Mets Players on the Hot Seat as Spring Training Approaches

Every year when spring training comes around, it's the time when some players get excited about the possibility of making a major league roster for either the first time ever or the first time as part of the Opening Day roster. For other players, though, it could be the difference between having a job or not.

The 2015 New York Mets thankfully have most of their roster filled out already, but a few spots should still be up for grabs in spring training. Here are three Mets who could be on the hot seat in spring training.

RHP Rafael Montero

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The majority of the Mets' pitching staff is set aside from who will be the second left-handed reliever.

More than likely, the rotation will consist of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese and Bartolo Colon. Noah Syndergaard could have a shot to make the rotation out of spring training, but there is nothing guaranteed just yet.

The bullpen should consist of Bobby Parnell, Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia, Vic Black, Josh Edgin and Carlos Torres. This would leave one open spot in the bullpen for what would presumably be a second left-handed reliever.

But then where exactly would Rafael Montero fit in? He was somewhat inconsistent in his rookie season in 2014 with a 1-3 record and a 4.06 ERA in 10 appearances (including eight starts). He got 42 strikeouts in 44.1 innings pitched, but he struggled with his control and allowed 23 walks.

If Montero were to make the Mets' Opening Day roster, it would almost certainly be in a bullpen role, but whether that spot for him will be there by April has yet to be determined. Montero could begin the year with Triple-A Las Vegas once again.

CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis

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The only real battle among position players for Opening Day roster spots should be among reserve outfielders for who will be the fourth outfielder. One of the candidates is Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Nieuwenhuis hit .259 with three home runs and 16 RBI last season in 112 at-bats. However, Nieuwenhuis has now "run out of options" going forward according to Mike Vorkunov of NJ.com. If he were to get demoted to the minor leagues again, he would have to pass through waivers first and could be claimed by any team.

Based on this alone, Nieuwenhuis looks to be a favorite to make the Opening Day roster as the fourth outfielder, but again, nothing is for certain at the moment.

CF Matt Den Dekker

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The one other outfielder who could give Nieuwenhuis some competition is Matt den Dekker.

He hit .250 in 152 at-bats with seven RBI in 2014. He was on the Mets roster for much of the second half of the season. However, due to Nieuwenhuis' situation, den Dekker will more than likely begin the 2015 season in the minor leagues.

All statistics shown are courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.