Ed Delany, MMO
As things stand right now, the New York Mets don’t have a bona fide leadoff hitter. Todd Frazier‘s name has been kicked around to slot into the position, though it remains to be seen if that comes to fruition.
On Wednesday, however, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that the Mets plan to use outfielder Juan Lagares as their leadoff hitter frequently throughout Spring Training.
Lagares revamped his swing this offseason and the team wants to ensure he gets the necessary at-bats to utilize it.
“I am trying to hit the ball a little more in the air,” Lagares said earlier this month. “The last couple of years I have hit the ball super hard, but on the ground, so I am just trying to get it a little more in the air.”
Lagares, who is known primarily for his stellar glove, is coming off a season in which he hit just .250./296/.365 with a 77 wRC+ and .287 wOBA over 272 plate appearances. He also had just three dingers and 15 RBI.
“I don’t think about hitting home runs,” he said. “I just want to hit more for average and I know I can do it, that is why I am working hard this offseason. I am trying to prove that I can do it.”
