The former Mets general manager was placed on MLB’s restricted list Friday after the completion of an investigation into improper use of the injured list. Eppler, who led the Mets’ baseball operations efforts during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, resigned from his position Oct. 5, a few days after the completion of the season and the hiring of president of baseball operations David Stearns.

Eppler was found to have “fabricated” injuries to place players on the IL in 2022 and 2023.

“Major League Baseball’s Department of Investigations (DOI) has completed its investigation into allegations that former New York Mets General Manager Billy Eppler and other Mets employees violated MLB’s rules,” the league said in a statement. “The Mets organization and Mr. Eppler fully cooperated with MLB’s thorough review, which included interviews with over three dozen individuals, in addition to the review of relevant documents and electronic records.

“Having reviewed the results of the investigation, Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced today that Mr. Eppler has been placed on the Ineligible List beginning immediately for directing the following pattern of conduct in violation of MLB’s rules: improper use of Injured List placements, including the deliberate fabrication of injuries; and the associated submission of documentation for the purposes of securing multiple improper Injured List placements during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.”

The Mets will face no further discipline and no other staffers or players were named directly in the league’s report. Owner and CEO Steve Cohen was not a part of the investigation and the league determined that Eppler called the shots without ownership’s knowledge.

“MLB’s investigation concluded that the pattern of conduct was at Mr. Eppler’s sole direction and without any involvement of Club ownership or superiors,” the league said in a statement.

Oct. 6, 2023: The end of Billy Ball

MLB’s department of investigations opened an inquiry into Eppler’s use of the “phantom injured list” in October after a complaint from a staffer.

It’s common for teams to utilize the “phantom IL” to give struggling players a break. An injured list transaction allows teams to hold roster spots for players who might not have minor league options and would have to pass through waivers to receive a minor league assignment. Proper documentation to verify the injury or illness has to be obtained by a team doctor, but it’s easy to find something minor like tendinitis or inflammation in professional athletes.

By suspending Eppler, the league could be signaling a crackdown on these types of transactions. While Eppler is far from the only executive to utilize this tactic, he’s the only one being punished for it. That could change if the league decides to get serious about this issue.

Eppler will be eligible to return following the conclusion of the World Series unless the commissioner grants an application for an earlier reinstatement.

The Mets will not be elaborating on the investigation.

“The Mets have been informed of the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s investigation,” the team said in a statement. “With Billy Eppler’s resignation on October 5, 2023, and with David Stearns leading the Baseball Operations team, the Mets consider the matter closed and will have no further comment.”

Eppler, 48, previously worked as an assistant general manager with the Yankees before being hired as the Los Angeles Angels GM in 2015. He was fired following the conclusion of the 2020 season. The Mets signed him to a four-year contract Nov. 18, 2021.

Kluber, 37, compiled a 116-77 record, a 3.44 ERA and 1,725 strikeouts in 1,641.2 innings across stints with Cleveland, Texas, the Yankees, Tampa Bay and Boston.

“Each chapter was filled with priceless experiences, phenomenal teammates, and the backing of devoted fans, whose steadfast support always moved me to be the very best I could every time I toed the rubber,” Kluber said in his announcement.

Kluber made his MLB debut in 2011 for Cleveland, where he spent his first nine MLB seasons. Armed with excellent movement and a put-away breaking ball, Kluber broke out in 2014 with an AL-best 18 wins, a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 235.2 innings en route to his first AL Cy Young.

That stellar season kicked off a remarkable run in which Kluber finished within the top nine of Cy Young voting; exceeded 200 innings; recorded a sub-3.50 ERA; and tallied at least 222 strikeouts five years in a row.

A three-time All-Star, Kluber won his second AL Cy Young in 2017 after leading the league with 18 wins, a 2.25 ERA, five complete games and three shutouts.

Injuries derailed the latter parts of Kluber’s career. After being traded to the Rangers before the 2020 campaign, Kluber — who went to high school in the Dallas area — pitched only one inning before a torn teres major muscle in his shoulder ended his season.

Kluber then signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Yankees for the 2021 season. He got off to a strong start, winning the 100th game of his career about a month into that season and throwing his first and only no-hitter against the Rangers in Arlington, less than three weeks later.

Kluber surrendered only one baserunner — on a third-inning walk — in what was the Yankees’ first no-hitter since David Cone’s 1999 perfect game.

Shoulder issues continued to plague Kluber, however, and limited him to 16 starts with the Yankees. He went 5-3 with a 3.83 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 80 innings in 2021, then signed a one-year deal with the Rays for the 2022 season.

Kluber finished off his career with Boston last season, struggling to a 3-6 record and a 7.04 ERA over 15 games, including nine starts.

Known for his stoic demeanor and machine-like efficiency on the mound, Kluber earned the nickname “Klubot.”

“As I take my leave from the pitcher’s mound, my passion for baseball remains unwavering,” Kluber said. “I eagerly anticipate exploring opportunities to continue contributing to the sport in a different capacity. To all who have been involved with my baseball odyssey, thank you for crafting an indelible and unforgettable ride.”

The club announced its full player development staff and minor league coaches for the upcoming season Thursday. Andy Green will lead the player development efforts this season, transitioning from an on-field role to a front-office role for the first time. The former San Diego Padres manager and Chicago Cubs bench coach had always envisioned himself working in a front office and an interview for the managerial job that went to Carlos Mendoza turned into that opportunity.

Green has several holdovers on staff, including much of his front office staff and the managers of minor league affiliates. It’s a mix of familiar and new for the Mets as they continue to make changes to their player development system in order to meet their goal of becoming a “sustainable” contender.

Dick Scott will return as the manager of Triple-A Syracuse. Scott has been with the Mets for 11 seasons in several different roles, including player development, coaching development and as a bench coach for Terry Collins. Hitting coach Collin Hetlzer and bench J.P. Arencibia also returns to the Syracuse staff, with Grayson Crawford joining them as pitching coach. Crawford previously coached for the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate in Somerset, as well as coached Division I baseball.

Much of the Double-A Binghamton staff will return after guiding the team to the Eastern League Championship series last season. Manager Reid Bringac will be in the dugout for the third straight season and he’ll be joined by the same pitching, hitting and bench coaches, AJ Sager, Darin Everson and Mariano Duncan. Juan Loya replaces Jeremy Cologna as the Rumble Ponies’ development coach.

Gilbert Gomez has been promoted from the Low-A St. manager to the High-A Brooklyn manager. His bench coach in Port St. Lucie, Yucarybert De La Cruz, will replace him in the Low-A dugout.

Andrew Christie, Max Vogel-Freedman and Eric Jagers all received promotions. Christie is now the director of player development, Vogel-Freedman is the manager of player development and Jagers is the vice president of pitching. They will report to Green.

The backstop has agreed to a one-year deal with the Brewers, according to multiple reports. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman added that the contract is for $7 million and comes with an option for 2025.

It’s a good get for Sánchez, who bounced between the Giants and Mets last season before settling down in San Diego. Although the 31-year-old only hit .218 with a sub-.300 on-base percentage for the Padres, he added 19 home runs and 46 RBI over 72 games. Sánchez, whose receiving has been criticized since his days in pinstripes, also caught Blake Snell a team-high 18 times.

Snell, a free agent, is coming off the second Cy Young campaign of his career.

“Gary was very comforting behind the plate,” the southpaw said after he and Yankees ace Gerrit Cole won the award. “He always told me how hard I am to hit, especially when I command the zone.”

Sánchez had seven defensive runs saved last year, a personal best. His blocking, framing and pop time also improved before a broken wrist ended his season in September.

Sánchez will join a Brewers catching core that also includes William Contreras. The 26-year-old just won his first Silver Slugger after slashing .289/.367/.457 with 17 homers and 78 RBI over a career-high 141 games.

Milwaukee could also use Sánchez as a designated hitter.

A Silver Slugger himself in 2017, Sánchez debuted for the Yankees over two games in 2015 before enjoying a meteoric stretch in 2016. He crushed 20 homers in just 53 games that season, earning himself a second-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting.

Sánchez hit .278 with another 33 homers in 2017, his first full season, as he earned his first All-Star nod. Another came in 2019 after a dreadful 2018, but Sánchez hit just .187 from 2020-2021 while his defense remained a detriment.

The Yankees traded him and Gio Urshela to the Twins for Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt prior to the 2022 season. That was Sánchez’s only year in Minnesota.

“He’s like, ‘Hey, is this for real? Is this really happening?’” Trevino recalled last weekend at Pinstripe Pride, an autograph signing event at New Jersey’s American Dream mall. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, dude, I might need a translator. You can come with me.’ So that’s an exciting thing for Mexico, for the Yankees. I think it’s gonna be awesome.”

For those that missed the news, the Yankees will play two exhibition games against the Diablos Rojos del México at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium in Mexico City on March 24 and 25. Those contests — along with previously scheduled spring training games in Florida on the same days — will close out the Yankees’ exhibition schedule before they open their season in Houston on March 28.

The Yankees and Diablos Rojos own the most championships in their respective leagues. The Bombers have won 27 World Series, while the Diablos Rojos have won 16 titles in the Mexican Baseball League.

It’s too soon to know which Yankees players will make the trip to Mexico City. However, Trevino is one of a few Yankees with Mexican roots. The group also includes Alex Verdugo and Victor González.

“That’s gonna be sweet, man,” Trevino said. “I mean, that’s gonna be something I would definitely love to attend.”

A native and resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, Trevino grew up on the Gulf of Mexico and near the Mexican-United States border. While Trevino said he hasn’t visited Mexico much, he knows the country loves baseball and will welcome the Yankees with open arms.

“I know the baseball culture down there is unbelievable,” Trevino said. “It’s gonna be crazy.”

The Yankees have not played in Mexico City since 1968. Back then, a squad led by Mickey Mantle visited for two exhibition games, which were also played against the Diablos Rojos. The two clubs split the series.

The club came to terms with veteran left-hander Jake Diekman on a one-year contract with a club option for 2025 on Tuesday afternoon. The Mets designated right-hander Austin Adams for assignment to clear space off the 40-man roster. They will have to make another transaction to be able to announce the signing of right-handed reliever Shintaro Fujinami.

“Jake has a proven track record and has shown the ability to get batters out from both sides of the plate,” said president of baseball operations David Stearns in a statement. “He gives our bullpen another option to provide key outs. In addition to his work on the field, he has shown an admirable commitment to impacting others away from the ballpark through his Gut It Out Foundation.”

Diekman and his wife, Amanda, created the Gut It Out Foundation to help connect those who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases and provide them with resources. Diekman, 37, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as a child.

A Nebraska native who was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 30th round of the 2007 draft, Diekman spent the 2023 season primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays where he posted a 2.18 ERA in 50 appearances, striking out 53 (10.5 strikeouts per nine innings).

He joins Brooks Raley as the only other left-hander in the bullpen. Raley is often saved for high-leverage situations, which left the Mets without any weapons to counter left-handed hitters in the middle innings. In 12 seasons, Diekman has held left-handed hitters to a .233 average.

Diekman’s deal is worth $4 million and Fujinami will be paid $3.5 million, which brings the Mets’ projected payroll total to over $285 million for 2024. The Mets were already well past the luxury tax threshold of $237 million and will once again pay over $300 million once the tax bill is included. The Mets paid $101 million in luxury tax penalties last season, according to the Associated Press.

The recently fired skipper shared some insight on how the Mets handled resting their players and the analytical data shared with him late in games during an appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast.

“I love when those guys come in about their load management,” Showalter said Tuesday.

“We had a guy that hit a triple and two doubles and they came in and said he probably needs a day off cause he ran too much around the bases. So what do you want me to tell him, don’t get any hits, so you can play the next day? I didn’t quite understand that one. I said, ‘Ok, you go out there and tell Brandon Nimmo that he’s not playing today because he did too well last night.’”

Showalter, 67, is known to be an old-school type of manager. Load management and analytics for lifelong baseball people can sometimes fall on deaf ears, as he somewhat suggested on Tuesday.

“They present a lot of things to you but sometimes it’s a lot different in the dugout in the eighth and ninth inning when you know what’s going on mentally with a guy, emotionally with a guy,” Showalter said. “You know things that are going on on and off the field. There’s so many factors that figure into it. So the best guys that I’ve dealt with are receptive to the other part of it — they bring something I can’t bring, but the coaching staff brings something that they can’t bring just from your experiences.

“The best organizations — like Texas, you saw a great example. Their general manager [Chris Young] went to an Ivy League school but he played the game. And their manager [Bruce Bochy], there’s a great relationship there. The guys that mesh and have respect for what each one brings and don’t make any of those people feel uncomfortable in the locker room.”

Showalter was relieved of his duties as new president of baseball operations David Stearns was hired and attempted to bring a sense of freshness to a team that finished 75-87. Former Yankee bench coach Carlos Mendoza was hired as his replacement.

However, Showalter felt as if the Mets may have been postseason-bound had the club not sold off their best assets at the trade deadline.

“I still think if we stayed the course we would have slipped in [the] Wild Card. I’m always going to think that,” Showalter recalled. “They walked in and someone was saying bye to me and I looked up and said, ‘what’s going on?’’ Tommy Pham got traded. That’s the first time I knew we were abandoning ship, sorta speak. I had Max Scherzer in there that day because he was trying to make up his mind.”

While neither are shoo-ins to debut this season — the 22-year-olds haven’t played above Double-A yet — Jones is the Yankees’ No. 1 farmhand, according to MLB.com. Hampton is their top pitching prospect. The two are among 26 non-roster players receiving invites to big league camp.

The Yankees have invited 26 non-roster players to 2024 Major League Spring Training: pic.twitter.com/6GQOJtkYQZ

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 6, 2024

The 2023 season was Jones’ first full campaign as a pro after the Yankees used a first-round pick on the towering Vanderbilt product in 2022. A lefty-swinging center fielder with Aaron Judge’s height, Jones spent most of the year at High-A Hudson Valley while also getting 17 games in at Double-A Somerset.

Overall, Jones slashed .267/.336/.444 with 16 home runs, 66 RBI, 43 stolen bases, 49 walks and 155 strikeouts over 117 games.

“Organizationally, we’re really excited about his future,” Aaron Boone said last August. “It’s been a good first full year for him. And now, hopefully, as he climbs, he can finish off his season strong, but it’s been a successful year for him.”

Hampton spent his first pro season in the same places that Jones did. The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Texas Tech had a 4.98 ERA over 11 starts for Somerset and a 2.68 ERA over nine starts for Hudson Valley. He totaled a 3.63 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 20 starts and 106.2 innings.

While he still needs some experience, pitching coach Matt Blake has mentioned Hampton as one of the Yankees’ depth options for the rotation.

“I don’t know if it will be this year,” Blake recently told the Daily News, “but he’s obviously on the radar.”

As for other top prospects, the NRI group also includes right-hander Will Warren and power-hitting catcher Ben Rice. Blake suggested that Warren, 24, will debut this season after recording a 3.35 ERA over 129 innings last year, most of which came at Triple-A.

“I would think he’s definitely in the mix at some point this year,” Blake told The News. “Obviously, if health stays perfect for us, he may be the odd man out, but just with the way 162 games shake out, I’m sure his name will be called at some point.”

The Yankees have a few catchers on their 40-man roster, including Austin Wells, but the 24-year-old Rice hit .324 with 20 dingers across three levels last year. He’s yet to play at Triple-A, too.

While top prospects typically get the most attention when NRIs are announced, the Yankees’ group also includes some more experienced players vying for a big league job. That’s especially true of the relievers on the list, as names like Yerry de los Santos, Nick Burdi, Duane Underwood Jr. and Dennis Santana will try to show that they belong.

“That’s one that stands out from the initial get-go,” Blake said of de los Santos. “That’s a guy we’ve liked over the years. He fits the mold of guys that have had success coming over.”

Blake added that all of those pitchers “have a chance of impacting us at some point this year.”

The Yankees also have some experienced position players coming to camp, including Greg Allen, Jeter Downs, Luis González, Oscar González and Luis Torrens.

You can see the entire list of NRIs below:

RHP Nick Burdi, RHP Yerry de los Santos, C J.C. Escarra, OF Luis González, LHP Oddanier Mosqueda, INF/OF Jose Rojas, RHP Dennis Santana, INF Kevin Smith, C Luis Torrens, RHP Duane Underwood Jr., INF Josh VanMeter, OF Greg Allen, LHP Anthony Misiewicz, LHP Tanner Tully, C Josh Breaux, INF Jeter Downs, INF Caleb Durbin, OF Oscar González, RHP Chase Hampton, OF Spencer Jones, OF Brandon Lockridge, C Ben Rice, INF T.J. Rumfield, RHP Will Warren, RHP Joey Gerber and RHP Art Warren.

But a right wrist injury hampered the catcher’s production between spring training and July 17, Trevino’s final game of the 2023 campaign. The 31-year-old only appeared in 55 contests before undergoing season-ending surgery on his triangular fibrocartilage complex ligament.

Over the weekend, Trevino said that his recovery has gone well. Asked if he will have any restrictions in spring training, the backstop made like a pitcher and shook off the question before adding that he’s “ready to go.”

“I’m itching,” to play Trevino continued at Pinstripe Pride, an autograph signing at New Jersey’s American Dream mall. “I’m itching.”

During the Winter Meetings, Aaron Boone mentioned that Trevino had been doing well this offseason. The manager also said that he’s eager to get him back behind the plate.

“The loss of him last year was enormous for us,” Boone said. “I don’t want to understate how important I think Jose is to our team and to our clubhouse — what a force he is in our room — and we missed that.”

The Yankees’ catching configuration has undergone significant changes since Trevino last appeared in a game.

Kyle Higashioka, traded to the Padres in the Juan Soto deal, is gone. Ben Rortvedt assumed Trevino’s responsibilities as Gerrit Cole’s de facto personal catcher, helping the ace close out a Cy Young season. Carlos Narvaez and Agustin Ramirez, two players without major league experience, have been placed on the 40-man roster. Ben Rice, another youngster, has emerged on the farm, and the Yankees have also inked some depth to minor league deals.

And then there is the catcher who could share the most playing time with Trevino this season: Austin Wells.

A top prospect, Wells earned a promotion at the end of last season as the Yankees turned their attention toward the future. Considered a bat-first prospect and poor receiver, the 2020 first-round pick impressed behind the plate before making strides at it after a slow start. While Wells only hit .229 over 19 games, the lefty-swinger batted .355 with four home runs and nine RBI over his last eight appearances.

All the while, he endeared himself to Yankees pitchers with his game-calling and planning.

“My biggest takeaway is that I’d say it’s the same game really no matter the level,” Wells, speaking at the autograph event, said of his intro to the majors. “So just getting adjusted to the extra-curricular stuff, more fans, bigger stadiums. I think that was great for me to be able to do that in September so I can hit the ground running this year.”

Boone repeatedly offered rave reviews of Wells, stating that he “probably surpassed our expectations” on defense. At the very end of the season, the skipper said that Wells will “very much” be in the mix to win the starting job this spring.

With that said, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Wells and Trevino split playing time somewhat evenly this year, assuming both stay healthy. Trevino is still the superior defender, a valued veteran, and will surely return to being Cole’s default batterymate. Wells, meanwhile, offers pop from the left side, giving Boone some lineup flexibility.

Rortvedt could also factor in, but he is a light hitter who is out of minor league options. His name has come up in trade rumors this offseason, and he could be dealt by the time rosters start to crunch at the end of camp. For now, he’s a good Cole insurance policy in case Trevino suffers a setback.

Wells did not catch Cole last season.

An early arrival to Tampa, Wells said he has not been told what to expect as far as his role or playing time goes. This winter, he has focused on improving his swing decisions and learning the Yankees’ new pitchers.

“He’s done a phenomenal job in preparation for this year,” Trevino said. “Just watching what he’s been doing in the offseason, calling back and forth, seeing what his thoughts are, he’s done a good job. He’s gonna continue to do that.”

Wells believes 2024 will be a “great year for the pitching staff.” He’s not the first Yankee to express confidence in the team’s arms, but the rotation has a few concerns. Three-fifths of the group — Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes and newcomer Marcus Stroman — missed notable time with injuries last year. Rodón and Cortes pitched poorly when they were on the mound.

The Yankees’ aspirations are largely dependent on those two rebounding. Stroman, meanwhile, was the club’s most notable pitching acquisition after missing out on starters at the top of the market.

Trevino has already started to do his homework on Stroman, a sinkerballer who adds some variety to the rotation. That prep included conversations with players who have caught the righty in the past.

“They’ve given me some good information,” Trevino said, declining to name names. “But watching his film and seeing what he likes to do, I think it’s gonna be a good little combo. I’m excited.”

Wells also noted that it’s “amazing” to add a star like Soto. While the rookie mentioned that it “sucks” to see some of his friends traded — pitchers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito and Randy Vásquez also went to San Diego, while Greg Weissert and Richard Fitts were traded for Alex Verdugo — he and Trevino are excited about the moves the Yankees made.

“We’re gonna be a good team this year,” Trevino insisted. “Bringing in talent like that, bringing in some gamers, man, guys that love to play the game. Guys that play the game hard-nosed, it’s gonna be good.”

Added Wells: “We’re just trying to build for success this year and hopefully win a World Series.”

A year ago, the lineup and the rotation were more or less locked in before camp even opened. The Mets returned much of the same lineup from their 2022 Wild Card team and had replaced departing starters with high-end veteran talent. This spring, however, things are far from settled.

A new president of baseball operations (David Stearns) and a new manager (Carlos Mendoza) will oversee a team with elite veteran talent and plenty of emerging question marks as well. The Mets opted not to get a big bat this winter, instead choosing to prioritize at-bats for young players like Mark Vientos and Brett Baty. The Mets fortified the pitching staff but also have some back-end pitchers who will push for starting spots and relief roles.

Here’s a look at where the Mets stand as they head into spring training and some anticipated position battles.

INFIELD

Without Ronny Mauricio, Baty and Vientos will compete for the starting job. Utility infielder Joey Wendle will be an insurance policy of sorts.

Baty struggled at times last year and at others, the 24-year-old showed flashes of power. Vientos brought three gloves to spring training last season and he may do the same this year, though he’s not expected to be a part of the outfield conversation. He’s expected to be utilized heavily as a DH, but he’ll get a shot to win that job.

Wendle was signed to a one-year contract in late November. His bat hasn’t been the same since his All-Star season in 2021, but he’s a capable defender at several spots. Look for Wendle to play at second when Jeff McNeil starts in the outfield.

OUTFIELD

The biggest question here is whether or not Brandon Nimmo will move to left field full-time to accommodate Harrison Bader in center field. Bader is an elite defender and Stearns has made it clear that run prevention is a key emphasis, but the answer as to whether or not Nimmo will move permanently is still somewhat unclear.

Maybe. Probably. It’s likely.

Bader will make $10.5 million next year, which isn’t fourth-outfielder money. Nimmo told Stearns that he’s open to doing whatever the club feels is best. Last month, Stearns said the team plans to wait until after spring training to evaluate all options. Bader has been somewhat injury-prone throughout his career, but then again, so has Nimmo.

Tyrone Taylor, who was acquired in the trade with the Brewers for right-handed starter Adrian Houser, can play all three outfield positions and limit runs. In 331 games, Taylor has never made an error, and while errors might not be a defining metric, it’s still an impressive number. His +2 OAA indicates range and he has a plus-arm. He has some pop in his bat as well.

All of this is to say that Taylor is there if Starling Marte can’t return to old form. He’s finally healthy after dealing with groin injuries last season, which should bode well for the Mets moving forward.

CATCHER

It’s not much of a competition behind the plate. Francisco Alvarez is coming off a banner rookie season highlighted by 25 home runs and rave reviews from pitchers. Omar Narvaez is No. 2 on the depth chart. Stearns, who traded for Narvaez in 2019 as the head of baseball ops with the Milwaukee Brewers, has said that the catcher is eager to play and will

STARTING ROTATION

Tylor Megill has faced competition for a starting role in each of the last two years and yet ended up starting the home opener in 2022 and 2023. Once again, he’ll have to compete with a veteran group for a spot. Kodai Senga, Luis Severino, Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea and Houser are penciled in to go 1-5, so that means Megill, Jose Butto and Joey Lucchesi (left) will compete for a potential sixth spot in the rotation.

Once again, the Mets plan to use a six-man rotation periodically next year, depending on the schedule. Lucchesi, Megill and Butto all have minor-league options left, so they’ll all receive starts at some point. For now, they’ll compete with a more established group in camp.

BULLPEN

Outside of Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley, the bullpen competition is relatively open. Right-hander Drew Smith can be penciled in once again and should the Mets complete the deal with Jake Diekman, he’ll give the Mets another left-handed option outside of Raley. Shintaro Fujinami is a wild card given his up-and-down rookie season. Michael Tonkin, Jorge Lopez, Yohan Ramirez, Sean Reid-Foley, Grant Hartwig and left-hander Josh Walker are all in the mix for the remaining spots.