No clear leader in race for leadoff

PORT ST. LUCIE— Have a leadoff idea? Send it to Mickey Callaway.

The Mets’ manager admitted Tuesday that among the big questions he has to answer in spring training is who will handle the leadoff spot, especially with Michael Con for to expected to miss at least the first month of the regular season as he rehabs from left shoulder surgery.

“I think we need to spend a lot of time with these guys to evaluate them the right way,” Callaway said. “I think it’s going to depend on the qualities we are looking for. Who is hitting second? Who is hitting third? Is there a position player hitting ninth or is the pitcher?”

Jose Reyes has been a leadoff hitter for most of his career but isn’t expected to hold a starting job if everybody is healthy. Brandon Nimmo had a .379 on-base percentage last season, but Callaway and team brass are leaning toward using Juan Lagares as the primary option in center with Conforto sidelined. Lagares does not profile as a leadoff hitter.

Among the ideas that have been discussed is using Todd Frazier. He had a .344 OBP last season, but doesn’t have much speed.

“Ideas are bouncing around that are going to be more clear as the spring goes along,” Callaway said. “[It’s] probably the most perplexing thing I have thought about so far.”

With the Mets expected to carry only four outf ielders, Wilmer Flores and Reyes will both take reps in the outfield.

In need of Triple-A outf ield depth, the Mets are considering a reunion with Matt den Dekker. The 30-year-old spent last season in the Tigers organization. Den Dekker was traded from the Mets to the Nationals as part of the

Jerry Blevins deal before the 2015 season.