Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Mets added center field prospect Nick Morabito to their 40-man roster on Tuesday to protect him from the December Rule 5 Draft. In the corresponding move, the Mets designated injured pitcher Frankie Montas for assignment.
Morabito, who will turn 23 in May, is a speedy, plus-defender in the outfield who played all of 2025 at Double-A Binghamton. There, he slashed .273/.348/.385/.734 over the course of the season. He has minimal power, but once on base, he stole 49 bags. He was most recently ranked No. 16 on Mike Mayer’s Mets prospect list, and Mayer sees Morabito as the best outfield defender in the minor league system.
The 2022 second-round draft pick followed up the decent season at Binghamton with a great showing in the Arizona Fall League, where he slashed .362/.450/.464/.914 in 80 plate appearances. Morabito also stole 16 bases in 17 games there and was named an AFL Fall Star.
Spots on the 40-man roster are precious, so the Mets must feel Morabito is currently worth a spot. The Mets protecting him from the Rule 5 draft means he could be called up as a midseason injury replacement in 2026. Stearns has repeatedly said he cares about run prevention and has been willing to give up some offense at the center field spot for above-average defense there.
Among the players not protected from the Rule 5 draft are:
- RHP Douglas Orellana
- C Kevin Parada
- RHP Saul Garcia
- 2B/OF D’Andre Smith
- C Ronald Hernandez
- RHP Joander Suarez
Another notable name that is eligible for the Rule 5 is rehabbing right-hander Adbert Alzolay.
These players will be available for teams to select at the draft on December 10 at the Winter Meetings, though few are even likely to be considered at all. Rule 5 draft picks must stay on the selecting team’s active roster (injury aside) all season or be returned to the original team.
