T.J. Rivera – Mets Third Baseman Of The Future?

There are few people left with doubt in their mind that T.J. Rivera can hit at the Major League level.

Just when you think MLB pitchers have got him figured out, he has another multi-hit game. Despite his offensive success, however, his future with the team is clouded due to his lack of a position.

In an effort to find him a position, the Mets are experimenting with him at third base where he hasn’t played extensively in his career.

He is determined, though, and seems to be willing to do anything to stay in the lineup and help the team.

Speaking with Mike Puma of the New York Post, infield coach Dick Scott spoke about Rivera’s progress.

“He knows he doesn’t have to be Nolan Arenado at third base to be a big league player,” Scott said. “He looks at video and he’s out there doing the work and it might take time, but it’s going to happen. I have a lot of confidence in him.”

To date, Rivera has played third base, second base and first base mostly with some brief cameos in left field. His best position is probably second base right now, however the Mets are more in need of a third baseman, hence the experiment.

“Honestly I think [third base] is going to happen for him,” Scott said. “It might take some time. The worst thing we all can do on anything is say, ‘Net spring training we’re really going to get after this.’ Then three wasted months go by.”

So far this season, in 207.0 innings at third base, Rivera has made six errors. His -1.0 UZR is an improvement over his -2.0 mark at third base in 2016, but his -3 DRS leaves a little to be desired. He makes a lot of tough plays, however, and seems to be improving.

Rivera is not any worse than Jose Reyes, Asdrubal Cabrera, or Wilmer Flores defensively. Unlike some poor defensive players on the Mets, he hits enough to make up for his subpar defense. He wants to improve because he realizes that if he becomes a good defensive third baseman, he could man the hot corner for a long time.

“He wants to do all the work,” Scott said. “Every day he is finding me and we come out. That is all we can do.”

After going 1-for-4 with a double in Sunday’s loss, Rivera is hitting .292/.333/.435 with five home runs, 27 RBIs, and 13 doubles in 71 games.