PORT ST. LUCIE — Carlos Mendoza has been able to play Grapefruit League video games for practically every week, desperate to get out on the sector as soon as the Mets’ full squad reported to camp. Lastly, that day has arrived. The Mets will host the Houston Astros at Clover Park on Saturday afternoon. The matchup will function right-hander Clay Holmes on the mound and the crew’s three greatest stars within the lineup, Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Juan Soto, the Mets’ most distinguished offseason acquisition.
Right here’s what Mendoza and the remainder of the Mets employees want to see in Grapefruit League play this spring.
UTILITY INFIELD COMPETITION
Nick Madrigal, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña will compete for a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster as a bench bat and defensive backup. The query is whether or not the three of them are sufficient to insulate themselves ought to one thing occur with Lindor, given their relative inexperience enjoying shortstop on the huge league degree.
Madrigal will see motion at shortstop as he competes for a spot on the Mets’ bench. The 27-year-old Sacramento native is just listed at 5-8 and he doesn’t hit for a lot energy, however the Mets see potential with the gritty infielder. Madrigal hasn’t performed shortstop since he performed collegiately at Oregon State, and even then his expertise there was restricted.
Baty has been taking reps at shortstop throughout spring exercises, however the Mets can have him give attention to second and third within the early days of Grapefruit League video games. The Mets don’t need to overwhelm the 25-year-old, who solely has 27 video games of second base beneath his belt, all with Triple-A Syracuse in 2024. The transfer from second base to shortstop isn’t as tough because the transfer from third base to second, so the Mets can see how Baty has progressed at second earlier than growing his center infield workload.
“I think it was harder for him last year making the transition to get some reps at second base,” Mendoza mentioned. “Different angle, turning double plays, the feet turning double plays to the shortstop — I think there was a lot more going from third to second. The cuts and relays, where to go in certain situations, he was able to do it. So as far as shortstop goes, he’s got the arm. I think this comes down to, can he get to the ball? Does he have the range and all that?
“We think he’s capable of it.”
SITUATIONAL DEFENSE AND BASERUNNING
The Mets have spent the previous couple of days of spring coaching engaged on baserunning drills, even rolling a TV got down to the primary base aspect to point out jumps, first steps and operating lanes.
With crew protection, Mendoza likes to give attention to the conditions that occur most frequently throughout video games. The Mets will go over bunt performs and wheel performs and performs that had been typically utilized in video games a decade in the past, however Mendoza is emphasizing fundamentals of a contemporary recreation and desires to see how the crew will react to them in stay video games.
“When we start playing games, those are the best teaching moments,” Mendoza mentioned. “When a situation presents itself, the next day you get the group together in a room and show them the video, talk about the play and open up the floor for feedback.”
BULLPEN HEALTH
A.J. Minter and Dedniel Nuñez are taking it gradual this spring as they work again from accidents that ended their seasons in 2024. Minter, a left-hander who involves New York as a free agent after spending the whole thing of his profession pitching towards the Mets in Atlanta, has been throwing bullpens after summer season hip surgical procedure. Nuñez doesn’t have any actual restrictions after a flexor tendon pressure ended his season in September, however the Mets are being cautious with the right-hander. A rookie at age 28 final season, the Mets assume Nuñez is usually a huge a part of the bullpen if he stays wholesome.
To date, Nuñez has been round 94-95 together with his velocity in bullpens. He threw tougher than that final season however he thinks he may be efficient in that vary if he avoids damage.
“Last year I was touching 97-98 sometimes 99, but I’m comfortable where I am now,” he mentioned by way of a translator. “My focus is to attack the zone. If you’re not, you’re not a good pitcher.”
PROSPECT PIPELINE
Jett Williams will see motion within the infield and middle discipline, Acuña will get reps at third base and Drew Gilbert will get to point out off his bat. The mini Mets can be an enormous draw, however the headline is right-hander Brandon Sproat. The Mets assume they’ve a frontline starter within the making with Sproat, who might be prepared for the massive leagues later this summer season.
Nonetheless, he struggled at Triple-A final season, so the crew can be watching to see what sort of enhancements he revamped the winter and the way comfy he’s going through main league hitters.
