Mets prospect Nick Morabito to wear unexpected uniform number

The New York Mets have not issued number 8 since 2001 in honor of Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter. That is about to change.

Anthony DiComo from MLB.com reported that prospect Nick Morabito will be issued the number for his major league debut. Infielder Desi Reliford was the last Mets player to wear number 8, doing so in 2001.

Carter spent five years with the Mets between 1985 and 1989. A four-time All-Star, he posted a .249/.319/.412 batting line in his 2,448 plate appearances, hitting 89 homers and 73 doubles. Carter won a pair of Silver Slugger awards, finished third in the 1986 NL MVP voting and set the then-record for most putouts by a catcher in their career.

Nick Morabito has large shoes to fill with New York Mets number

Morabito had been ranked as the Mets' 11th-best prospect by MLB.com entering the season. While his speed is his most impressive tool, Morabito has also been lauded for his plate discipline and solid contact. His speed has made him a weapon on the basepaths and in center, allowing him to make up ground as he is still learning the position.

That combination of speed and on-base ability made Morabito an intriguing option at Triple-A. He had posted a .253/.364/.390 batting line in his 175 plate appearances, hitting four homers and six doubles while stealing 14 bases. 

Fellow rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing have given the Mets a boost as they look to shake off a dreadful start to the 2026 season. Morabito will be expected to provide more of the same as he is set to make his major league debut.