5 Mets players who won’t be on the roster by May 1
By Tim Boyle
These five members of the New York Mets roster could potentially see their time with the club end by May 1 when rosters reduce to 26.
Roster cuts are coming. Whether teams like it or not, they will have to go from 28 men down to 26 on May 1. This is something New York Mets owner Steve Cohen can’t even buy his way out of.
The Mets began the year with championship hopes and have gotten off to a fine start. However, like every team, there are some weak points. Some of the players they opened the season with were merely filler just to take advantage of the extra two spots on the roster.
While things could change due to injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, Mets fans should prepare themselves to say goodbye forever or just temporarily to these players.
The Mets will absolutely DFA Travis Jankowski by May 1
A minor addition New York made this offseason was Travis Jankowski. Brought in for some more experienced outfield depth, his presence on the roster makes very little sense once the rosters get smaller.
Jankowski may indeed be the 28th man on the roster. By May 1, he could be completely gone from the organization regardless of how he is performing in his limited role.
Jankowski is out of minor league options which means the Mets would have to DFA him and place the journeyman outfielder on waivers before getting any shot at retaining him. It doesn’t officially end the relationship between the two sides. Even if he does end up getting released, the team could always simply re-sign him.
It may not make much sense for the Mets to do this given how many other outfield options they have in the minor leagues. By May 1, they may be more intrigued to see what Khalil Lee or Nick Plummer can give them. Jankowski was never anything more than a temporary player on the 2022 squad. By May 1, expect him to be gone.