Projecting The Mets' Opening Day Lineup: Spring Training Week 1

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on Apr 28, 2025

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Catchers: The Battle for the Starting Role

The battle for the starting catcher position is one of the most intriguing storylines of Mets Spring Training. Tomás Nido and Francisco Álvarez are the main contenders, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. Álvarez, the highly touted prospect, possesses significant power potential, while Nido offers a more seasoned and reliable defensive presence.

• Tomás Nido: Nido's value lies in his defensive prowess and ability to manage the pitching staff. His bat is a work in progress, but his experience gives him an edge.
• Francisco Álvarez: Álvarez's offensive potential is undeniable. He showcased his power in brief MLB appearances last year, and his spring training performance will be crucial in determining his readiness for a full-time role.

Week 1 Performance Summary:

• Nido: 2-for-7, 1 RBI, solid defensive plays behind the plate.
• Álvarez: 3-for-8, 1 HR, showed flashes of power but also some swing-and-miss.

Based on Week 1, the starting role remains up for grabs. While Alvarez's power potential is exciting, Nido's experience and defensive reliability could give him the early edge. However, Álvarez's performance throughout Spring Training will be critical in securing the starting spot.

Infield: A Deep Dive into the Diamond

The Mets infield appears relatively settled, but there are still some interesting battles to watch.

• 1st Base: Pete Alonso is the undisputed starter at first base, and his power hitting will be a cornerstone of the Mets' offense.
• 2nd Base: A potential battle exists between Jeff McNeil and Luis Guillorme. McNeil's offensive upside is higher, while Guillorme provides excellent defense and contact hitting. Platoon scenarios are certainly possible depending on the opposing pitcher.
• Shortstop: Francisco Lindor is a fixture at shortstop, his elite defensive skills and offensive production are integral to the team.
• 3rd Base: Brett Baty and Eduardo Escobar are competing for the starting third base job. Baty's potential is enormous, but Escobar's experience provides a safety net.

Week 1 Performance Highlights:

• Alonso: 4-for-10, 2 HR, showing his usual power.
• McNeil: 5-for-12, high batting average, showcasing his contact hitting.
• Lindor: 6-for-14, with a couple of stolen bases.
• Baty: 3-for-9 with an impressive double.
• Escobar: 1-for-8, struggling in the early going.

The infield situation appears solid, with the potential for a platoon at second base. Baty's performance will dictate how much playing time he sees.

Outfield: Competition for Spots

The outfield situation is fairly clear, but performance will determine playing time.

• Left Field (LF): Starlin Marte is projected to start in left field, bringing speed and experience.
• Center Field (CF): Brandon Nimmo is the likely starter in center field, offering a solid all-around game.
• Right Field (RF): Mark Canha is the favorite to start in right field, providing a veteran presence and power potential.

Week 1 Observations:

• Marte: Showed good speed on the basepaths, but his batting average was slightly below expectations.
• Nimmo: Consistent at the plate, showcasing his high on-base percentage skills.
• Canha: Showed good power, hitting a home run during week 1.

The outfield looks set for Opening Day, barring any significant injuries or unexpected slumps.

The Designated Hitter (DH) Role and Lineup Flexibility

The DH role offers strategic flexibility for manager Buck Showalter. Several players could fill this spot, depending on the need for rest or strategic matchups.

• Daniel Vogelbach: His power potential makes him a strong candidate, particularly against right-handed pitching.
• Other Candidates: Younger players needing more at-bats could also rotate through the DH spot.

The DH will be a key component of the Mets’ lineup flexibility, allowing for strategic lineup adjustments depending on opposing pitching and player performance.

Conclusion

This early projection of the Mets' Opening Day lineup, based on Spring Training Week 1 observations, offers an initial glimpse into the team's potential starting nine. While much can change as the spring progresses, the performances observed during the first week provide valuable insights into potential starters and positional battles. The catcher position is still a major question mark, while the infield and outfield look relatively set. The DH role will provide important lineup flexibility.

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