New York Mets: Five Bold Predictions For 2016 Spring Training

With pitchers and catchers set to report in just five days, we provide to you five bold predictions for the New York Mets this Spring Training.

By Jeremy Fialkow

We are days away from New York Mets’ pitchers and catchers reporting to Port St. Lucie for spring training. In fact, most of the team is already together, waiting for it all to begin once again.

So, as our unusually short offseason comes to a close, what can we expect from the new and improved Metropolitans?

Here are five bold predictions for the Amazins’ this Spring Training:

1. Duda Will Lead Grapefruit In HR

Lucas Duda will lead Florida’s Grapefruit League in home runs and set himself up for a career season.

Hear me out. Duda is a guy the Mets can rely on for 30+ bombs from this point forward. How so, you ask? Because, if he doesn’t hit ’em, I’m telling him to hit the road.

With prospect Dominic Smith breathing down his back (and getting an opportunity to prove himself this time around), its time for Duda to start knocking baseballs into the newly named Coca-Cola Corner with more consistency (RIP Pepsi Porch).

We can use a couple more multi-home run games from Duda like his domination of the Nationals on August 1st last year:

2. Conforto Will Assume No. 3 In Lineup

Michael Conforto will be hitting in third in the lineup by the end of spring training; David Wright, 6th.

Conforto followed up his extremely promising first half-season in the bigs by jacking two homers in the World Series. The neophyte is poised to repeat his success – and then some – over the course of a full season.

What’s most impressive about Conforto was his ability to spread the ball to all fields consistently. The Captain on the other hand? After missing all but 38 games in 2015, his spinal stenosis has not gone away, it’s now a matter of managing the condition correctly to keep Wright off the DL.

At this point, one can only hope Cap strings together 130+ games played, and light’s up Citi Field like he did Shea way back when.

3. Plawecki Will Prove Himself

What’s the deal with our catcher? Everyone knows Travis D’arnaud has the capability of being a great catcher, but can he stay healthy? His defense behind the plate leaves much to be desired.

Yet, it’s hard to argue Kevin Plawecki and his .219 average should take his place. They are both talented, and yet the Mets will be testing the two in different positions during spring training.

In the end, I think Plawecki will prove his worth behind the plate and with his bat during spring training, and set himself up to usurp D’arnaud’s role come regular season.

4. Cecchini Will Surprise

Which minor league prospect will make an impact this season? My money is on Gavin Cecchini, the talented shortstop who was a 1st round pick back in 2012.

At 22 years old, the Mets have a chance to find the permanent SS they desire. Asdrubal Cabrera is awful with his glove, and Wilmer just doesn’t have the range to justify a starting spot.

Gavin Cecchini will be the best Mets shortstop on the roster in March, preparing himself for an early call-up and a prominent role.

5. De Aza Will Be Traded

Alejandro de Aza will be traded in the middle of March. Before the Wilpon’s forked over the cash and resigned Yoenis Cespedes, the Mets big move in the offseason was the $7 million signing of de Aza, an average at best batter who can’t play centerfield.

It confused many when we signed him to create a righty/lefty platoon with Juan Lagares in the very outfield position he cannot man. Now? De Aza is a trade chip, and Sandy “the Maverick” Alderson will certainly be looking to move him for a more useful asset.

What’s Missing?

No More Murph-Balls

Gone are the days of wondering when the next time Daniel Murphy is going to Murph a ball, leaving all heartbroken. Although the Mets lost their playoff hero and best contact bat (after being contacted to death in the ’15 Fall Classic), they are truly in a better position minus Murphy.

They saved $40 million and swapped in Neil Walker, an above-average player capable of going yard and certainly capable of player better defense than Murphy.

Setup Relief

Former Mets top prospect and closer Jenrry Mejia is stupid for two reasons:

1. He thought he could cheat the MLB thrice in under a year.
2. He squandered a beautiful opportunity to add a ring to his collection. Mejia was permanently banned by the MLB for failing his 3rd PED test in 9 months.

So, the Mets are left a little weak in bullpen (what’s new?). Bringing Addison Reed back, signing Antonio Bastardo, and Jerry Blevins returning from injury will be more than enough to setup elite closer Jeurys Familia.

NEXT: Mikhail Prokhorov Is Cause For Prolonged Brooklyn Nets GM Search