In just one season, Juan Lagares went from the Mets’ starting center fielder and 2014 Gold Glove winner to a platoon player who struggled through injuries that may have inhibited his ability to have the same strong arm he had shown once before.
Marc Carig of Newsday spoke with Lagares about his preparation for the upcoming season as well as his role on this team.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen yet,” said Lagares, who dropped 20 pounds while working out with former-Met Jose Reyes this winter. “But like I said, I feel 100 percent and I’m ready to help the team in any way that they need me.”
Earlier this offseason, before the Mets were able to re-sign free agent, Yoenis Cespedes, it was believed that Lagares would get the majority of playing time in center field against lefties, with a platoon player, such as newly signed Alejandro De Aza handling the righties.
On Wednesday, manager Terry Collins told reporters that nothing has changed and that Lagares will start in center field whenever the team is facing a left-handed starter with Cespedes shifting to left field.
Lagares’ elbow injury had an impact on his ability to throw out runners, this after gaining a reputation for having one of the strongest outfield arms in all of baseball.
“Like I said, I feel 100 percent,” said Lagares. “I want to do everything normal. Last year, I really didn’t throw. When the season came, I wasn’t ready to throw.”
The Mets signed Lagares to a contract extension last spring training that will pay him $2.5 million this season, $4.5 million in 2017, $6.5 million in 2018 and $9 million in 2019.
Soon to be 27-years old, Lagares can make the most out of his new role this season and cement his reputation as one of the best defensive center fielders in the game now that he’s healthy again.
