PHOENIX — As the final month of Major League Baseball's regular season approaches, the Mets front office is weighing a pair of additions to the roster.
While last season, the Mets got their first look at the youthful Ronny Mauricio, this season's call about the addition of two players to the major league club on Sept. 1 could be more about trying to fill in the gaps in the team's quest to reach the playoffs.
"Those calls are going to be made by what the team need is at that particular point in time, and clearly, your roster isn't frozen in September," David Stearns said before the team's road trip. "It's highly likely that whoever we call up on Sept. 1, those positions could rotate as we get through the month of September."
One major question mark that needs to be settled as rosters expand is the health of right-handed Dedniel Nuñez, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with forearm tightness after one appearance following a another stint on the IL with a pronator strain in his right forearm. Nuñez is a multi-inning and high-leverage option that could very well need to be replaced down the stretch.
Meanwhile, the Mets' offense could be seeking a spark. They also have only three left-handed bats on the roster. Carlos Mendoza made it clear what the team could be seeking in an extra position player. Those plans took an interesting turn when Brett Baty suffered a fractured finger, which will keep him sidelined for four to six weeks.
"Versatility, speed," Mendoza said, "so those are some of the discussions we're having and we'll see what develops in the next couple of days and we'll go from there."
As roster expansion looms for the Mets, here are six players who could help fill a need for the team over the final month:
POSITION PLAYERS
Luisangel Acuña
This would qualify as the exciting youth call-up. Acuña, who was acquired at the 2023 trade deadline in a deal that sent Max Scherzer to the Rangers, has been heating up in Triple-A Syracuse over the month of September.
In the month of August, the 22-year-old infielder is slashing .275/.289/.413 with two home runs, 10 RBI, 10 runs and five doubles. This season, Acuña has stolen 34 bases and could be a valuable late-inning speed option.
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DJ Stewart
Stewart felt the roster pinch when the Mets acquired Jesse Winker ahead of the trade deadline. After struggling through the opening half of the season, Stewart has posted a .880 OPS with two home runs, three RBI, 10 runs and four stolen bases with Triple-A Syracuse.
Stewart would give the Mets a left-handed hitting option off the bench, who could fill one of the corner outfield spots. After posting an .839 OPS with the Mets in 2023, he scuffled to a .172/.326/.298 slash line in 71 games this season.
Luke Ritter
The 27-year-old Ritter, who was a seventh-round pick by the Mets in 2019, would be the ultimate utility add for the Mets down the stretch. This season, Ritter has played at least 17 games at first, second and third base and left field. He's spent most of the time at first base, where he's made 39 starts.
Ritter has posted some of the best offensive numbers in the International League this season, with a .867 OPS, including 24 home runs, 83 RBI and 66 runs for Triple-A Syracuse this season.
RELIEF PITCHERS
Alex Young
The Mets have seen immense turnover within their left-handed relief options this season, with Brooks Raley lost for the season with an elbow injury and Jake Diekman designated for assignment. Alex Young would give the Mets another southpaw option alongside Danny Young.
Alex Young was simply a victim of a roster crunch when he was sent down on Aug. 10. In nine innings for the Mets this season, Young allowed one earned run on eight hits and three walks while striking out eight.
Matt Gage
The Mets added Gage in a July 7 trade with the Dodgers to add another left-hander to their bullpen depth within the organization.
Gage has converted all five of his save opportunities since joining Triple-A Syracuse. In 43 games between Oklahoma City and Syracuse this season, Gage is 1-3 with a 4.64 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 33 innings. A call-up would represent Gage's major league debut.
Eric Orze
Orze, who was called up by the Mets twice in July, has aced the Triple-A level. In 37 appearances for Syracuse this season, the 27-year-old right-hander is 4-1 with a 3.29 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 52 innings.
Orze would bring the Mets a multi-inning option as he's recorded at least five outs in 16 of his outings this season. He dealt with some hard luck during his call-ups this season, allowing four earned runs in 1⅔ innings across his first two major-league appearances of his career.
