Plenty of veteran depth will be at the Mets’ disposal for their abbreviated season.
The team on Sunday announced its 60-man pool, which included names such as Eduardo Nunez, Matt Adams, Rene Rivera and Max Moroff — seasoned players who were at spring training as non-roster invitees competing for jobs. In addition, the Mets included 2017 first-round pick David Peterson and former Yankees reliever Chasen Shreve.
Other names who aren’t on the 40-man roster that are in the pool include Kevin Smith, Jarrett Parker and Johneshwy Fargas. Notably absent from the list is Tim Tebow.
The pool players, including the 40-man roster (minus Noah Syndergaard), will participate in the Mets’ summer camp over the next three weeks and be available for inclusion on the major league roster. With 45 players in their pool, the Mets still have 15 available slots that can be filled.
Yoenis Cespedes and Jed Lowrie are both part of the 60-man pool. The Post reported last week there is a strong chance Cespedes will be ready for the start of the season. But it’s still unclear whether Lowrie would be a consideration for Opening Day.
The season is set to begin with a 30-man major league roster that would be reduced by two players after the first two weeks. Rosters will be reduced to 26 players four weeks after the season opens on July 23 or 24. Each team will be allowed a three-player taxi squad for each road trip that would allow for the substitution of players who become injured or test positive for COVID-19. Those players will come from the 60-player pool.
Syndergaard, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March, won’t pitch this season.
Nunez, a former Yankees and Red Sox infielder, was in contention for a spot on the major league roster when spring training was shuttered in March. Nunez is primarily a third baseman, but there was the possibility he would receive a look at shortstop.
Adams, who missed much of spring camp with an irregular heartbeat, provides a lefty bat with power who could be utilized as a DH, pinch-hitter or corner outfielder. Adams hit 20 homers in only 310 at-bats last season with the Nationals.
Rivera was in contention for the backup catcher’s job during the spring, competing against Tomas Nido. But the fact Nido doesn’t have minor league options remaining gave him the edge in the battle. Rivera could be a possible third catcher with the early expanded rosters and then remain as part of the taxi squad.
Moroff figures to provide insurance in the middle infield. He spent last season with the Indians, for whom he appeared in 20 games.
The left-hander Peterson could provide rotation depth, but he will have competition from names such as Walker Lockett, Corey Oswalt, Franklyn Kilome and Jordan Humphreys — all were on the 40-man roster and are included in the 60-player pool. Players not presently on the 40-man roster must be added to be eligible for a game.
Shreve, a lefty, pitched for the Yankees from 2015-18 and appeared in three games last season for the Cardinals.
Erasmo Ramirez, who spent most of last season in the minor leagues with the Red Sox after previously pitching for the Rays and Mariners, was released by the Mets, but is expected to re-sign with the team and join the pool.
Here’s a look at the 45 players who make up the Mets preliminary roster:
Pitchers (22)
Tyler Bashlor
Dellin Betances
Brad Brach
Jacob deGrom
Edwin Díaz
Jeurys Familia
Robert Gsellman
Walker Lockett
Seth Lugo
Steven Matz
Corey Oswalt
David Peterson
Rick Porcello
Jacob Rhame
Paul Sewald
Chasen Shreve
Drew Smith
Kevin Smith
Marcus Stroman
Michael Wacha
Justin Wilson
Daniel Zamora
Submit questions on your favorite New York teams to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
Catchers (5)
Patrick Mazeika
Tomas Nido
Wilson Ramos
Rene Rivera
Ali Sánchez
Infielders (12)
Matt Adams
Pete Alonso
Robinson Canó
J.D. Davis
Andres Giménez
Luis Guillorme
Jed Lowrie
Jeff McNeil
Max Moroff
Eduardo Núñez
Amed Rosario
Dominic Smith
Outfielders (6)
Yoenis Céspedes
Michael Conforto
Johneshwy Fargas
Jake Marisnick
Brandon Nimmo
Jarrett Parker