Mets: Four reasons Michael Conforto deserves an Opening Day roster spot

Michael Conforto can play numerous positions

Conforto, who is battling Jay Bruce for a spot, can play all three outfield positions as well as maybe even being able to learn first base. Conforto proved in the minors last season, and this spring, that he can play centerfield, a position the Mets don’t have a lot of depth at.

Having Curtis Granderson start in centerfield may not be the best decision for the Mets. Granderson is well past his peak centerfielder days, but his bat and above average speed is a positive in the Mets lineup.

They also have Juan Lagares, a gold glove centerfielder, but doesn’t have the bat to be in this Mets lineup.

The Mets have even started training longtime infielder, Jose Reyes, into an outfielder, instead of a 24-year-old who has shown he can hit. Also, Bruce obviously cannot play centerfield. That leaves the Mets at a depleted Granderson, and Lagares.

Even if Conforto plays 3-4 games a week, he provides depth to this Mets lineup. The Mets bench is infield heavy with Wilmer Flores, T.J. Rivera, Rene Rivera and the lone outfielder Lagares. You can make the argument for adding Ty Kelly to the bench, but once again, primarily an infielder.

Adding a very strong bat, that can play every outfield position, like Conforto, is key.