New York Mets: 2018 Season preview, predictions, and more
The Infield
The Mets fulfilled their need to fill out the hot corner by snagging Todd Frazier from the mighty Yankees but the rest of the infield is stock full of characters.
The New York Mets need to come to reality that David Wright is likely to never play baseball again. I appreciate everything he has done and accomplished as a Met but he is done.
They did so, however, find a worthy replacement in Todd Frazier. Frazier can hit bombs and oozes charisma but his most underrated thing his defense. A reliable glove goes a long way in baseball and Todd’s is going to be helpful for a defensively inept team last year.
When I think of the Mets infield heading into 2018 though I think of two people. Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith.
Rosario will have a solid spot as the Mets’ shortstop and Smith will have to come off his injury likely in the minors.
Rosario will have a full season and games that matter to prove himself to be the guy he is supposed to be.
Second base will mostly be consumed by Asdrubal Cabrera but Wilmer Flores (who spent time in the outfield during the Spring) will get plenty of starts there too.
Let us not forget about the almighty Jose Reyes who seems to do it all. He will find reps at both middle infield positions all season long too.
Gonzalez will be the guy to start the season at first. If Flores can emerge as an everyday player who can any pitcher then he can play first.
Jay Bruce is an outfielder at heart but has played first base before. Once the outfield is less depleted he may see some reps at first as well.
The Mets’ best asset in the infield aside from the potential, is the depth. They have multiple players who can play multiple positions.
The offensive production of this group overall may be bleak but it is all about potential. They improved offensively and defensively this offseason, I will give them that.
TJ Rivera is still on the roster but will not be back for a while, he can hit but will have to figure out where he can work his way back onto the diamond in 2018.
Biggest infield strength: Improved where they needed to and depth.
Biggest weakness: Potential fall off from veterans.
Overall infield grade: C+
I’m not going to glorify the Mets fulling needs by making that a sole reason for a better grade. Teams need to at least try to improve every year.
This squad still has a lot to prove and are not the best on paper. There is, however, plenty of room to prove me wrong. Also the injury proneness scares me.
Up next we cover the outfield where I’ll get into the value of those players.