New York Mets Lose Jose Siri to Fractured Tibia in Major Injury Blow
A Devastating Setback for the Mets
The New York Mets have received some tough news, as center fielder Jose Siri will be sidelined for a significant amount of time after sustaining a fractured tibia. The injury, which occurred during Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, has left the Mets scrambling to fill the void in the outfield. Following an MRI on Monday, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the severity of the injury, revealing that Siri’s recovery would take longer than initially expected. While the team is still waiting on a more specific recovery timetable, it’s clear that this is a major setback for both Siri and the Mets as they look to stay competitive in the 2025 season.
The Incident and Initial Diagnosis
Siri, 29, was forced to exit Saturday’s game in the second inning after fouling a ball off his left shin just below the knee. Initially diagnosed with a contusion following negative X-rays, the situation took a concerning turn after Siri continued to experience significant pain. Given the severity of the discomfort and his difficulty walking, the Mets wisely opted for further testing, including an MRI and CT scan. The results revealed a fractured tibia, leaving the team with no choice but to place Siri on the injured list.
“I knew something was wrong when I saw the way he was walking,” said Mendoza. “That’s why we sent him for the MRI and CT scan, and unfortunately, the results weren’t what we were hoping for.” Siri, visibly disappointed with the news, remains optimistic about his recovery. “I’m a quick healer, so hopefully something good can come out of it,” he said, expressing hope despite the setback.
Siri’s Struggles and Defensive Value
Since joining the Mets in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays last November, Siri has had a rough start to the 2025 season. Despite a solid defensive reputation and elite speed, his bat has been sluggish. Through his first 10 games with the Mets, Siri posted just a .050 batting average (1-for-20) along with eight strikeouts, four walks, and a pair of stolen bases.
Siri’s value, however, has always been tied more to his defense than his offensive production. A standout in the outfield, he ranked second among center fielders in 2024 with 16 Outs Above Average and was in the 99th percentile for speed, according to Statcast. His elite defense made him a key part of the Mets’ outfield, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
Impact on the Mets’ Outfield
With Siri out of action for the foreseeable future, the Mets will likely turn to Tyrone Taylor as their everyday center fielder. However, Taylor has also struggled early this season, hitting just .158/.179/.211 in 38 at-bats. The Mets do have other experienced outfielders available, such as Brandon Nimmo, who made 22 starts in center field in 2024, and Starling Marte, who has 503 career starts in center but has not played the position since 2022.
Another potential option is Luisangel Acuña, who spent over 250 innings at center field in Triple-A last season but has been focused on infield work since spring training. While these players may fill in temporarily, none of them provide the same combination of speed and defensive acumen as Siri.
What’s Next for the Mets?
As the Mets look for solutions, the team also faces a roster crunch. With no healthy 40-man roster players available for call-up from the minors, the Mets may need to add a player from their outfield options in Triple-A, including José Azócar, Gilberto Celestino, or Billy McKinney. In addition, the Mets are reportedly considering adding a sixth starter to their rotation, which could complicate any immediate moves for additional outfield depth.
For now, the Mets must adjust to life without Siri for the foreseeable future. While the injury is a major blow, the team remains hopeful that their depth and adaptability will help them navigate this difficult stretch. With Siri on the mend, the Mets will need to find a way to stay competitive in a crowded division as they continue to push forward in 2025.
