The New York Mets hope reigning Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey will remain with the team, but if he is dealt the Mets could place Jenrry Mejia in the starting rotation to open the season.

Mejia, 23, will work as a starter during spring training regardless of what happens with Dickey. Mejia appeared in five games for the Mets in 2012, starting three times and recording a 1-2 record with a 5.63 ERA. In winter ball Mejia went 1-2 with a 4.21 ERA in seven starts.

Dickey, the 38-year old knuckleballer, had his best ever season in 2012, going 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA, 1.053 WHIP, and 230 strikeouts while winning the National League Cy Young Award. Despite Dickey's excellence, the Mets finished the season 74-88, finishing fourth in the NL East.

With or without Dickey, the Mets won't open the season with top prospect Zach Wheeler as a starter. If Wheeler spends at least the first three weeks of the season in the minors, the Mets retain his rights for 2019, but if he starts the season on the roster, he will become a free agent after the 2018 season.