Projecting the Mets’ Opening Day roster

Aug 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets catcher Travis d

For the first time in years, the Mets will head into Spring Training without any positional battles over starting jobs.

Here’s how things should shake out…

Catcher:

Travis d’Arnaud, who showed flashes of what he could be after a brief demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas in 2014.

First Base:

Lucas Duda, coming off a 30-homer season and without any competition. Duda may sit against tough left-handers, but that isn’t a certainty at this point.

Second Base:

Daniel Murphy, in the last year of his contract. The Mets have given no inclination that they want to extend Murphy, making a trade in-season a possibility – especially with Dilson Herrera waiting in the wings.

Shortstop:

Wilmer Flores, whose defense at shortstop will be under the microscope at all times. Flores will likely need to be a major positive offensively to offset his shortcomings on defense.

Third Base:

David Wright, looking to return to form after a 2014 that was negatively impacted while he played through a left shoulder injury that has since healed.

Lef Field:

Curtis Granderson, who is expected to shift from right field due to the signing of Michael Cuddyer.

Center Field:

Juan Lagares, the defensive wizard who will be looking to build on the solid offensive season he had in 2014.

Right Field:

Michael Cuddyer, the Mets’ only major offseason acquisition.

Next: The Projected Starting Rotation