The Mets have added a plethora of talent around the diamond and have bolstered their overall depth this offseason. However, the team will likely continue to add a few more pieces; perhaps another starting pitcher, center fielder, third baseman or relief pitcher.

With that in mind, it is reasonable to wonder who will be designated for assignment following the next acquisition.

Robert Gsellman, RHP, 27

Robert Gsellman‘s career got off to a great start in 2016, as he posted a 2.42 ERA, 1.276 WHIP and struck out 42 batters over 44.2 innings of work. However, the right-hander’s production has been on a downward spiral since, culminating in a 9.64 ERA over just 14 innings during the 2020 season.

The 27-year-old has dealt with his fair share of injuries, which has led down a spiral of inconsistency. Gsellman has sustained rib, oblique, lat and triceps injuries over the past few years which have hampered his production.

Gsellman has offered the Mets some versatility as a starter and a reliever over the years, and that’s where the benefit of keeping him around is. The team will probably keep him on the 40-man for this reason with the hopes he can stay healthy and offer the squad another depth piece.

Gsellman has two more minor league options remaining and can become a free agent next offseason.

Daniel Zamora, LHP, 27

Daniel Zamora is one of the three lefty relievers along with Stephen Tarpley and Aaron Loup the Mets have on the 40-man roster. However, if the Mets add another starting pitcher, fellow lefty Joey Lucchesi would likely move to the bullpen as well.

Zamora didn’t get any action during the pandemic-shortened season and he didn’t quite impress in 2019. In 8.2 innings, he had a 5.19 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and eight strikeouts. Zamora’s value to the Mets is that he is a lefty reliever, but the lefty specialist is not what it once was because of the three-batter minimum rule.

Against right-handed batters in 2019, Zamora had a 6.23 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and struck out three batters in 4.1 innings.

Zamora has one minor league option remaining.

Jacob Barnes, RHP, 30

The Mets claimed Jacob Barnes off waivers from the Angels on Oct. 30 to add to their bullpen depth. However, the Mets have added several other pieces to the bullpen, including Trevor May, Loup, Sam McWilliams and Seth Lugo returning to a relief role.

For the Angels in 2020, Barnes had a 5.50 ERA, but he struck out 24 batters and only walked four in 18-innings pitched.

Barnes is out of minor league options, and was acquired prior to Steve Cohen’s acquisition of the Mets, so he could be next on the chopping block.

Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

Patrick Mazeika, C, 27

Patrick Mazeika dominated the low-level minors during his first three seasons, including a remarkable slash line of .354/.451/.540 in 2015. However, once he was promoted to Double-A in 2018 he struggled with a paltry .231/.328/.363 slash line. He bounced back a bit in 2019, launching a career-high 16 home runs, 25 doubles and 69 RBI.

On the defensive side during the 2019 season, Mazeika split his time between catcher and first base. He had seven errors and 14 passed balls over 55 games at catcher. It is unlikely that his offensive production will ever truly merit his subpar defense behind the plate.

Mazeika is the fourth catcher on the roster, behind James McCann, Tomas Nido and Ali Sanchez.

Corey Oswalt, RHP, 27

Corey Oswalt is another piece that could serve the Mets as a long reliever, if the team so chooses. His numbers weren’t pretty, but his 2020 season was actually his best statistically. The right hander had a 4.85 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched, including one start.

His first outing of the season came against the Braves in mop-up duty and he got shelled for five runs over four innings. Oswalt was optioned after the game and did not make an appearance for about a month. He made an emergency start against the Marlins and tossed 4.1 innings, while only surrendering two runs. However, it will be difficult for Oswalt to solidify a roster spot after the addition of Jordan Yamamoto, who will likely be ahead of him on the depth chart.

Oswalt is out of minor league options.

It will be interesting to see who gets designated for assignment next, but it will likely depend on what the Mets choose to do the rest of the way.