Mets Season in Review: T.J. Rivera

By Emmanuel Pepis
Sep 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman T.J. Rivera (54) hits a home run to left during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman T.J. Rivera (54) hits a home run to left during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Role for 2017

Currently, Rivera is in the mold of Wilmer Flores as far as roles go. Both have bats that can give you a spark off the bench when you need it. Both can play multiple positions around the infield.

Rivera is poised to be a part of the bench to start next season for the Mets with Walker back in the fold.

He will shadow Walker at second primarily, but will see some spot work at third. How much is dependent on the health of David Wright. As far as where his bat fits in the lineup, that can be flexible as well. I mostly believe he’ll be a five or six-hole hitter when he’s in the lineup.

However, his ability to make contact at such a high level could earn him some at-bats in the two-hole as well. Again, there are different lineup combinations with a now stronger bench that Rivera is helping lead into 2017.

Plus, he’ll be a primary pinch hitter in late game situations. Last season, he hit .310 with runners in scoring position and .277 with two outs.

The even more intriguing question about Rivera is his long term future. That’s a subject for another day, but as you all know the infield could be even more crowded by 2018 with the development of guys like Gavin Cecchini and Amed Rosario.

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