Baseball’s spring training is a time of hope, of fresh starts, and, inevitably, of tough decisions. For the New York Mets, those decisions have arrived, with a flurry of roster moves sending ripples through the organization. While some veterans face a detour to Triple-A, the door may be cracking open for two highly touted prospects, Luisangel Acuña and Hayden Senger. But will these young guns seize their chance, or is this just another spring mirage?

As the Mets sharpened their focus on the upcoming season, Manager Carlos Mendoza delivered the news to five players: they’re not making to the team. Chris Devenski, José Ureña, Jakson Reetz, Génesis Cabrera, and Donovan Walton were all told they’d be beginning the season in Triple-A Syracuse. “Kris Zabinski, …Genesis Cabrera,… not making the team. Jackson Reeds and Donovan Walton and Urenia… those guys were informed that they are not making the team,” Mendoza confirmed.

The demotion of those five players, however, subtly shifted the spotlight onto two promising prospects: Luisangel Acuña and Hayden Senger. While Mendoza cautioned, “Nope… that’s probably going to go till the last day,” when asked if this meant Acuña and Senger were on the team. The implication is clear: by clearing out some veteran competition, especially at catcher (Reetz) and in the infield (Walton and Ureña), the path to the majors for Acuña and Senger has become significantly less crowded.

Spring training stats don’t solely determine the Mets’ decisions, but the numbers certainly play a role. The veterans — Devenski (1.80 ERA but 1.40 WHIP) and Cabrera (8.31 ERA) — struggled, while the prospects presented a mixed bag. Acuña hit. 244 with a. 544 OPS and Senger hit. 150 with a. 461 OPS. These aren’t eye-popping numbers, but the Mets appear willing to gamble on potential instead of immediate production, particularly in light of the team’s long-term rebuilding plan.

Roster shakeup: Mets’ moves clear way for young talent

For Acuña, the main obstacle to a roster spot has thinned considerably. And with Jeff McNeil dealing with an oblique strain and Nick Madrigal on the injured list for the rest of the season, the door is wide open. Though Brett Baty is in the conversation as well, Acuña’s short, successful MLB career in 2024 (. 308 average, .966 OPS) gives him a strong advantage in that regard. His versatility, which enables him to play second base or shortstop, also boosts his candidacy.

Senger’s path to the majors is less about offensive firepower and more about defensive stability. With starting catcher Francisco Alvarez currently injured, the backup job is up for grabs. Now the clear favorite is Senger, the 2023 Mets Minor League Platinum Glove winner who posted some nice caught-stealing rates in the minors. His .150 average this spring might raise concern, but the Mets clearly value his defensive prowess.

The demotion of infielders Donovan Walton (.176 spring training average) and José Ureña (19.29 spring training ERA) removes two direct competitors for Acuña. Acuña is perfectly positioned to fill the role. Similarly, the reassignment of Jakson Reetz (.111 spring training average) and Chris Williams to minor league camp leaves Senger as the primary backup catching option behind Luis Torrens. The Mets appear to be prioritizing defense and stability behind the plate, making Senger the logical choice.

The New York Mets’ recent roster moves signal a potential shift towards youth, with Luisangel Acuña and Hayden Senger poised to benefit. While neither prospect is guaranteed a starting role, their paths to the majors have become significantly clearer. But one thing is certain: the Mets are willing to give their young talent a chance. Will this bold strategy pay off in the long run?