The New York Mets bolstered their outfield Monday when they claimed Bryce Brentz off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

While it seems infielder Phillip Evans has the inside track to make the Opening Day roster, he has yet to be added to the 40-man, so things can still change.

As for Brentz, New York will likely try and pass him through waivers themselves to keep him in the system, but if they do in fact make a roster move such as trading Juan Lagares which has been rumored this winter, he could make the team as a reserve outfielder.

Brentz spent all of last season with Triple-A Pawtucket, hitting a respectable .271/.334/.529 with 31 homers and 85 RBI in 120 games.

He has had a couple of brief major-league stints in 2014 and 2016 with Boston. In 87 career at-bats (34 games) with the Red Sox, Brentz has a slash line of .287/.311/.379 with five doubles, one home run, and nine RBI.

Evans, the former 15th round pick back from 2011, got a cup of coffee with the Mets last September, going 10-for-33 with four runs scored.

This spring, Evans went 12-for-46 with two home runs and seven RBI.

With T.J. Rivera still sidelined after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season and with Lagares and Brandon Nimmo figuring to make the season, it’s conceivable that Evans will make the Opening Day roster.

However, if a move is made in the next few days, the Mets could roll with Nimmo and Brentz in the outfield to go along with Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce to begin the season.

This seems a bit far fetched to me, though, as beyond Brentz, the only outfield depth they really have is Matt den Dekker.

My prediction: Evans will deservedly make the Opening Day roster like everyone thinks, but Brentz will pass through waivers and will be called up to the team sooner rather than later.

I believe Lagares will ultimately be moved, especially with the strong spring Nimmo had and Michael Conforto progressing far better than anyone thought he would.

Claiming Brentz, to me, seemed like a precursor for a Lagares trade. I think that’s what the team will do when all is said and done.