Early Predictions for the 2018 New York Mets Lineup

Second Base: Asdrubal Cabrera

When the Mets moved Asdrubal Cabrera to second base, it was to see if he could be a fit there for 2018. While he may not like playing the position instead of playing shortstop, Cabrera’s range is still good enough to be a solid defensive second baseman.

While the Mets could entertain moving Cabrera before next season, the lack of free agents on the market at the position and no top second base prospects in the system limit New York’s options. Could the team bring back Neil Walker? It’s possible but there are two reasons why the team should avoid a Walker reunion.

First, his injuries over the past two seasons make it unlikely he can be a reliable everyday option and second, as the top free agent on the market at the position, he will likely get a massive contract.

T.J. Rivera could be an option as an everyday player at second base, however his value of playing multiple positions makes him a terrific bench player and would hurt the team’s depth. Could he develop into the starter for the following season? That’s a strong possibility, but Cabrera is a solid veteran and would be better than any free agent on the market.

For the time being, Cabrera should stay in New York and, at the very least, be the team’s starting second baseman in 2018.