New York Mets: 6 Options To Replace Lucas Duda
If the Mets want to field the best lineup possible with Duda sidelined, having Conforto play first base is the way to go.
Unfortunately, Conforto has zero experience playing first base. He has never appeared in a game at first base, only working out there during his time at Oregon State. With that, he is learning the position from scratch. But, it is something that is already in the works, as ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin reports that he will begin taking grounders at first base right away.
This is probably the Mets’ long-term plan with Duda sidelined, but it will take some time. It is not easy learning a new position on the fly, which he would be doing. But if there is anyone on the Mets roster that would be able to do it, it is Conforto. He is a solid athlete and should be able to pick up on the nuances of first base as he is athletic enough to do it.
Moving Conforto to first base would also enable the Mets to get Juan Lagares in the lineup on a daily basis. Lagares has been relegated to fourth outfield duties this season, but he looks much better this season than last as the elbow injury seems to be behind him. Having those two playing is the Mets’ optimal lineup, and something Collins has said is a goal they want to achieve.
Conforto has not disappointed in his first full season in left field, slashing .284/.358/.553 with eight home runs and 24 RBI. While moving him to first base may distract him a little bit at the plate as he learns a new position, he has lived up to the billing thus far and seems like he would be able to handle everything that comes with it.
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While we are probably a few weeks away from the Mets being comfortable playing him at first base in a game, he undoubtedly gives the Mets their best option at replacing Duda. The lineup could actually be stronger, if not offensively at least defensively, with Conforto at first base and Lagares in the outfield.