PLAYING THE FIELD
1B
Pete Alonso started slowly last season then got on track, but never found the consistency he wanted. Overall, it was hardly a dreadful season for him: He slashed .231/.326/.490 with 16 homers and 35 RBIs in 57 games. But the bar was set high after he established an MLB rookie record in 2019 with 53 homers. This spring, Alonso — reunited with hitting coach Chili Davis, who worked remotely last season because of health concerns during the pandemic — has appeared more locked in at the plate and avoided chasing pitches.
2B
Jeff McNeil will get to play his best position because Robinson Cano failed a PED test for the second time in his career and will be suspended for the entire season. Last year, with Cano at second, McNeil began as the third baseman. Then he shifted to left field because of defensive struggles. At the plate McNeil was solid, posting a .311/.383/.454 slash line with four homers and 23 RBIs.
SS
In the first big splash of the Cohen era, the Mets traded for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco, sending Andres Gimenez, Amed Rosario, Isaiah Greene and Josh Wolf to the Indians. The 27-year-old Lindor is probably the Mets’ finest all-around talent since Carlos Beltran, before the All-Star center fielder’s injuries. Lindor brings power and a slick glove to the position. The Mets traded for him knowing it would likely take at least a $300 million offer to extend his contract. Lindor, who turned down $200 million from the Indians, has said he won’t negotiate beyond Opening Day.
3B
J.D. Davis began last season as the left fielder then switched places with McNeil. Ideally, Davis is a DH, but that role wouldn’t be an option for him even if it were implemented again in the NL — the Mets have Dominic Smith and Alonso to share that spot and first base. Davis had a drop-off at the plate last season after a breakout 2019, but still brings plenty of power to the position.
LF
Dominic Smith emerged as a force in the Mets’ lineup last season, when he slashed .316/.377/.616 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs in 50 games. The Mets, preparing for a season in which he may have to play left field on a nearly full-time basis, have been cautious with him in camp, trying to ensure he will stay healthy. If Smith’s left-handed bat is for real, the Mets can probably live with his defense in left. Among Smith’s impressive statistics was his 86th percentile ranking, according to Statcast, in barreled balls. The defensive metrics were less impressive: Smith was minus-four Outs Above Average as a first baseman and minus-two in left field.
CF
The Mets pursued George Springer in the offseason, but weren’t willing to top Toronto’s offer of $150 million over six years for the All-Star outfielder. Jackie Bradley Jr. — the top defensive center fielder on the market — was also considered, but with the DH in limbo, he didn’t fit. It leaves Brandon Nimmo as the primary center fielder, with Kevin Pillar and Albert Almora Jr. as capable backup options. Nimmo remains the ideal leadoff hitter, after last season reaching base in 40.4 percent of his plate appearances. He was minus-five in Outs Above Average last season as a center fielder, which ranked near the bottom in MLB.
RF
Michael Conforto had his best season, leading to the clamor for the Mets to extend his contract this spring, ensuring he won’t hit free agency. If Conforto has a season that approaches last year’s heights, he could receive a long-term deal on the open market that surpasses $200 million. Last season Conforto slashed .322/.412/.515 with nine homers and 31 RBIs in 54 games. Conforto’s career year corresponded with vastly improved numbers against off-speed and breaking pitches. He also showed more selectivity in the strike zone and most notably pulled the ball only 27.6 percent of the time. That’s down from two straight seasons in which he pulled the ball at least
40 percent of the time.
C
Not wanting to wait for the top free agent on the market, J.T. Realmuto, team president Sandy Alderson moved swiftly in signing James McCann to a four-year contract worth $40.6 million. The veteran McCann improved greatly behind the plate in his two seasons with the White Sox and brings a solid right-handed bat to the lineup. McCann was a needed upgrade after two seasons in which Wilson Ramos frustrated team officials with his lack of mobility behind the plate and inability to mesh with members of the pitching staff. Tomas Nido is a respected backup presence behind the plate, but the Mets are still trying to figure out if he can bring anything offensively.
SP
The rotation has an elite ace in Jacob deGrom, whose velocity continues to increase with age. He will start the year as the favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award, and would anybody be surprised if he had his best season, fueled by the disappointment of finishing third in 2020 and the drive for another contract? Behind deGrom it gets dicey, especially with Carlos Carrasco likely out until at least May with a torn right hamstring and Noah Syndergaard facing a possible June return from Tommy John surgery rehab. Marcus Stroman has shown he can be a dependable middle of the rotation starter, but he’s returning from a missed season after opting out. Taijuan Walker, in his return from Tommy John surgery, had a solid year with the Mariners and Blue Jays, but the Mets will be watching his innings. David Peterson, Joey Lucchesi and Jordan Yamamoto are young pitchers with potential, but it’s hard to count on any of them. Still to be determined is whether Seth Lugo will slot into the rotation or bullpen once he returns from surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow.
RP
Trevor May’s arrival on a two-year contract was a significant addition to a bullpen that lacks significant depth. Edwin Diaz’s strong spring has reaffirmed the belief within the organization the Mets are set at closer, but with Lugo on the IL to start the season there are more questions than answers in the setup role. Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances are battle-tested, but there are concerns about both. Aaron Loup brings an experienced lefty arm and Miguel Castro has looked good in spring training, but it’s anybody’s guess whether names such as Jacob Barnes, Robert Gsellman and Arodys Vizcaino can be part of the solution.
BN
Alderson put an emphasis on improving team depth this offseason. Pillar, Almora and Jonathan Villar should provide dependability, and Luis Guillorme has become a valued infielder and left-handed bat off the bench.