Once the Mets courted and signed veteran infielder Adeiny Hechavarria in February, the chances of Luis Guillorme making the team took a huge hit.
Guillorme, 24, came into camp 12 pounds lighter and has hit all spring. He’s hitting .393/.500/.607 with three doubles, one homer, and four walks compared to three strikeouts in 35 plate appearances.
On Friday, he went 1-for-4 and made a few fine defensive plays while playing shortstop and second base.
The strong spring has not gone unnoticed. Manager Mickey Callaway talked about Guillorme on Friday, “He’s improved, there’s no doubt about it..He can be a valuable piece for us and he’s going to help us win games at some point this year.”
The left-handed hitting Guillorme struggled mightily in his first taste of the big leagues last season, hitting only .209/.284/.239 in 74 plate appearances.
Hechavarria, Guillorme’s main competition if Mets carry defensive-minded bench piece, is hitting .259/.310/.444 in 11 spring games.
