The promising prospect Dylan Ross from the New York Mets is finding himself in a tough spot on the team's depth chart, but he’s not giving up just yet.
Initially, there was optimism that Ross might get a shot at breaking into the major league roster for the 2026 season, especially since he is already included on the 40-man roster. However, that prospect has become complicated with the arrival of new players like Tobias Myers and Luis Garcia, who have effectively pushed him back to the minor leagues.
Currently, the Mets have six starting pitchers listed on their roster, excluding Myers, which leaves a potential opening for someone like Ross. Both Myers and Huascar Brazoban are classified as optional players and could be seen as somewhat redundant if the Mets view them primarily as long relievers. Although Brazoban typically pitches a maximum of about three innings, Myers has the capability to stretch his outings to five innings due to his background as a starter.
So, what does this mean for Dylan Ross?
Despite the challenges, there remains a viable route for Ross to secure a place on the Mets roster out of spring training. With his impressive performance in Triple-A, where he logged 32 innings and posted a stellar ERA of 1.69, it’s evident that Ross has the ability to compete at that level. The main obstacle for him has been achieving consistent control; he struggled with command last season, leading to 22 walks.
This issue of control is somewhat typical for hard-throwing right-handers like Ross, whose 6.2 walks per nine innings average hindered his chances of getting called up before the final series of the 2025 season. Unfortunately, the Mets opted not to utilize him then, missing the opportunity to see how he would perform under pressure.
As the spring progresses, Ross will likely find himself in competition with Brazoban and possibly even Myers, who could be demoted if necessary. Furthermore, he stands as a top candidate for a bullpen role should the Mets choose to trade away a starting pitcher. There’s also the chance he could step in if an injury occurs on the team. Currently, the only other right-handed relief options on the 40-man roster who aren’t expected to make the squad include Alex Carrillo, Austin Warren, and Joey Gerber, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations.
Among these four, Ross certainly captivates the most interest.
Additionally, there is a significant number of non-roster invitees at spring training. Many of these players possess opt-out clauses in their contracts, which allow them to seek free agency if they aren’t selected for the team. For example, a seasoned player like Craig Kimbrel might prefer to pursue opportunities elsewhere rather than spend time honing his skills in Syracuse for an indefinite period.
While it’s not entirely out of the question for Ross to make the roster at the start of the season, the odds are increasingly stacked against it unless he has an exceptional spring training or if injuries occur that necessitate his promotion. The Mets might also look to add another reliever through a trade, but given that they already have optional spots filled by Myers and Brazoban, having a third option like Ross could seem excessive.
