Here’s something to consider… Which Mets position player do you expect to make the greatest strides this year compared to their 2015 season?
Matt Fritz – One of the guys I expect to make great strides in 2016 is Michael Conforto. Conforto’s debut last year in the second half of the season for the Mets wasn’t too shabby. The rookie batted .270 with 9 HR and 26 RBI in just 56 games. However, the one thing that he did struggle with was hitting lefties. He batted just .214 against left-handed pitching, although he was limited in the AB’s that he saw against them. I think he will turn into a guy that is just too valuable to take out of the lineup, and will become a better hitter against those lefties. Most believe he will do some platooning with Juan Lagares, but as time goes on, I think he will become a very solid consistent hitter against both righties and lefties, and will get the majority of the playing time.
Brian Greenzang – We just saw the beginning of Michael Conforto last year. Now, with the expectation of spending a full 162 games on the big league roster I look for the left-handed hitter to really show the player he can be. He has such a beautiful, relaxed swing and seems to be a great even-keeled guy. He has the skills to be a force in this league for years to come, and I can truly see him being the face of the franchise among position players in due time.
Michael Mayer – Michael Conforto will have a big year while playing 100 plus games.
Mathew Brownstein – Juan Lagares. He reported to Spring Training in fantastic shape, something Terry Collins noticed and stressed to the media at the opening of camp. Even though he’s relegated to a backup role, he’ll see his fair share of centerfield against left-handed pitching, shifting Cespedes to left. The splits show that Lagares feasts on lefties, having an OPS last year of .771 against southpaws, compared to .599 OPS against righties. His numbers after the All Star break were also encouraging, seeing increases in batting average, OBP, SLG, and OPS. Lagares is going to be used in situations that he has the best chance of succeeding in, which will result in better statistics in 2016.
Gerry Silverman – Juan Lagares appears poised to both rebound and take a step forward.
Martin Kester – I think this is the year Lucas Duda breaks out. At the end of last May, The Dude was hitting .298 with a .934 OPS. That was with minimal protection around him. This year, whether Cespedes is batting before or after him, Duda should see pitches and his numbers should reflect that.
XtreemIcon – I think Lucas Duda. We think of him as a veteran, and he is, but it’s tough to remember that last season was the very first time in his career he didn’t have to fight for a starting gig, and he responded with the highest OPS in his short full-time career and a decent showing against lefties. I think this year he’ll be more comfortable, especially since the lineup is deeper than it’s been in years, and have the best season of his career.
Jacob Resnick – I truly believe Travis d’Arnaud has the potential to become one of the best offensive catchers in baseball. A full, healthy season from d’Arnaud could prove to be dangerous for National League pitchers. Just look at his 162 game average numbers from 2014-2015: 24 HR, 76 RBI, 34 2B.
Tim Donner – If he stays healthy and can tame his wild arm, Travis d’Arnaud should establish himself as one of the premier catchers in baseball.
Tommy Rothman – Travis d’Arnaud. I wanted to pick Lagares, but he won’t get the at-bats if people are healthy. And I like to assume health when making my predictions. If d’Arnaud can stay healthy — and I know that’s not a given — he will be one of the better catchers in the league and his stats will reflect that.
Robert Piersall – Travis d’Arnaud. The catcher is entering his age 27 season, so he is right in his prime. The oft injured d’Arnaud, should he stay healthy, has the best odds to be a breakout player for the Mets this season.
