The New York Mets are facing a tough decision as they finalize their 26-man roster for the season opener against the Houston Astros. While the team hasn’t made an official announcement, the roster is taking shape.
**Starting Rotation: Six Pitchers for Five Spots**
The Mets plan to carry six starters to begin the season: Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, David Peterson, Kodai Senga, and Paul Blackburn. Blackburn is expected to serve as a long reliever, providing extra depth in case a starter falters early.
**Bullpen: Set Spots and a Few Question Marks**
Edwin Díaz, the Mets’ closer, leads the bullpen, joined by Ryne Stanek, Danny Young, José Butto, and Reed Garrett, all of whom are expected to be on the roster. This leaves two spots open, with four pitchers competing for them: AJ Minter, Dedniel Núñez, Max Kranick, and Huascar Brazobán.
Núñez, recovering from injury, won’t be ready for the season and is out of the race. That leaves Minter as a key decision—if he’s deemed ready, only one of Kranick or Brazobán will make the team.
**The Final Decision: Kranick vs. Brazobán**
Both Kranick and Brazobán have impressed this spring. Kranick has posted a 1.46 ERA over 12.1 innings, with 15 strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.81. Brazobán’s performance has been similarly strong, with a 1.69 ERA in 10.2 innings and 14 strikeouts. If the Mets opt to give Minter more time to get fully ready, both Kranick and Brazobán could make the roster. If not, one will have to wait for his chance. It’s a tough choice, with two deserving pitchers fighting for a single spot.
