Mets cut several veterans including Mesoraco, Carlos Gomez
The New York Mets cut six veterans from the roster on Saturday as the regular season edges closer, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Headlining the cuts are catcher Devin Mesoraco, outfielders Carlos Gomez and Rajai Davis, and infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, all of whom were signed to minor-league deals with non-roster invites to spring training.
Pitchers Ryan O'Rourke and Hector Santiago were also informed that they won't be making the team, DiComo adds.
Mesoraco has been sent to Triple-A Syracuse but has asked the team for his outright release and is prepared to retire if it isn't granted, DiComo reports.
Since a breakout season in 2014 earned Mesoraco a four-year, $28-million extension with the Cincinnati Reds, he's posted an underwhelming .653 OPS over 179 games. In 12 spring contests, the backstop owned a .231/.231/.462 slash line with one homer.
The 30-year-old was acquired from the Reds last year in exchange for Matt Harvey.
Gomez, meanwhile, has had trouble finding regular work at the major-league level since his impressive 2014 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 33-year-old owns a .238/.313/.398 slash line with 51 homers and 60 stolen bases over his last four campaigns, averaging 114 games.
Davis, a 38-year-old veteran of 1419 games, was always considered a long shot to make the Mets roster, which features significant outfield depth. Despite his advanced age, the speedy outfielder is still considered an above average baserunner. However, a strong spring from Keon Broxton, acquired from the Brewers this past winter, likely helped force Gomez and Davis out as a potential fourth outfielder behind Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and a tandem of Jeff McNeil and Juan Lagares.
Hechavarria, a 29-year-old journeyman, has largely failed to pan out at the major-league level over 811 career games, despite plus defense at shortstop and third base. On five different teams, Hechavarria owns a .254/.290/.345 slash line with 28 homers and 32 stolen bases. He was in direct competition with Amed Rosario, who was previously considered the Mets' top prospect, as well as Luis Guillorme, who has impressed in camp with a 1.048 OPS in 17 appearances.