Pat Mahomes, Matt Franco, Lariel Gonzalez and Jorge Velandia were all not offered contracts and are free agents eligible to sign with any team.
GM Steve Phillips is planning on talking with each of their representatives to see if he can bring them back.
“To talk about whether we have interest in bringing them back or re-signing them to a minor-league deal or a deal that doesn’t bind us to arbitration,” Phillips said.
Phillips spoke to teams about trading for Mahomes, Franco, Gonzalez or Velandia, but didn’t find any takers.
“I think we certainly would’ve listened to any deal to be made, but there weren’t any deal to present themselves,” Phillips said.
These moves bring the Mets’ 40-man roster down to 39, which gives leeway for trades. It is apparent, even if Velandia re-signs, that Desi Relaford has the inside track on the backup infield position. Relaford will also see time in the outfield in the spring.
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The Armando Benitez legal situation is expected to conclude without Benitez being charged. Benitez and his fiancee, Stacy O’Neill, have agreed for Benitez to have to a temporary restraining order after he allegedly slammed a door on her hip.
“To our knowledge no criminal summons or a warrant have been issued,” a Baltimore Police spokesperson said.
When everything is completed, Phillips plans to speak with Benitez.
“At some point, clearly, I’ll talk to him to get a handle on where his head is and what’s transpired with everything,” Phillips said.
Darryl Hamilton’s left big toe is progressing fine and Phillips said he will be in the outfield mix this season. Philips said Hamilton feels his big left toe is better than it’s been in years.