Hayden Senger Competing for Mets’ Backup Catcher Role as Spring Training Nears End
Hayden Senger has spent seven years in the New York Mets organization, working toward an opportunity in the major leagues. Now, at 27, he remains in contention for the team’s backup catcher role following Francisco Álvarez’s recent hand surgery. With Álvarez sidelined until early May, Senger and Jakson Reetz are the final candidates for the spot behind starter Luis Torrens.
Senger, who has built a reputation as a strong defensive catcher, believes his experience with the organization works in his favor. “I think they know I am a good catcher,” he said. “I think they know I work on my hitting a lot and that has improved over the years.”
He displayed his defensive skills earlier in the week with a pickoff play at first base. While his career minor league OPS stands at .685, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has made it clear that offensive production is not the top priority for a backup catcher.
“The feedback I am getting from not only the pitching coaches but the pitching staff is pretty encouraging,” Mendoza said. “This is a guy who has been in the organization for a long time and is putting himself in a pretty good position.”
Mets Preparing for Opening Day Lineup
As spring training winds down, Mendoza brought the team’s top players to face the Houston Astros at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches. The lineup featured key stars such as Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Mark Vientos, Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte, Torrens, Brett Baty, and Tyrone Taylor.
With Opening Day against the Astros approaching, Mendoza acknowledged that many of these players will likely be in the starting lineup but emphasized the importance of finishing spring training strong.
Pitching Updates: Núñez and Butto Progressing
Pitcher Dedniel Núñez reported feeling good after his first Grapefruit League appearance of the spring, while José Butto also returned to action after dealing with groin discomfort. The Mets have been cautious with Núñez, who was shut down last August due to forearm tightness, but Mendoza indicated he could still be ready for Opening Day.
“We need to protect him, right?” Mendoza said. “Is he able to go, say, two out of three days out of the gate … and then see where we are with some of the other guys in the bullpen?”
The team is also monitoring A.J. Minter as he works his way back from hip surgery.
With only a few days left before the start of the regular season, the Mets are finalizing key roster decisions, including who will serve as the backup catcher until Álvarez returns.