The Mets’ infield has everything: Star-power as well as power-hitting, and could be one of the top defensive infields in baseball… But that’s only if they can stay healthy. Here’s a look at who could start on opening day.
Catcher: Travis d’Arnaud
Age on opening day: 28
2016 state line: .247, 15 RBIs, four home runs, 19 walks, 50 strikeouts in 251 at-bats
Next in line: Kevin Plawecki, Rene Rivera
Former power-hitting Baltimore backstop Matt Wieters was available but the Mets passed. Instead, they chose to stick with the injury-prone d’Arnaud. He battled shoulder injuries that limited him to 75 games last season, which could be a reason why he threw out only 22 percent of runners. But d’Arnaud spent his offseason in Arizona and California working with Mets catching guru Glenn Sherlock and hitting coach Matt Long in order to refine his throwing mechanics and shorten his swing and already in Port St. Lucie looking ahead to what he hopes is a bounce-back season.
First Base: Lucas Duda
Age on opening day: 31
2016 stat line: .229, 23 RBIs, seven home runs, 15 walks, 36 strikeouts in 153 at-bats
Next in line: Wilmer Flores, Michael Conforto, Dominic Smith
Another player limited with injuries last season, Duda has shown prolific pop in his bat when healthy, but he’s also known for being a streaky hitter had career-low numbers across the board and at 31 is known for being a streaky hitter. On of the of their top prospects in Smith is knocking on the door. But Duda is a strong defender and for now, there’s no reason to think that he wouldn’t easily win the job.
How healthy is the rotation?
Second Base: Neil Walker
Age on opening day: 31
2016 stat line: .282, 55 RBIs, 23 home runs, 42 walks, 84 strikeouts in 412 at-bats
Next in line: Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores
Other than a season-ending back injury in September, Walker didn’t disappoint in his first season in Queens. He accepted a qualifying offer from the team for $17.2 million for one year, solidifying an already deep infield. A switch-hitter and clubhouse leader, Walker provides steady offensive production and dynamic defense up the middle.
Third Base: David Wright
Age on opening day: 34
2016 stat line: .226, 14 RBIs, seven home runs, 26 walks, 55 strikeouts in 137 at-bats
Next in line: Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores
It’s been a few years since we’ve seen a fully healthy Wright, as he’s struggled with back and neck issues. The longtime Mets captain’s importance can’t necessarily be measured in home runs and RBIs. But on the field, he’s still an exceptionally productive table-setter when healthy, who hasn’t yet lost a step on defense. His window is closing fast and this might be the season the Mets need him the most.
Shortstop: Asdrubal Cabrera
Age on opening day: 31
2016 stat line: .280, 62 RBIs, 23 home runs, 38 walks, 103 strikeouts in 521 at-bats
Who’s behind him: Jose Reyes, Gavin Cecchini, Amed Rosario
Scouts have pegged Cabrera as an average defender in the past, but his .986 fielding percentage in 2016 (fourth in the league) suggests that he’s been steady and consistent.
Cabrera has been a gritty everyday guy, playing through a knee injury last season and earning the respect of his teammates. He’s played in at least 130 games in each of his last six seasons, something not everyone in this list can currently say.
The Backups: Wilmer Flores, Jose Reyes, Ty Kelly, Gavin Cecchini, T.J. Rivera, Amed Rosario, Dominic Smith
Flores became the first Met since 2008 to go to salary arbitration since 2008, when Oliver Perez won his hearing. A decision on the 25-year-old utility infielder’s case should be made by Sunday. Flores has been key for the Mets in recent seasons, filling in for the injured for Wright and Walker. … Reyes will play an infield/outfield utility role this season, primarily against lefties. Reyes had a slash line of .380/.456/.740 against left-handed pitching last season. …. Rosario (No. 3) and Smith (No. 29) were named to Keith Law’s ESPN Top 100 Prospect list.
Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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