New York Mets player pool surprises – 7 who made it, 7 who didn’t
By Ed Stein
The New York Mets are building their 60-man player pool. So far, there are some surprises among who made it and who missed out.
Sunday afternoon, all Major League baseball teams were required to submit a list of the 60 players who will comprise their player pool for the 2020 season. The New York Mets sent an initial list of 45 players. There were definitely some surprises.
As of Monday afternoon, the Mets have filled 50 of the 60 allocated slots. This is a fluid situation so expect the unexpected before players report to spring training 2.0, at CitiField.
Vets
Made it
Melky Cabrera, OF – Finally, Melky Mania has come back to New York City. Monday, the Mets signed outfielder Cabrera and added him to their pool (as well as Ryan Cordell and Gordon Beckham). Last season in Pittsburgh, he had a slash line of .280/.313/.399/.713. A switch hitter who can run the bases and play in the field is a valuable commodity in a 60-game season.
Erasmo Ramirez, SP/RP – First, the Amazins cut Ramirez on Sunday, then they brought him back Monday. The seven-year Major League vet has a career ERA of 4.40 in 192 games (96 starts). Over the last three seasons, however, he’s posted an abysmal 5.05 ERA and allowed 38 home runs in 180.1 innings. Ramirez was having a decent spring training 1.0 for New York with a 1.13 ERA and stingy 1.00 WHIP in eight innings out of the bullpen.
Didn’t make it
Stephen Gonsalves – SP/RP – Like several other players who weren’t included, Gonsalves is on the 40-man roster. He made seven appearances for Minnesota in 2018, including four starts. The Mets probably should have kept him over Ramirez.
Steven Nogosek/ Nick Rumbelow, P – Relievers will be at a premium this year and these are two pitchers with some MLB experience, albeit quite limited.