As the New York Mets finalize their roster for the upcoming season, they have made several cuts from their spring training camp. According to reports from MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo and The Athletic’s Will Sammon, right-handers José Ureña and Chris Devenski, left-hander Génesis Cabrera, utilityman Donovan Walton, and catcher Jakson Reetz will not be making the team.
These five players were all in camp on minor league contracts, and while Ureña had an opt-out clause, he has decided to remain within the Mets organization and pitch at Triple-A instead of testing free agency.
Ureña Struggles in Spring Training but Provides Depth for Mets’ Rotation
Ureña signed his minor league deal with the Mets just a few weeks ago, but his performance in spring training has been disappointing. Over three Grapefruit League appearances, totaling just 2 1/3 innings, he posted an alarming 19.29 ERA.
Given these struggles, he likely determined that there wouldn’t be a strong market for his services if he were to re-enter free agency. Instead, he has opted to remain with the Mets and attempt to improve his form at the minor league level.
José Ureña (MLB)A veteran of 10 MLB seasons, Ureña has primarily worked as a starting pitcher but has also filled a swingman role, particularly last season with the Texas Rangers. In 2023, he posted a respectable 3.80 ERA across 109 innings, relying on his strong groundball rate (50.1%) rather than overpowering batters with strikeouts.
However, his pitching style has left him vulnerable to home runs when batters make solid contact. While he may not be an immediate fit for the Mets’ major league roster, having an experienced arm at Triple-A provides valuable depth in case of injuries in either the starting rotation or bullpen.
Ureña’s Future and Mets’ Final Bullpen Decisions Ahead of Opening Day
Though he was cut from the Opening Day roster, Ureña will have additional opportunities to reassess his status with the team. His contract includes opt-out dates on May 1 and June 1, giving him the flexibility to explore other options if a better opportunity arises. Until then, he will look to refine his pitching in the minors, potentially earning a call-up if the Mets find themselves in need of a veteran arm.
Meanwhile, the Mets have solidified some of their bullpen decisions for Opening Day. Left-hander Danny Young and right-handers Reed Garrett and José Butto have been informed that they will be breaking camp with the major league team.
These choices were relatively expected, especially since both Young and Butto are out of minor league options, making it more difficult for the Mets to send them down. With these decisions, the team is taking shape as they prepare to start the 2024 season.
