Photo by Ed Delany, MMN
The New York Mets announced on Wednesday they’ve added shortstop Andres Gimenez, catcher Ali Sanchez, right-handed pitcher Jordan Humphreys, and left-handed pitcher Thomas Szapucki to the 40-man roster. This comes ahead of the deadline at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday to add Rule 5 draft eligible players to the 40-man roster.
Gimenez, one of the Mets’ top prospects, was a no-brainer add and is coming off leading the Arizona Fall League with a .371 average and .999 OPS. The 21-year-old is likely to start the season in Triple-A Syracuse. MLB Pipeline currently has him ranked as the Mets No. 3 prospect.
Sanchez, 22, is a strong all-around defensive catcher that is expected to start the 2020 season in Syracuse. MLB Pipeline has him at No. 17 in the Mets system.
Both Szapucki and Humphreys have been added as the Mets need rotation depth in the minor leagues following the trades of Simeon Woods-Richardson, Anthony Kay, and Justin Dunn. Both are working their way back from Tommy John surgery and pitched limited innings in 2019.
MLB Pipeline has Szapucki ranked No. 12 in the Mets system and Humphreys at No. 22.
Notable names not protected (though no unexpected) are infielder Shervyen Newton (No. 8 prospect), catcher Patrick Mazeika (No. 27), and Luis Carpio (No. 29).
The Mets also announced they’ve designated right-handed pitcher Drew Gagnon for assignment. He’s currently working on a deal with a Korean team.
Mets 40-man is now full at 40.
The Rule 5 draft takes place on takes place on December 12, the final day of the Winter Meetings in San Diego. Our own Jacob Resnick has touched on the top names that are eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 draft including Mazeika, Carpio, Newton, relievers Ryder Ryan and Matt Blackham, and right-handed starter Harol Gonzalez.
