Mets: Ranking the top players at every position in the NL East

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 30: Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a RBI double in the ninth inning to score Amed Rosario #1 against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on May 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 30: Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a RBI double in the ninth inning to score Amed Rosario #1 against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on May 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 21: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Mets poses for a photo on Photo Day at First Data Field on February 21, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 21: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Mets poses for a photo on Photo Day at First Data Field on February 21, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

2B: New York Mets, Starter: Robinson Cano

After the departure of Daniel Murphy in 2015, the Mets future at second base seemed all but certain. The Mets have used a variety of players at second to fill the void of Murphy, mostly Asdrubal Cabrera and Neil Walker among others. They were serviceable for a time but eventually, injuries and decline from both veterans led to an unstable second base situation.

After trading away Asdrubal Cabrera last July, the Mets finally promoted their smooth-hitting second baseman Jeff McNeil who thrived at every minor league level. The 26-year-old hit .329 over 248 plate appearances in his rookie season.

Just when it appeared that Mets were set with their new second baseman heading into the 2019 season, GM Brodie Van Wagenen has since traded for eigh-time All-Star Robinson Canó and signed 2018 All-Star utility man Jed Lowrie, both of whom are ranked second and fourth respectively at their position by MLB Network. The Mets have plenty of minor league depth as well at the position as this offseason alone they have added Adeiny Hechavarria, Danny Espinosa, Dilson Herrera, and J.D. Davis. In the event of an injury, this squad is versatile enough to move around the diamond and play outside their comfort zones.

One must keep an eye on Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves. The 22-year-old phenom slashed .261/305/.452 in his first major league season. The Nationals have acquired Brian Dozier to compensate for the loss of Daniel Murphy. The 31-year-old hit a mere .215 in 2018 despite putting up decent power numbers. Expect Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo to fill in at second from time to time.

The Marlins have a pair of former Bronx Bombers in their infield with Starlin Castro and Neil Walker expected to split time in a rebuilding year for Miami (although Walker will most likely play the bulk of his games at first). Cesar Hernandez will look to build on a solid 2018 season while 24-year-old Scott Kingery will try to force the hand of Phillies manager Gabe Kapler with steady play in a backup role.

Schedule