New York Mets: Projecting the Mets positional lineup for 2019
By Nico Doria
Left Field: Michael Conforto
Chances are the Mets pick up Conforto’s arbitration as he is still only 26 years old. Also, with the Cespedes injury taking him into the start of 2019, Conforto is the best left fielder on the roster.
Conforto, a former first round draft pick, has the talent to be a perennial All-Star for the Mets. It wasn’t long ago when he was one just last season.
Conforto, this season, has a .236 batting average with 24 homer runs 64 RBIs and an OPS of .766.
Conforto will get the chance again in 2019 to prove that he is an everyday player. Mickey Callaway has played him against lefties more this season to get him more comfortable.
He is another guy who hopes to carry his second half from this season into 2019.
He has raised his batting average by .050 points and raised his slugging percentage by .142 points.
Hopefully, his second half of 2018 will carry into 2019 and he can prove he is an everyday player and get back to his All-Star caliber self.
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Center Field: Juan Lagares
With Cespedes injured, that will slide Juan Lagares into the opening day lineup unless there are any changes this offseason.
Lagares seemed to have been a forgotten Met.
Known for his glove, Juan Lagares looks to get back to the Mets in 2019 healthy and looking to make an impact.
Back in 2014, he won his only Gold Glove award. Lagares’ career batting average is a decent .260 with a .667 OPS.
He’s a guy that has always been a platoon guy. Mostly playing against lefties.
But with Cespedes injured for the beginning of the season, Lagares will get the first crack unless the Mets pick up another outfielder in the offseason.
Right Field: Brandon Nimmo
The guy always with a smile on his face, Brandon Nimmo enjoyed a breakout 2018 campaign.
Only 25-years old, he has enjoyed a .269 average with an .890 OPS with 24 doubles, eight triples, 16 home runs and 44 RBIs.
Serving in mainly the leadoff role, Nimmo provided a spark at the top with power, speed and always an A+ effort.
Nimmo has the best WAR for Mets position players with a 3.8.
He should be a guy that the Mets look for to take the next step in his ability level in his career.
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The Mets need Nimmo to be the face of the franchise as a hitter and show these young prospects what it takes to succeed at the next level.