The Mets waited as long as possible to finish off their 26-man roster before the games begin.
With a few hours left to go before the 2025 Major League Baseball season begins in earnest, the Mets made a pair of roster moves, with the hope that both players can stay with the organization.
Per Anthony DiComo, both Alexander Canario and José Azocar will both be designated for assignment, which will round out the Opening Day roster.
Canario was acquired by the Mets for cash from the Chicago Cubs back in late February, providing outfield depth and a hedge against Brandon Nimmo’s various lower body ailments. He had a good spring, hitting .306/.419/.611, including a two home run game on March 23rd. Unfortunately for the Mets, the 24 year old is out of options, and with a healthy outfield there is little room for him on the roster. While it is a longshot he safely passes through waivers due to his potential and spring performance, they could perhaps trade him for something better than the cash they sent out for him — though in a perfect world he is a staple of the Syracuse Mets lineup, ready to come up to Queens in the event of an injury.
Azocar has been around a while longer, as he was claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres in September of 2024. Azocar has a much better chance of staying with the organization, one would think, considering he has a career 74 wRC+ in 214 games in San Diego. He was not particularly effective in the spring, either, hitting .250/.283/.318, but he can provide good speed and some defense as a bench outfielder.
The Mets likely waited until the very last minute to make these moves with the hope that both can be starting outfielders for the Syracuse Mets when their season begins.