MLB · 6 months ago

5 MLB Players in Danger of Losing Their Roster Spot

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

Brett Baty – INF, New York Mets
2025 Stats: 27 PA, .111/.111/.148, 40.7% K%, -28 wRC+

No one on this list is facing more immediate risk than Brett Baty. In his fourth stint with the Mets, Baty has failed to establish himself, holding a career 72 wRC+ over 602 plate appearances. With Jeff McNeil on the IL, Baty and Luisangel Acuna have been sharing time at second base, but only one is likely to stick around once McNeil returns. Despite a slow start to 2025, Acuna’s prior success and upside give him the edge. If Baty doesn’t turn things around quickly, he could be optioned to Triple-A, and with his final minor league option in play, there’s no guarantee he’ll be back unless another injury opens the door. At 25, this might be his last shot with the Mets.

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Ceddanne Rafaela – OF, Boston Red Sox
2025 Stats: .202/.279/.205, 0 XBH, 2 SB, 42 wRC+, 3 DRS, 2 OAA

Ceddanne Rafaela’s lackluster start to the 2025 campaign has only amplified concerns about his long-term role in Boston’s lineup. After a disappointing 2024 season where he posted a 79 wRC+, Rafaela hasn’t shown signs of progress at the plate. While his speed and occasional flashes of pop helped him rack up 43 extra-base hits last year—more than Fernando Tatis Jr. and Adley Rutschman—the low batting average and on-base percentage dilute their impact. His defensive prowess, particularly in center field, where he registered 12 defensive runs saved in just 630 innings last year, remains his saving grace. However, with top prospect Roman Anthony thriving in Triple-A (138 wRC+, 2 HR), Rafaela’s days as an everyday starter could be numbered. Rafaela may soon find himself relegated to a fourth outfielder role if Anthony continues to produce.

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Chris Paddack – SP, Minnesota Twins
2025 Stats: 2 GS, 7.1 IP, 14.73 ERA, 9.66 FIP, 4.91 K/9, 7.36 BB/9

Chris Paddack earned a rotation spot out of spring training mainly by default, edging out David Festa and Zebby Matthews. But his performance so far has been disastrous. Paddack was shelled for nine runs in three innings during his season debut against the White Sox, surrendering three homers and four walks. While his second outing was marginally better, giving up three runs in four innings to the Astros, the leash is short. With Matthews lighting it up in Triple-A, 13 strikeouts and just two earned runs through ten innings, Minnesota has alternatives ready to go. If Paddack doesn’t bounce back immediately, the Twins might shift him to the bullpen or move on altogether.
Rhys Hoskins – 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
2025 Stats: .161/.289/.161, 0 HR, 6 BB, 10 K, 43 wRC+

Rhys Hoskins isn’t facing immediate danger of losing his starting job, but his production has fallen far below expectations. Since joining the Brewers, Hoskins has slashed just .213/.305/.406 with a 99 wRC+—a steep drop from his time in Philadelphia, where he averaged a 126 wRC+ and 36 home runs per 162 games. While the Brewers lack immediate alternatives at first base, that could change when Tyler Black returns from the IL in mid-May. Black could push for at-bats if he regains form in Triple-A. If Hoskins can’t recapture his offensive rhythm, he could soon be ceding playing time, especially in a competitive NL Central.
Miles Mikolas – SP, St. Louis Cardinals
2025 Stats: 2 GS, 8 IP, 11.25 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 4.50 K/9, 3.38 BB/9

Cardinals fans are quickly losing patience with Miles Mikolas, who hasn’t looked like the pitcher he was back in 2022. With a bloated 11.25 ERA through his first two starts, the calls for change are growing louder, especially given the team’s belief that they can contend in a wide-open division. Quinn Mathews is waiting in the wings. Although his Triple-A command has been shaky (9 BB in 7.2 IP), Mathews has shown flashes of promise. If he finds his control and Mikolas continues to falter, the Cardinals may be forced to make a change. The pressure is on, and a few more rough outings from Mikolas could tip the scales.
Brett Baty – INF, New York Mets
2025 Stats: 27 PA, .111/.111/.148, 40.7% K%, -28 wRC+

No one on this list is facing more immediate risk than Brett Baty. In his fourth stint with the Mets, Baty has failed to establish himself, holding a career 72 wRC+ over 602 plate appearances. With Jeff McNeil on the IL, Baty and Luisangel Acuna have been sharing time at second base, but only one is likely to stick around once McNeil returns. Despite a slow start to 2025, Acuna’s prior success and upside give him the edge. If Baty doesn’t turn things around quickly, he could be optioned to Triple-A, and with his final minor league option in play, there’s no guarantee he’ll be back unless another injury opens the door. At 25, this might be his last shot with the Mets.

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Ceddanne Rafaela – OF, Boston Red Sox
2025 Stats: .202/.279/.205, 0 XBH, 2 SB, 42 wRC+, 3 DRS, 2 OAA

Ceddanne Rafaela’s lackluster start to the 2025 campaign has only amplified concerns about his long-term role in Boston’s lineup. After a disappointing 2024 season where he posted a 79 wRC+, Rafaela hasn’t shown signs of progress at the plate. While his speed and occasional flashes of pop helped him rack up 43 extra-base hits last year—more than Fernando Tatis Jr. and Adley Rutschman—the low batting average and on-base percentage dilute their impact. His defensive prowess, particularly in center field, where he registered 12 defensive runs saved in just 630 innings last year, remains his saving grace. However, with top prospect Roman Anthony thriving in Triple-A (138 wRC+, 2 HR), Rafaela’s days as an everyday starter could be numbered. Rafaela may soon find himself relegated to a fourth outfielder role if Anthony continues to produce.

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5 MLB Players in Danger of Losing Their Roster Spot

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