Mets make another round of spring training roster cuts

The Mets announced their latest round of roster cuts today, which include Luis Guillorme and Gavin Cecchini, as well as non-roster invitees Matt den Dekker, Jose Lobaton, Drew Smith, A.J. Griffin, Corey Taylor, Matt Purke, P.J. Conlon, and Ty Kelly.

Both Luis Guillorme and Gavin Cecchini have put together really nice springs, posting an .863 OPS and an .833 OPS, respectively, during Grapefruit League play. While either of them could make a case for the Opening Day roster, the presence of Jose Reyes leaves little room for them on the squad. Notably, Phillip Evans, who has also had a strong spring, seems to have survived this set of roster cuts. His ability to play outfield as well as infield positions may have given him the edge over Guillorme and Cecchini as the potential 25th man on the roster when the Mets break camp.

The only other somewhat surprising cut of the bunch is Matt Purke, who had been battling for one of the final spots in the bullpen. Purke has a 3.60 ERA over 5 innings this spring, surrendering 7 hits and 4 walks over that span. The left-handedness of both Purke and P.J. Conlon made them intriguing options for a staff that lacks a second lefty for the pen to compliment Jerry Blevins. However, Rafael Montero, Hansel Robles, and Jacob Rhame remain in camp and it seems that they will duke it out for the last couple of bullpen slots.

With the decision to reassign Jose Lobaton to minor league camp, the Mets must now determine whether to release him or pay him a $100,000 retention bonus to stay in the minor leagues. The latter option would come with a June 1 opt-out.

Some decisions still remain to be made, but with nine days left to go in spring training, the Mets’ Opening Day roster is beginning to take shape.