Earlier, we talked of the importance of adding Dee Gordon here.
And we talked about the merits of adding Todd Frazier.
Here’s a look at how the line up all comes together, and some of the reasons why his line up should work well for the Mets in 2018.
2B Dee Gordon
3B Todd Frazier
CF Michael Conforto
LF Yoenis Cespedes
RF Jay Bruce
1B Dominic Smith
C Travis d’Arnaud
P Jacob deGrom
SS Ahmed Rosario
Juan Lagares gets traded either in the deal to bring in Dee Gordon or in a separate deal. But shedding his $6 million in 2018 and $9 million in 2019 gives the Mets room to get a true lead off hitter and elite infield defender.
Asdrubel Cabrera’s $6.5 million option is also not picked up. Those 2 moves alone give the Mets the flexible they need.
Bench:
Wilmer Flores becomes the main back up infielder. Maybe he even platoons at 1B with Smith.
Brandon Nimmo becomes the 4th OF. If Conforto can’t start the season, he can move into CF, bats 7th, with Rosario 2nd
Kevin Plawecki splits time with Travis.
4th bench spot to a back up infielder. Jose Reyes, TJ Rivera, Gavin Cecchini, Matt Reynolds.
Reyes might get the nod because he can still back up short. One of the others might get the spot because they can act as a 5th OF if ever needed
Last bench spot is either a 5th OF- might be a veteran off the bench with some pop, or one of those extra young infielders the Mets have.
Or the last bench spot could go to an extra RP. This spot could always fluctuate depending on who the Mets are playing
Dee Gordon gives the Mets speed at the top of the line up
Frazier (and Gordon) provide professional at bats and solid OBP at the start. They also sure up a shaky infield defense from 2017. Frazier is also a patient hitter, who can take pitches and allow Gordon to steal a base.
Conforto , Cespedes and Bruce provide pop in the middle of the line up. With Mets center fielders having one of th lowest number of balls hit in their direction per game, Conforto can handle center.
Smith gets to continue to develop lower in the line up. Could potentially flip him and Frazier.
Batting Rosario 9th is the perfect spot to let him grow. It will also give him a chance to steal some bases, with Gordon batting after him. And if his power develops, it gives the top of the line up chances to drive him in.
Fearless Baseball 