One component of the Mets lineup that appears to be in question at the moment is who the lead-off hitter might be. Mickey Callaway discussed who could possibly take that role on Thursday as detailed by Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The Mets had considered options such as Brandon Nimmo and even Todd Frazier, but Callaway had this to say about Asdrubal Cabrera in that spot:
“He keeps getting hits to start off the game, so that is good. He is definitely going to be considered for [leadoff].”
The Mets have allowed him to hit leadoff a couple of times early in Spring Training, and he has so far delivered as he is 4-10.
The switch-hitter hit 14 homers and drove in 59 RBI while hitting to a .280/.351/.434 clip in 540 plate appearances. He also had a 111 wRC+ and a .338 wOBA.
While many thought Cabrera could hit second in the lineup, Callaway recently hinted that might not be the case, as he hinted that he believes the best hitter in the order should hit in that spot. The person he was referring to was Yoenis Cespedes.
If that is the case, it could make some sense to move Cabrera to the top of the order, especially when his superb .351 OBP is factored in.
The leadoff hitter is expected to get on base and considering the fact they do not have any obvious fits for the spot at the moment, it would be easy for them to just move Cabrera and Cespedes up one spot.
Callaway also shared his beliefs on the importance of the leadoff spot in which he said the following:
“Especially depending on where you are going to hit your other best hitters, I think it’s one of the most valuable spots in the lineup. I think all those top spots in the lineup you have to have your best hitters.”
If the team is planning on stacking there best hitters towards the top, it would make the most sense to have Cabrera at the top instead of reconfiguring the lineup to find a leadoff hitter.
It is not an ideal situation by any means, but it is possibly most workable like this until Michael Conforto returns in May.
