It’s a good problem to have: Too many power-hitting outfielders. The Mets have a surplus of outfielders at the moment and given the team’s recent injury history, that may not be a bad thing. But as the season progresses, the Mets may have to make some tough decisions. Here’s a look at who could start in the outfield in the early part of the season.
Left Field: Yoenis Cespedes
Age on opening day: 31
2016 stat line: .280, 86 RBIs, 31 home runs, 51 walks, 108 strikeouts in 479 at-bats
Next in line: Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo
Cespedes opted out of his contract in the offseason, only to sign a four-year $110,000,000 contract in November. After a few years of essentially being a power-hitting rental, Cespedes is now ready to prove his worth. There’s still questions as to whether or not the left fielder will coast now that he has his mega deal, but has intensified his workouts and focused on nutrition. Cespedes is a rare blend of speed, power and skills with a right-handed bat and all five tools.
Center Field: Curtis Granderson
Age on opening day: 36
2016 stat line: .237, 59 RBIs, 30 home runs, 74 walks, 130 strikeouts in 545 at-bats
Next in line: Juan Lagares, Yoenis Cespedes. Jay Bruce
There’s a surplus of outfielders right now but don’t expect anyone to wrest the starting center field job away from Granderson. Age has slowed Granderson down but it hasn’t exactly been a steep decline and he’s still a top defensive center fielder who can hit for power. The Mets offered him in trade packages but nothing materialized. He’s a versatile outfielder who’s high on-base percentage is utilized at the top of the lineup.
Projecting the Mets infield
Right Field: Jay Bruce (platoon)
Age on opening day: 30
2016 stat line: .250, 99 RBIs, 33 home runs, 44 walks, 126 in 539 at-bats
Next in line: Michael Conforto, Curtis Granderson
Owed $13 million in 2017, Bruce, who turns 30 on opening day, was the player general manager Sandy Alderson tried the hardest to move. When he was brought in at the trade deadline last season, there were injuries to starters, rumors that Cespedes would opt out and the Mets’ offense wasn’t producing. But after an All-Star first half, he failed to produce the same numbers with the Mets. In 50 games with the Mets, he hit just .219 with 19 RBIs and had an on-base percentage of .294. He forced Michael Conforto out of the lineup as well, but may have to platoon with him this season should he continue his offensive slide.
Right Field: Michael Conforto (platoon)
Age on opening day: 24
2016 stat line: .220, 42 RBIs, 12 home runs, 36 walks, 89 strikeouts in 304 at-bats
Next in line: Jay Bruce, Curtis Granderson
Conforto was anointed a star his first season in Queens, but his sophomore slump and the trade for Bruce forced him to the bench for much of last season. Should a trade finally materialize, the Mets would likely keep Conforto over Bruce given his age, price and offensive upside. A strong left-handed swing, Conforto has showed the ability to hit to all fields with patience at the plate.
The backups: Brandon Nimmo, Juan Lagares, Jose Reyes
Nimmo has put up gaudy numbers in the minor leagues but could have to start the season in Triple-A due to the outfield overcrowding. … The Mets are rumored to be fielding trade offers for Lagares, who’s defense is more valuable than his offense. … Reyes is being transitioned to the outfield to expand his utility role and will play mostly against lefties.
Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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