Spring training storylines for the Mets
Minor league edition
This is a minor league edition of the Spring Training Storylines because of course we are excited to see Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso together, but the minor leagues have always been my jam. That being said, there are two major league storylines with a minor league lean that I’d like to look at.
Breakout King of Queens
People might disagree but I think 2024 was a breakout year for David Peterson. This year, I am firmly hoping the breakout performance of a former prospect comes from Francisco Alvarez. The scouting on Alvarez from his time in the minors has him badly under-achieving offensively and I want more. I want Alvarez to maintain a batting average above .260, hit over 20 home runs and become a middle of the order bat when he is in the lineup. I think, with luck, this could be the year that happens. A big Spring Training could show us signs of things to come but more importantly, since he’s a catcher, let’s just keep him healthy.
No Slumping for Sophomores
Mark Vientos was great last year as he emerged as a middle of the lineup power hitter and a surprisingly competent third baseman. I fully expect him to regress defensively and will toss out a bunch of “I told you so’s” but my hope is that Vientos, particularly with all of this protection, continues to be the hitter he showed us in 2024. Then in 2025 he can shift into a DH/1B hybrid.
Don’t you Forget About Me
I really feel for our friend Baty and think that Mauricio’s knee still being “not right” gives him a little more rope at third. I would love to know what the Mets do and think if Baty has a big Spring Training. They do not have a “Starting Position” for him and a bench role would limit his playing time but no amount of AAA success will reestablish his trade value. He needs to hit in the majors.
Is this the Real Life or is this Just Fantasy
Luisangel Acuna is a name on a lot of people’s minds. There is a world where he 100% breaks Spring Training with the major league squad as the backup infielder and Jeff McNeil slump insurance. Unlike Baty, the success that Acuna has yet to show up in AAA for the Mets and would need to do that if anyone should take him seriously for a potential “Everyday Role.”
Will the Real Top Prospect Please Stand Up
We should see plenty of Jett Williams this Spring and it will speak volumes if he is playing second base. I think the Mets have to be realistic about McNeil, whose numbers seem pretty free-fally to the trained and untrained eye. Williams could be a big cog in the Mets’ machinery in the very near future and my hope is that he begins to show that this Spring and keeps doing it in AAA where he’s almost certain to go.
What’s Eating Drew Gilbert (Grape)?
Last season, Drew Gilbert got off to a really nice start before getting hurt and losing the year. He did come back for the end of the season and played in the AFL but didn’t do anything to write home about. He ranked 3rd in my pre-season rankings for 2024 and now ranks 7th, so it’s hardly free fall but that 7th overall ranking rings hollow without any recent successes to note. This is a make-or-break year for Gilbert and he has to show the Mets he is ready to contribute quickly. Ideally, he’s the semi-long-term solution to center field.
What a Difference an Ace Makes
The Mets have four (healthy in 2025) pitchers who have good enough stuff to have a chance at being a front of rotation starter. Brandon Sproat, Blade Tidwell, Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong. Two of these pitchers hit major hurdles in AAA and got shelled. The other two haven’t pitched in AAA yet but they all should find themselves there in 2025. This Spring they should each see some time in games though they may see few MLB caliber hitters when they do. If just one of them proves to be a #3 pitcher or better the Mets should be happy.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Fingers crossed but the Mets might see a pair of pitchers who have suffered more than Lemony Snicket’s Beaudelaire orphans. Calvin Ziegler and Matt Allan could be healthy but I hear if we look at them their elbows might explode in panic.
*****
Saturday is the first Spring Training game of the year and will be on SNY. If you plan to watch any of it - leave a comment in the Game Chatter —
So loved this write up David and it appears you are spot on about the big league talent and the hopes for Baty and Acuna. If Baty starts hitting at the MLb level he will be a great addition to this team. Otherwise he needs a change of venue. If he starts down at Syracuse and mashes he will be an easy inclusion in a trade at the deadline. Vientos not regressing and Alvarez returning to 2023 hitting form are two huge keys to this season. Alvarez would dramatically lengthen the lineup. Worried that it’s an odd number year for McNeil.
Time for the kids to step up and prod the big leaguers to either step up or step out. Got to hope Allan has some health as he claims that this is the healthiest he’s been in years and at 23 there is still time for him to be what the Mets thought he would be when he was drafted. Lots to be happy about going into spring training.
Alvarez has not batted more than 250 in AAA or MLB. His Breakout should be his home runs and slugging percentage. I feel confident that Vientos will have another good season. If Baty can turn the double play smoothly then there is a spot for him when they break camp as the utility infielder and lefty hitting bench player. If Mauricio has a good spring then he could assume the utility infielder position instead . Nick Madrigal is the fallback for both of them. Acuna, Williams and Gilbert needs more success in AAA. The same goes with the four mentioned pitchers. Syracuse should have a good team this year.