New York Mets: 2018 Season preview, predictions, and more

The Outfield

The Mets outfielders are going to be key in their offense this season but there are other things that the outfield provides.

Much like the infield, the outfield is also filled with versatile players who can be put at any one of the three positions in the outfield. While keeping Yoenis Cespedes in left and Jay Bruce in right, all the others can essentially be put anywhere.

As Bruce and Cespedes get older, that is beneficial to them so they can get more rest and time to let their bodies rest.

The major piece in the outfield for the Mets is not Michael Conforto. His shoulder injury is brutal and his status for opening day is unlikely. May 1 is the date he is shooting to return and will most likely be the leadoff hitter once he gets back to it.

But. no, the most important thing about the Mets is the health of Yoenis Cespedes. When Cespedes plays a majority of the games (over 130) the Mets’ success is immense.

In 2015, when Cespedes got traded to Queens they rode his 57  games and hot hand all the way to the pennant.

In 2016, Yo was able to play 132 games. The Mets made the playoffs.

In 2017? A bundle of injuries, mostly hampered by a hamstring, limited Yo to just 81 games. They missed the playoffs.

The trend here is obvious. When Cespedes can stay healthy and find his groove the Mets contend. It is that simple. The pitching staff is very similar to those healthy seasons as well.

So, if Yo stays healthy all season then that is one of the biggest pieces to the Mets’ success.

Jay Bruce is back! The slugger signed back on with the Mets after being traded last summer. The Mets needed to solidify their right field and infield depth and did just that.

The slugger will be the Jay Bruce we all know and love in 2018 and he is the one I’m least worried about.

The big factor is Brandon Nimmo. He shows flashes but needs to show more. The lovable outfielder is charismatic and plays with a constant smile on his face but can he be elite?

Nimmo has a real shot to lead off for the Mets on opening day in center field until Conforto comes back.

His ability can go beyond centerfield if circumstances intervene.

The thing holding him back is Juan Lagares. We know what we have in him. His defense is solid but might not be as good a hitter as Nimmo. The temporary center field battle is close and it could be seen as struggle and their out kind of thing for the first month.

The Mets’ outfielders are integral. Staying healthy and productive can carry this team into the “Promise Land.”

Biggest outfield strength: Offensive power, will carry home run load.

Biggest weakness: Injury ridden 2017.

Overall outfield Grade: B

The Mets’ sluggers are right where they belong in the outfield. Keeping Cespedes a few years back and getting Bruce back are going to pay off in 2018. Michael Conforto is the future everyday player for this team.

His injury happened by swinging a bat and it is discouraging. It is hard to give a team that lost 90 games the previous year any type of A in their roster so a solid B for the outfielders is justified.

Up next, we will dive into a few pieces of the new managerial staff.