Inside the final week of the season with a playoff spot in the balance, the New York Mets’ center-field situation remains in a state of flux. On Wednesday, the Mets designated outfielder Jose Siri for assignment and reinstated outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the injured list.
The Mets acquired Siri in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Eric Orze in November, looking for a defensive upgrade in center field. However, Siri missed most of the season after fracturing his tibia in April. Around that injury, Siri had only two hits and struck out 17 times in 36 plate appearances with the Mets.
Taylor, on the injured list since Sept. 2, was expected to participate in a full workout to determine his readiness ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.
Cedric Mullins, the Mets’ other option in center field, has struggled since New York acquired him in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles at the deadline. In 138 plate appearances with the Mets, Mullins owns a .577 OPS.
In the Mets’ win over the Cubs on Tuesday, Brandon Nimmo started in center for the first time since last season (Starling Marte played left field). The move allowed Jeff McNeil to stick at second base (as opposed to center) with Brett Baty at third base and Mark Vientos at designated hitter.
With five games left, New York holds a one-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League’s final playoff spot.
(Photo of Siri: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)
Sep 24, 2025
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