New York Mets: Winners and Losers from Opening Week

Loser: Wilmer Flores

With the additions of Todd Frazier and Adrian Gonzalez, Wilmer Flores appears to be the odd-man-out in the Mets’ infield. While making an appearance in all five games, Wilmer only started one game at first base.

In his first eight plate appearances, Flores has just one hit. Meanwhile, Frazier and Gonzalez posted successful first weeks at the plate. Although Wilmer can play any position on the infield, he will have to earn his way into a starting role at the moment. With a lack of production in the first week, it is likely he remains in a role mostly coming off the bench.

To add to Wilmer’s troubles finding a secure spot is the return of Michael Conforto. While Conforto is likely to take over full-time in centerfield, there have been rumors that the team would think about moving Jay Bruce to first base on occasion to open playing time for Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares, who both had productive opening weeks. Although Jay Bruce playing first base would not be a permanent move, it adds another option in the infield that does not include Wilmer Flores.

In the past, Wilmer has played some of his best baseball when he is fighting for playing time. Despite a lack of production in the first week of the season, it is entirely possible for Flores to get in the mix more often moving forward.