With news floating around that the Mets may indeed punt again in 2014, and with Matt Harvey sidelined the entire year; maybe it’s time to start looking at what the New York Mets may look like in 2015. I know it’s a depressing thought, and I’m sorry for bringing it up. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with this.
The reason why 2015 will actually make for an interesting season is because a lot of the current Mets prospects that are tearing up the minor leagues should be major league ready.
That would mean that Sandy Alderson, or whoever is the GM at that point, can arguably build a team entirely from Mets prospects. But we don’t have to wait that long, because I am going to build that team for you guys right now. That’s right, let’s mark this day down in history and look back in 2015 to see how close I am to predicting what the Mets team will look like in 2015. Just a reminder, I am building this team entirely from prospects (and existing homegrown Mets players).
The 2015 New York Mets
Catchers: Travis d’Arnaud & Juan Centeno
D’Arnaud has the potential to be an All-Star caliber catcher…but so does Kevin Plawecki if d’Arnaud continues to suffer injuries.
Sleeper Candidate: Plawecki is the sleeper candidate to be the starter by 2016, but as it stands, d’Arnaud will literally have to play himself out of town for that to happen.
First Base: Wilmer Flores
That’s right, Flores will ultimately be moved over to first base. This will allow the team to bring up a more solid defensive second baseman.
Sleeper Candidate: Jayce Boyd has all the makings of a future major leaguer, and he could be a good one.
Second Base: T.J. Rivera
Rivera is an excellent defensive second baseman and I would actually like to see if the team could move him over to shortstop to take advantage of his offensive skill set–but that is not likely to happen. Rivera made great strides adjusting to hitting leadoff this year in St. Lucie, and he should split time between Binghamton and Las Vegas in 2014 setting him up for a 2015 MLB debut.
Sleeper Candidate: Dilson Herrera is only 19, but with his skill set he could be a fast mover through the organization. However, with Rivera and Flores already playing second base, the Mets may take it slow with him.
Shortstop: Wilfredo Tovar
As I’ve said before, shortstop is a position that will always be one where the glove is more important than the bat, and Wilfredo Tovar brings his glove with him to the ballpark every day. Tovar is the best internal option for the Mets at shortstop right now.
Sleeper Candidate: TJ Rivera is my starting second baseman, but he is also my sleeper candidate at shortstop. In an interview back in August when David Conde of MMO asked Rivera which position he was most comfortable playing, he responded that he is comfortable at all three infield spots (2B, 3B, SS).
Third Base: David Wright
Nothing more to add here.
Left Field: Dustin Lawley
Lawley could provide some much needed pop to the lineup and be the future left fielder of the Mets. You won’t find him on any top prospect lists, but he was signed in 2011 and made it to Triple-A within two seasons. He also led all Mets minor leaguers in homeruns and RBI in 2013.
Center Field: Toss-up between Juan Lagares and Matt den Dekker
Lagares flashed enough leather in 2013 to be the centerfielder of the future for the Mets. Offensively, he struggled to adjust to major league pitching. Matt den Dekker also flashes enough leather to be the future centerfielder of the Mets. In fact, if not for a wrist injury during 2013 spring training, den Dekker may have made the team out of spring training. The job will ultimately go to the guy who produces better with the stick. This position battle could get interesting.
Right Field: Cesar Puello
The arrival of Puello in 2013 was marred by a 50 game PED suspension–just a blip on the radar. Puello has legit 20/20 potential and is a five tool player…the Mets aren’t exactly stocked with five tool talent these days.
Starting Rotation:
Bullpen:
Vic Black (Closer)
Starting Lineup
1. Rivera, 2B
2. Puello, RF
3. Wright, 3B
4. D’Arnaud, C
5. Flores, 1B
6. Lawley, LF
7. Lagares/Den Dekker, CF
8. Tovar, SS
Manager: Wally Backman
If we’re building a team from prospects, what better person to have manage the team than a guy that has worked with the majority of them the past few years, and knows what makes them tick?
