The New York Mets brought Former star back into the fold on a minor league deal this offseason, adding him to a Syracuse outfield already crowded with MLB veterans. McKinney, who first joined the Mets in 2021 during a desperate search for outfield help, didn’t do much to stand out this time around. In 130 plate appearances at Triple-A, he posted a disappointing .184/.285/.307 slash line with 3 home runs and 34 strikeouts. As a result, the Mets have decided to move on.
His .592 OPS was well below his career .669 mark in the majors. Known more for being a journeyman than a difference-maker, McKinney has never been a high-average hitter or someone who sticks long with any team. He’ll try once more to find a new path back to the big leagues.
What about the rest of the Mets’ minor league depth?
The Syracuse Mets aren’t exactly lighting it up offensively. Joey Meneses entered Sunday hitting .259 with just two homers, though his 17 doubles are more than three times that of any teammate. The first baseman/corner outfielder—better suited as a designated hitter—has quietly made a case for attention, especially with a possible opt-out looming.
Another familiar face, Rafael Ortega, also returned to the Mets organization. After a late-season stint with the team in 2023, he’s started the year going 6-for-22 with two home runs. His ability to play center field makes him a valuable insurance policy—though one the Mets hope they won’t need.
Catching depth hasn’t been much better. Jakson Reetz and Chris Williams are both hitting under the Mendoza Line, with Reetz at .174 despite showing some pop with 6 home runs. Oddly enough, one of them was in contention to make the Mets roster before Hayden Senger’s defensive skills earned him the nod. Since being optioned, Senger has hit a solid .268 over 47 plate appearances, keeping his name in the mix for a call-up.
Among Syracuse’s offseason additions with big-league experience, one player does stand out: Gilberto Celestino. The 26-year-old righty is hitting .281/.346/.388 with 3 home runs and is considered the top outfield candidate for a promotion. With plenty of reps in center field—second only to top prospect Drew Gilbert—Celestino is an out-of-options player to watch.
McKinney led Syracuse with 25 appearances in left field, followed by Jared Young with 8 and Luke Ritter with 5. The four-year anniversary of the Mets acquiring McKinney is coming up on May 26—but there won’t be any cake to celebrate. He’s on the move once again. Remarkably, McKinney has logged at least one MLB game every season since 2018. The question now: Will that streak end in 2025?