Shout it from the rooftops, translate it into every language, and blast it across every social media feed you can find — the New York Mets are making roster moves with motives beyond just putting the best team on the field, for better or worse.
All season, David Stearns has strategically and legally managed the roster to serve the club’s long-term interests while timing other moves with precision.
From keeping Francisco Alvarez in the minors long enough to secure an extra year of control, to limiting other players’ stints to under 20 days to preserve their minor league option, it’s clear we should expect more of the same as August unfolds.
Call up Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat as soon as possible because it no longer
Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat will reach the majors in some capacity sooner or later. At this stage, years of control are no longer a factor. Given how late it is in the season, it’s nearly impossible for either pitcher to lose rookie eligibility for the Prospect Promotion Incentive, which could net the Mets valuable rewards if one wins the 2026 Rookie of the Year.
Looking at the schedule, the most logical call-up window would be the late-August stretch when the Mets play daily from August 19 through September 3. The latest either should debut would be during their series finale against the Atlanta Braves on August 24.
Recall Luisangel Acuna before serving 20 days in the minors, demote Brett Baty
Luisangel Acuña was optioned to the minors when Cedric Mullins joined the team, but he’s expected back within 20 days. This move allowed the Mets to preserve his final minor league option, opposite of how they managed Francisco Álvarez but consistent with Acuña’s previous stints in the minors this season, where he’s never stayed down long enough to use it up.
Offensively, Brett Baty hasn’t given the Mets much, and with Jeff McNeil at second, Ronny Mauricio seeing the most time at third, and Mark Vientos getting occasional starts, Baty has become the odd man out and offers little value off the bench. Acuña, by contrast, provides more versatility as a pinch runner and an emergency shortstop or center fielder.
The Mets likely planned this approach with Acuña regardless of Baty’s struggles. Preserving both players’ final minor league options boosts their trade value in the offseason and gives the team the flexibility to send either down at the start of next year.
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