The Mets were finally steering their season back on course, but then, fate wound up and threw them another wicked curveball; another injury. What started as a promising campaign, backed by a fortified outfield, smart off-season pickups, and a balanced blend of veterans and rising stars, has quickly turned into a test of endurance. Baseball has a way of humbling even the most well-prepared rosters, and now, the Mets are right there.

The turning point occurred in a recent game against the Athletics on 12 April when the Mets outfielder sustained a major injury, a scare for the team’s center field defense. The episode affected not only his season but also caused the Mets’ management to review their lineup and explore other options.

The 29-year-old, Jose Siri, fouled a pitch off that landed on his left leg, and he couldn’t get off the field without help. David Stearns, Mets President of Baseball Operations, spoke with the media about the matter and said, “I think from point of injury probably 8 to 10 weeks.” With this ailment, Siri’s possible comeback for this season might be in mid-to-late June. According to the latest update, the squad will need to adjust and find suitable substitutes to fill the void in center field during this period.

Worry not, they have got a plan for it too.

Siri is mostly recognized for his speed (45 steals in 5 seasons), even if his early Mets attack was slow (1-for-20, .050), he has a superb outfield defense. When a reporter asked about filling the absence, President Stearns answered, “So breaking down here, I don’t think we know. I think Tyrone’s going to get a lot of it. Clearly, he is a very gifted center fielder. He can impact the game in a number of different ways, and I think he’s starting to take better at-bats as well. Beyond that, we will see. Jeff could be a part of it. Brandon could be a part of it. Luisangel could be a part of it. I think it’s who’s playing well, what pitchers we are facing, how we want to structure the lineup on any particular day, but we feel confident. We have enough people to play there, to cover that position and cover it well.”

The New York Mets are considering many choices for center field replacement. Let’s take a look.

• Tryone Taylor: The 31-year-old outfielder has taken center stage as the quick replacement. Over 16 games in the 2025 season, he has recorded a .211 batting average with zero home runs and 3 RBIs, while generating a .536 OPS. Although Taylor has low offensive numbers, his defensive skills provide dependability in the outfield. His background offers consistency while Siri is away.
• Brandon Nimmo: Having previously covered center field for the Mets, Nimmo offers the outfield a great range of expertise. He has a .629 OPS in the 2025 season with 4 HR and 10 RBIs during 88 at-bats, a .205 batting average. He is a consistent offensive player and is well-versed in the position, being a dependable choice.
• Luisangel Acuña: Mostly an infielder, Acuña has developed his center field skills over his minor league career. And in over 20 games of the 2025 MLB season, he has posted a .292 batting average with zero home runs and 6 stolen bases, resulting in a .754 OPS. Evaluating his long-term fit inside the team’s outfield setup, his agility and offensive potential provide the Mets a chance to bring young vitality.
• Jeff McNeil: He is on a rehab assignment right now, learning center field to improve his positional flexibility. Renowned for his flexibility, McNeil has filled several roles over his career. His offensive ability and mastery of several positions give the Mets strategic choices to best match their lineup depending on game conditions. With 12 home runs and 44 RBIs over 424 at-bats in the 2024 season, he had a .238 batting average, therefore producing a .692 OPS.

Now, the only question is: Who will they look for with players coming back to the roster?

Mets prepare for Phillies with potential return of Alvarez and McNeil

Despite all the challenges, there are rays of hope for the Queens. With the expected returns of utility player Jeff McNeil and catcher Francisco Álvarez, the New York Mets are about to strengthen their lineup. Both of them are doing well in their rehabilitation programs.

Recovering from a cracked hamate bone in his left hand during spring training, Álvarez has been actively engaging in rehab games, including a stint as designated hitter for Double-A Binghamton when he went 1-for-5. McNeil, on the mend from a right oblique strain, proved his readiness by posting a 4-for-4 performance with a home run and a double in the same lineup.

Aiming to increase their game endurance, Manager Carlos Mendoza said both players are booked to play full nine-inning games on Tuesday and Wednesday with Triple-A Syracuse. McNeil’s rehabilitation consists of time at second base and center field, highlighting his adaptability and the team’s smart use of his abilities across multiple positions.

With games set for April 22 and 23 at Citi Field as the Mets go on their series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the possible reintegration of Álvarez and McNeil into the active roster might be rather beneficial. Their comeback would not only improve the team’s offensive capacity but also provide more defensive arrangement options, therefore supporting the Mets’ position as leaders in the standings.