New York Mets

Mike Tauchman

RF

Tauchman is expected to miss the first six weeks of the season while he recovers from his operation. He'll report to Triple-A Syracuse once he's healthy but could be bumped up to Queens during the season if Carson Benge struggles during his first season in the bigs.

A.J. Minter

RP

Still on the mend from the left lat surgery he underwent May 12, 2025, Minter is expected to spend the next couple of weeks continuing his rehab program at the Mets' spring training facility in Florida, per MLB.com. The southpaw reliever has been facing hitters for the past few weeks, so he could get the green light to start a rehab assignment at Single-A St. Lucie shortly after the Florida State League season gets underway. Minter is expected to eventually move up to a higher-level affiliate as the final step before he makes his return from the IL.

Nate Lavender

RP

The Rays acquired Lavender via the Rule 5 Draft last winter, so now that he's been outrighted off the Rays' 40-man roster, he'll return to the Mets' farm system. The 25-year-old lefty missed all of last season while recovering from an internal brace procedure, and he underwent another surgery in August to remove a bone spur in his left elbow. His availability for spring training remains unclear.

Justin Hagenman

RP

It's unclear when Hagenman sustained the injury, but his placement on the 60-day IL means that he won't be eligible to make his 2026 regular-season debut until at least late May. In a corresponding move to bolster the bullpen, the Mets claimed southpaw Richard Lovelady off waivers from the Nationals.

Brandon Waddell

RP

New York designated Waddell for assignment earlier this week, and he'll remain in the organization after clearing waivers. Waddell posted a 3.45 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 22:11 K:BB across 31.1 major-league innings last season.

Robert Stock

RP

Stock, entering his age-36 season, is on a minor-league contract with the Mets, and just weeks away from Opening Day, the veteran reliever began experiencing shoulder discomfort. The results of his testing should paint a clearer picture of how long he'll be sidelined, if at all, but it's not a good sign for his availability in the WBC.

Grae Kessinger

3B

Mendoza noted that the injury "didn't look too good," but the club will wait for MRI results before determining a plan for Kessinger. Kessinger could have a chance to make the Opening Day roster in the event that Francisco Lindor (hand) isn't ready, but he's now facing a possible extended absence.

Dedniel Nunez

RP

The transaction is merely procedural, as Nunez is slated to miss the rest of the season and likely the entire 2026 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery last Monday. The Mets claimed right-hander Rico Garcia from the Yankees on Monday and will have him take over Nunez's spot on the 40-man roster.

Tylor Megill

SP

Megill pitched well when healthy in 2025, posting a 3.95 ERA and 89:33 K:BB over 68.1 innings, but he was limited to only 14 starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery. The righty will miss the entire 2026 season but is under team control for 2027.

Reed Garrett

RP

The transaction frees up a 40-man roster spot for the addition of Bryan Hudson. Garrett underwent UCL reconstruction surgery in October and will miss the entire 2026 season.