Mets: 3 players who won’t be on the roster by Sept. 1
The New York Mets have found themselves entering a rebuild in 2023. This rebuild is far from over and there are a few players that could be optioned soon.
The New York Mets were the biggest team at the trade deadline, dealing away two future Hall of Fame starters among others. They kicked off their rebuild with a bang during the 2023 season, but the year isn’t over just yet. They could still make some big decisions for their future down the stretch of this year.
The Mets have the next few months to get some of their younger players some playing time as well as building some confidence and momentum back into their roster. There are players on the team now that likely won’t be on the roster past the end of August, likely to be replaced with the up-and-coming prospects or players returning from the injured list. Which three players are most likely to be off the roster before September 1st?
Mets rumors: Outfielder Rafael Ortega will be off the roster when Starling Marte returns
Sadly, for Mets fans, the injury woes for Starling Marte have continued to cause issues as Marte was moved to the IL yet again. He is truly an incredible talent with plenty more in the tank, but if he can’t stay healthy, his value is near zero. That has opened up a spot for Rafael Ortega to be on the roster and even in the lineup from time to time.
With Marte out, the Mets recalled an outfielder, Abraham Almonte from Triple-A. Almonte and Ortega both don’t have long-term spots on the roster, leaving them wide open for demotion to Triple-A or designated for assignment. But Ortega, at 32 years old, will likely be demoted this month. On the season, he holds an abysmal slash line of .133/.235/.200, good for just 2 hits and 5 strikeouts in 15 at-bats. While the sample size is still rather small, Ortega has never been a spectacular MLB player.
This decision shouldn’t cause too much uproar within the Mets fanbase or media, because it will likely mean that one of their best players is returning from injury, healthy and ready to contribute again. If you’re a Rafael Ortega fan, enjoy the season while you can because the veteran outfielder likely won’t be in New York for too much longer.