had something special brewing. With a sparkling 2.93 ERA in 30.2 innings, Brazoban’s ability to generate strikeouts at a rate of 10 per 9 innings was a significant asset. He maintained his control much better too, allowing just 3.2 walks per 9 innings. His impressive spring training performance, marked by a 1.69 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 10.2 innings, set the stage for optimism heading into the regular season.
However, not everything went as planned. The same issues that hindered him in New York—command problems that led to 6 walks—have put his standing with the team in jeopardy. Now, the competition is heating up. With potential competition from the likes of JT Kranick, who is vying for a similar role in the bullpen, every inning pitched will be crucial for Brazoban as he seeks to solidify his place on the roster.
It’s worth noting that Reed Garrett is also in the mix. His recent performances in 2024 seem to offer him a bit more leeway as he competes for the same bullpen slots. While the competition may be tough, if Brazoban can polish his command and return to the form he showcased in Miami, he has the talent to carve out a significant role for himself in the Mets’ plans moving forward. Each outing will be critical in determining who stays with the big league club, and fans will be watching closely to see how this bullpen battle unfolds.
