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As the Grapefruit League swings into action, excitement is building among fans and players alike for what promises to be an intriguing spring training for the New York Mets. With manager Carlos Mendoza eager to kick things off, the Mets are gearing up for their opener against the Houston Astros at Clover Park. Beyond the expected familiar faces, the spring games serve as a critical evaluation period for players eyeing a spot on the Opening Day roster. Here, we’ll delve into the key positional battles that you won’t want to miss this spring.
Fifth and Sixth Starter Battle
One of the most compelling storylines this spring will be the competition for the fifth and sixth starter positions. Following the unfortunate injury to right-hander Frankie Montas, who is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, the Mets are looking to fill these crucial roles. With the top four starters secured (barring any unforeseen injuries), the Grapefruit League games will become an audition ground for pitchers like:
- Paul Blackburn (LHP)
- Griffin Canning
- Tylor Megill
- Justin Hagenman
The frontrunners are without a doubt Blackburn and Canning, as their contracts do not allow for easy demotion to the minors. This gives them a unique positional edge. Meanwhile, Megill has shown promise in his last six starts, boasting a 2.32 ERA and a 36-strikeout performance over 31 innings. His recent showcases indicate he has the potential to secure one of the starting roles.
Utility Infielder Showdown
This spring, the Mets are primarily focused on finding a capable backup infielder who can juggle multiple positions. The candidates include:
- Nick Madrigal - 2B/3B/SS
- Brett Baty - 2B/3B
- Luisangel Acuña - SS/2B
- Jared Young - 1B/OF/3B
With every starting position already occupied, the competition for this utility role is fierce. Currently, Madrigal appears to have a slight edge, especially as he begins taking reps at shortstop to ease the workload of Francisco Lindor. Baty, on the other hand, is concentrating on second and third bases but is expected to gradually expand his skill set to include shortstop duties.
Back-End Bullpen Decisions
The final open spot in the Mets' bullpen is another key area to keep an eye on. With most of the positions situated, the remaining battle features three players vying for one position:
- Huascar Brazobán
- Danny Young (LHP)
- Sean Reid-Foley
Among these competitors, Young and Reid-Foley have the upper hand due to their contract stipulations. Reid-Foley, coming off an injury-riddled season, is looking to make a comeback after posting a 1.66 ERA in 23 appearances. His impressive fastball velocity could be a game-changer if he finds his rhythm again. Meanwhile, Young provides the Mets with another left-handed option but faces pressure to demonstrate consistency in his performance.
Conclusion
With the Grapefruit League games set to begin, the New York Mets have plenty of intriguing stories to follow as they prepare for the regular season. Whether it’s the fierce competition for starting slots, the quest for a reliable backup infielder, or the final bullpen decision, Mets fans can expect a thrilling spring training. Keep your eyes peeled for these positional battles as they unfold, showcasing the depth and talent that the Mets organization has been building.
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