The New York Mets' options in center field with Jose Siri out

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The New York Mets will be down a center fielder for a while after Jose Siri fractured his tibia after fouling a ball off his leg over the weekend in Sacramento.
With Siri out, Tyrone Taylor has assumed full-time starting center field duties, however, the Mets will still need another option at the position with Siri on the shelf for the foreseeable future.
Now, there are a few routes the Mets can go with these players being on the current 26-man roster or injured list. Let's take a look at a few of the candidates that can serve as a complement to Taylor and play center in Siri's absence.
Brandon Nimmo
This is an easy one. Brandon Nimmo was the Mets' full-time starting center fielder from 2021-2023. By playing Nimmo in center on days when Taylor sits, it would allow the Mets to insert Jesse Winker, Jeff McNeil or Starling Marte in left field.
"I'll play wherever they want me to. If that requires center field, then that's where I'll be."
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 16, 2025
Brandon NImmo was asked about possibly playing center field in Jose Siri's absence: pic.twitter.com/FspUaiXEjW
"I'll play wherever they want me to," Nimmo told reporters on Wednesday. "If that requires center field, then that's where I'll be."
Jeff McNeil
Speaking of Jeff McNeil, the Mets intend on having him play center field for Single-A St. Lucie on his rehab assignment so he can get a feel for the position in the minors. McNeil can already play second base and the corner outfield spots, and center would add to his already deep positional flexibility. Whether it's trying McNeil in center and keeping Nimmo in left, or the other way around, Luisangel Acuña could remain in the majors and play second base regularly with this alignment.
"This is nothing new for him, he's played there before. But we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity in the minor leagues. He's on board with it, so he'll get a game tomorrow in center," Mendoza said.
Luisangel Acuña
Last but not least, Luisangel Acuña has experience playing center field in the minors. And while manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that there aren't any plans to play him there in live game action as of yet, Acuña has begun preparing during pregame drills. The 23-year-old is also on a hot streak as of late, collecting eight hits in his last 24 at-bats.
“If we need to get there I will be comfortable,” Mendoza said. “There’s a lot that goes into making these decisions, but I will be comfortable with it.”
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Pat Ragazzo is the main publisher and reporter for the Mets On SI site. He has been covering the Mets since 2018. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has appeared on several major TV Networks including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is a recurring guest on ESPN New York 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM. Pat is also the Mets insider for Barstool Sports personality Frank "The Tank" Fleming’s podcast. You can follow him on Twitter/X and Instagram: @ragazzoreport.
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