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The 2017 New York Mets’ X-factors: What needs to go right

Chris Thompson •
The 2017 New York Mets' X-factors: What needs to go right 1
Apr 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) and third baseman David Wright (5) and second baseman Neil Walker (20) during a pitching change against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4 in the eleventh inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Atlanta Braves to center during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Duda, where’s my first baseman?

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]nly one word can describe Lucas Duda, and Mets fans can probably say it in unison at this point – streaky.

While his seven homers and 23 RBIs in 172 plate appearances in an injury-shortened last season certainly impressed, a .229 average did just the opposite. His hopeful .285/.333/.545 line against lefties in 2015 had Mets fans thinking positive going into 2016, but that was brutally shot down with a .133 average, as his extreme lefty issues resurfaced.

An MLB.com’s Top 100 prospect in first baseman Dominic Smith makes Duda’s remaining time in Queens near done, but for now, the roster needs him to be anything but inconsistent in 2017, so as to lengthen the lineup power-wise.

A platoon with infielder Wilmer Flores is possible, and will surely be explored by TC should Duda struggle, but if he can gain any sort of semblance of consistency, then the lineup will be far, far deeper and more dangerous.

[sc name=”Mets Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2016/12/28/the-2017-new-york-mets-x-factors-what-needs-to-go-right/8/” text=”Travis, Travis: Where art thou d’Arnaud?” ]
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson

Chris recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Montclair State University. Baseball is his love and he hopes to bring back some of the old-school popularity to the game.

Chris Thompson covers the NY Jets and NY Mets for Elite Sports NY. You can interact with him on Twitter @Time2Topher.

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