The Syracuse Mets released their inaugural roster as the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets on Friday night. Here’s the group that manager Tony DeFrancesco will take into battle:
Pitchers (13): Tyler Bashlor, Arquimedes Caminero, Casey Coleman, Chris Flexen, Drew Gagnon, Eric Hanhold, Ryan O’Rourke, Corey Oswalt, Jacob Rhame, Hector Santiago, Paul Sewald, Corey Taylor, Daniel Zamora
Catchers (2): Rene Rivera, Colton Plaia
Infielders (5): Danny Espinosa, Adeiny Hechavarria, Dilson Herrera, Travis Taijeron, David Thompson
Outfielders (5): Gregor Blanco, Rajai Davis, Carlos Gomez, Rymer Liriano, Tim Tebow
It’s a veteran-laden squad, featuring a remarkable 21 players with major league experience. Davis will play his first non-rehab minor league game since 2007, while Gomez similarly hasn’t played more than 10 games in a minor league season in 12 years.
There are a couple of notable omissions, including Walker Lockett, P.J. Conlon, and Gavin Cecchini. Additionally, Travis Taijeron is listed as a first baseman, a position he had never played in eight years as a professional until 22 games with the Oklahoma City Dodgers last season.
The bevy of veterans on the roster likely have opt-out clauses in their contracts, so it’s very possible that the team looks completely different by the end of May. Another recent signee, Ruben Tejada, will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie before heading up to Syracuse.
The Mets will begin their season in less than one week, opening up against the Pawtucket Red Sox next Thursday at 2:05 p.m.
