For better or worse, David Stearns will have to make a decision about the present roster and the future of the ball club, and it may come sooner than he would like. The ghosts of the last New York Mets general manager helped put Stearns in his current situation this summer.
Young Mets hitters haven’t had much success on a regular enough basis, aside from Mark Vientos’ 2024 campaign. Francisco Alvarez made a powerful blow in 2023, but he has since regressed. Brett Baty offers us glimpses of greatness then a month’s hiatus of accomplishing anything at all. Vientos hasn’t been quite himself to begin this year. In the top leagues, Luisangel Acuna is having trouble making his mark as a starter. We also have Ronny Mauricio, who is attempting to regain his position in the group as one of the more versatile prospects who can do a little bit of everything after suffering an injury.
There are too few venues to accommodate all of the fresh talent on a frequent enough basis. When the Mets have to make important trade deadline choices this summer, deciding who remains and who leaves might happen as soon as then.
The Mets can’t keep all of their young players, who’s in and who’s out?
Fortunately, Vientos hit well enough that his position within the team isn’t exactly up for argument once his final minor league option expired in 2024. He deserved a longer leash, and next season we could see them test him out more as a first baseman and/or DH. The Baty tale has been enhanced by his occasionally terrible third base defense.
Given how effectively he has hit sometimes since being recalled, Baty has been an annoying player. If someone would give in, he would be a trade candidate, but a team will need to have enough confidence or patience in him going forward because his 2025 minor league option is already up. This year, he may still be sent to the minors, but starting in 2026, he cannot.
Mauricio, whose last minor league option has already been used up, is subject to the same regulations. What happened to the time? He was only in the majors for one month in September 2023, yet he is still the most enigmatic of the group.
Acuna may have extra trade value since he still has a minor league option, barring a reassignment to the lower leagues by the Mets this season. Because of his pace, Acuna undoubtedly adds excitement to the field. At second base, he has played good defense. He’s more than just a kid from an MVP family; he’s a seasoned shortstop and may potentially be a team’s option in center field if they dare.
Alvarez is also worthy of recognition, even though trading him is not a viable option. Despite the fact that Luis Torrens is consistently outperforming him this season, it is dishonorable to give up on him when the alternative is most likely no better.
The next generation of young athletes who will be prepared for the major leagues increases the urgency of making a choice. Acuna and Jett Williams provide the same thing at their finest. As a third baseman, Jacob Reimer is causing a stir in the minor levels. As long as they can demonstrate more regularly that the trade deadline transactions that brought them to New York were about more than just dumping money, Ryan Clifford and Drew Gilbert could also get their chance.
