Predicting What the Mets' Lineup Will Look Like Next Year
The 2014 season is nearing its final month, so that means it may be time to start thinking of what the New York Mets' 2015 team could look like.
Most of the current team should return next season unless any potential trades happen during the offseason. Some trades at certain positions would be nice, but if next season's roster is very similar or identical to the current roster, here is what a likely 2015 Opening Day lineup could look like.
1. CF Juan Lagares
1 of 8
The current Mets starters do not have much speed in particular, which in a way makes Lagares probably the best leadoff hitting candidate going into next season. His hitting has improved this season, and hopefully, he will continue to build upon his improvement going forward. His defense has been off the charts, and there is no question he will be playing center field going forward.
2. 2B Daniel Murphy
2 of 8
Daniel Murphy has been a great No. 2 hitter for the Mets for a while and has hit very well for the past few seasons. He will likely contribute a lot of hits and doubles in particular, plus some home runs and steals as well.
Defensively, Murphy most likely will never win a Gold Glove Award at second base, but his defense has improved each season.
3. 3B David Wright
3 of 8
There is no reason to think that David Wright will not be the Mets' third baseman and bat third in the lineup. He is the team captain, after all, and the leader that everyone looks up to. Nothing more really needs to be said about Wright.
.png?w=256)
4. 1B Lucas Duda
4 of 8
With the breakout season he is having right now, including 23 home runs and 69 RBI, Lucas Duda has earned the cleanup spot in the Mets' lineup for the foreseeable future.
Duda is certainly making the most of his first season as the Mets' regular first baseman, and hopefully, this will be the first of many productive seasons in his career.
5. RF Curtis Granderson
5 of 8
Curtis Granderson has struggled in his first season with the Mets and got off to a very slow start. Hopefully, he will adjust to Citi Field better in the future and be the slugger that the Mets pretty much need him to be in order to win more games.
He still draws walks, though, leading the Mets with 67. Because of that and his power over his entire career, Granderson should fit well as a No. 5 hitter.
6. C Travis D'Arnaud
6 of 8
After a slow start of his own, Travis d'Arnaud has had a better second half in his rookie season. He has shown some power and is starting to become more and more of the future star catcher that the Mets hoped he would be.
With his improved power, d'Arnaud should slot in at No. 6 in the lineup.
7. SS Wilmer Flores
7 of 8
Ruben Tejada just has not put it together as a major league shortstop. His .229 average and .626 OPS just are not enough for what the Mets need out of their shortstop. And while Wilmer Flores' numbers (.229 average, .552 OPS) are actually worse this season, he at least should have some upside in his potential.
Hopefully, next season, unless the Mets end up signing or trading for a new shortstop, Flores will be able to tap into his potential and have a breakout season. He's got more major league experience than the following hitter, so the seventh slot seems about right for him.
8. LF Matt Den Dekker
8 of 8
After recently getting promoted, Matt den Dekker has gotten the vast majority of playing time in left field, while Eric Young Jr. has been sitting on the bench. Based on that, there is every reason to believe that den Dekker should have an advantage next season to become the Opening Day left fielder.
If den Dekker hits well enough the rest of the season and convinces the Mets that he could be more valuable to the Mets offense than Young, den Dekker will continue to start going into next season unless any potential signings or trades occur in the offseason.
All statistics shown are courtesy of MLB.com.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
