Here’s a rundown of the key things to look for during Mets’ spring training:
Best position battle
Peter Alonso is expected to receive every opportunity to show he can handle first base on an everyday basis and bring a powerful bat to the lineup. But Todd Frazier will also be looking for playing time in a crowded infield and could begin the season at first base if Alonso isn’t deemed ready.
Most intriguing minor leaguer
Alonso blasted 36 homers last season split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas and possesses as much raw power as anybody the Mets have developed in recent years. The question will be whether he is ready to handle first base on an everyday basis.
Story to watch develop
How quickly will Yoenis Cespedes progress in his rehab and can he return to potentially bolster the Mets’ lineup in the second half. Cespedes is expected to remain sidelined at least through the All-Star break as he rehabs from surgery to remove calcifications from both heels.
Manager’s toughest challenge
How will Mickey Callaway find at-bats for Jeff McNeil? As the Mets are constructed, the infield is full, leaving McNeil, last season’s dynamo over the final two months, to pursue at-bats from a corner outfield position and off the bench.
Most intriguing newcomer
Edwin Diaz was an All-Star closer for the Mariners last season and was the key to the trade that brought Robinson Cano to the Mets. The 24-year-old Diaz led the major leagues with 57 saves last season and allowed just 41 hits in 71¹/₃ innings. The right-hander averaged 15.22 strikeouts per nine innings and struck out 44.3 percent of the batters he faced.
Most notable absence
Wilmer Flores wore the “clutch” label over the past several seasons, mainly for delivering walkoff hits. But the infielder, slowed by knee problems that limited him mainly to first base, was deemed expendable after last season and the Mets non-tendered him. Flores has since signed with the Diamondbacks.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes an issue
Jason Vargas was a disappointment last season after arriving on a two-year contract worth $16 million. If the left-hander is sluggish early in camp, do the Mets have a potential rotation replacement in Walker Lockett, Hector Santiago, Corey Oswalt, Chris Flexen or Kyle Dowdy, among others, or will the front office be compelled to sign another veteran?
Biggest comeback
Juan Lagares was off to a solid start for the Mets last season before his latest freak injury, a torn ligament in the big toe on his left foot necessitated surgery and costing him the final 4 ½ months. Lagares will begin camp as the primary center fielder, with Keon Broxton pushing for playing time behind him.
Could surprise and make the team
Anybody remember Dominic Smith? The former first-round pick missed most of spring training last year with a quadriceps injury then struggled in his limited chances during the season. If Alonso doesn’t crack the 25-man roster to begin the season, maybe Smith gets an opportunity to share first base with Frazier and others.
Depth chart
1B: Peter Alonso, Todd Frazier, Dominic Smith
2B: Robinson Cano, Jeff McNeil, Jed Lowrie
SS: Amed Rosario, Jed Lowrie, Luis Guillorme
3B: Jed Lowrie, Todd Frazier, Jeff McNeil
LF: Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, Dominic Smith
CF: Juan Lagares, Keon Broxton, Brandon Nimmo
RF: Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, J.D Davis
C: Wilson Ramos, Travis d’Arnaud, Devin Mesoraco
SP: Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, Jason Vargas
RP: Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia, Justin Wilson, Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman, Daniel Zamora, Drew Smith, Tyler Bashlor, Jacob Rhame, Paul Sewald, Tim Peterson