The Bench
20. INF/OF Jose Reyes
21. OF/1B Michael Conforto
22. INF T.J. Rivera
23. OF Juan Lagares
24. INF Wilmer Flores
25. C Rene Rivera
Reyes provided a much-needed spark atop the Mets lineup during the final two months of last season. But with the return of a healthier Wright and Walker, he’s a man without a spot. Mets’ brass have already publicly stated though that the speedy veteran will get some time in the outfield in spring training, after leaving shortstop for the first time in his career in 2016.As stated earlier, Conforto quite possibly will receive a full-time starting job before the offseason is over, as Bruce and Grandy are being shopped on the trade market. A down season in 2016 – featuring a blisteringly hot April, followed by a prolonged slump, a trip to the minors, and, finally, a re-calling up – is something that Alderson is hoping will incite Conforto to be the player he was during his rookie season.
A .267 average, 16 home run, and 49 RBI career season for Flores is something that many Mets fans seem to have forgotten about. Collins, however, hasn’t, and Flores will definitely be seeing his fair share of time in the lineup in 2017.
Lagares and the Rivera twins – Rene and T.J. – will all play similar roles in 2017, with that being a mostly fill-in, fielding specialist role.
Rene has a solid glove and arm from behind the plate, and Lagares is a former Gold Glover, so expect to see both late in games to limit errors in the field.
T.J. has played all four infield spots, as well as left field, so he’ll be a nice option for Collins to give his starters occasional days off, possibly limiting their injuries in the process.
