This offseason, New York Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen has improved the roster significantly. As a result, some returning players have had their roles changed for better or worse.

Pitchers and catchers are just eight days away from reporting to Port St. Lucie, and Spring Training games begin shortly after. With that in mind, here are three position players to keep an eye on in big league camp this season.

UTL Jeff McNeil

McNeil is coming off a phenomenal breakout 2018 season at both the minor and major league level. Upon receiving the call to Queens, his contact first approach at the plate provided the Mets offense with a much needed spark.

Over 63 games, he hit .329/.381/.471 with eleven doubles, six triples, three home runs, and 19 RBI. McNeil also scored 35 runs, and posted stellar a 137 wRC+ and 2.7 WAR.

Despite the strong showing, the Mets went out and added infielders Robinson Cano and Jed Lowrie. As a result, Mickey Callaway and the Mets are going to be working McNeil out as an outfielder throughout camp.

If the kid can develop into a solid corner outfield, and produce the same results at the plate, he will almost certainly force his way into the Opening day lineup. His progress as an outfielder is certainly something Mets fans should keep an eye on throughout camp.

1B/3B Todd Frazier

The 2018 season was one to forget for Frazier. Over 115 games, he hit just 18 doubles and 18 home runs while posting a career low .693 OPS. He also missed significant time due to multiple injuries for the first time in his career.

Despite the Mets added infield depth, Frazier still has a role on the 2019 club. He provides solid depth behind Jed Lowrie at third. He also serves as a nice insurance policy just in case rookie first baseman Peter Alonso struggles upon the call to the big leagues.

A bounce back season from the power bat of Frazier could go a long way for this Mets offense. Though he has shown some obvious signs of decline, he did hit 27 homers just two years ago. If he can regain his form, he can add length to the middle of the Mets order. A solid showing in camp could go a long way towards sparking that bounce back performance for the 33-year old.

CF Juan Lagares

Last season Lagares came into camp “in the best shape of his life.” He added more muscle, and after working with a swing coach was showing a different approach at the plate. He started the 2018 season strong, through 30 games he was hitting .339/.375/.390 with a 118 OPS+ and a 1.0 WAR.

However as has been the case often times in his career, the injury bug bit Lagares in early-May. While attempting to catch a fly ball in center, Lagares suffered a torn plantar plate in his toe. He was forced to undergo surgery, and as a result Lagares missed the remainder of the 2018 season.

The biggest thing for Lagares this camp is obviously to stay healthy. With the acquisition of Keon Broxton and McNeil’s move to the outfield he will have some competition for the final spot in the outfield. A healthy and producing Lagares could go a long way for the Mets in 2019.